Chapter 42

Vespera struggled to hold back the cough that was about to escape. With a hand pressed tightly to her mouth, she spun around and fled. Dominic had just been about to push Nancy away when he caught the faint sound of hurried footsteps behind him. Though the thick carpet muffled her movements, the sound of running always left a subtle trace. He turned sharply, but there was no one there. "Dominic!" Reeking of alcohol, Nancy cupped his face with both hands. Dominic's face remained impassive. With a sharp motion, he grabbed her wrists and pushed her onto the couch. "Nancy, if you pull another stunt like this, I'll throw you overboard," he said firmly, wiping the spot on his jaw where she had nearly kissed him. "I know you gave up on me because of Harry. But he likes me—am I supposed to apologize for that? Did you ever stop to consider how I feel before just handing me over to him?" Nancy lay there, her voice barely a whisper. Dominic sat across from her, his tone unwavering. "I've