Chapter 167

The cold water did little to ease the tension coiled in Dominic's muscles, but it helped clear his mind. Stepping out of the shower, he toweled off and glanced toward the bed, where Vanessa lay curled beneath the sheets, her breathing slow and even. The food he'd ordered sat untouched on the table, the fragrant aroma of roasted chicken and herbs lingering in the air.

He hadn't eaten since arriving, too preoccupied with work—and now, with her. His stomach had been giving him trouble lately, sharp pains flaring up whenever he skipped meals or ate too much. He forced down a few bites, careful not to overdo it, then turned his attention back to Vanessa.

She snored softly, a sound he'd never heard from her before. It was faint, almost endearing, but it only deepened the guilt gnawing at him. The dark circles under her eyes were impossible to ignore. Vanessa, who never left the house without flawless makeup, now looked exhausted beyond caring.

Dominic clenched his jaw. He shouldn't have doubted her earlier.

Moving quietly, he slipped into bed beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pressed his lips to the back of her neck, inhaling the faint scent of her shampoo. This was what he wanted—her, a family, a future where they built something together.

Evelyn Carter's help wasn't irreplaceable. There were others who could fill that role. But Dominic preferred a wife who was soft-spoken, obedient—nothing like Evelyn.

The memory of her in that alley sent a phantom ache through his neck. She hadn't been the composed, controlled woman he knew. She'd been something else entirely.

Vanessa stirred in his arms, shifting until she faced him. She rubbed her eyes, blinking up at him with drowsy confusion. "How long was I out?"

"Long enough," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Are you hungry? There's still food."

The mention of food made her stomach growl. She sat up, padding over to the table where Dominic had separated her portion onto a clean plate. She picked up her fork, but before she could take a bite, her phone buzzed against her thigh.

Her fingers tightened around the device. She'd been careful to keep it hidden, but now, with Dominic watching, she hesitated.

A quick glance confirmed it was Lucien Dubois.

Come to the hotel restaurant. Now.

Vanessa's throat went dry. She typed a quick reply. I'm going to bed.

The response was immediate. Are you refusing me?

A chill ran down her spine. Even through text, his displeasure was palpable. She wanted to say no, to ignore him—but she didn't dare.

She deleted the messages, erasing any trace of their exchange. Then, with a sigh, she set her fork down and turned to Dominic.

"What's wrong?" he asked, frowning at her untouched plate. "Not hungry anymore?"

She forced a smile. "Just tired."

Dominic studied her for a long moment before pulling her back into his arms. "Then sleep."

But as Vanessa closed her eyes, all she could think about was Lucien waiting downstairs—and what would happen if she didn't go.