The bridal suite felt like a dream—or a nightmare—woven from ivory silk and glittering crystal. Soft light filtered through sheer curtains, casting a pale glow over racks of gowns that whispered promises I wasn't sure I wanted to keep.
I stood wrapped in a fragile silk robe, heart pounding, as the wedding planners circled me like hawks ready to pounce. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, but all I felt was the weight of a future I never chose.
"Ms. Harper, you simply must try this one," the taller planner said, holding up a dress that shimmered like liquid moonlight. The lace hugged the bodice, delicate beadwork trailing like frost across the fabric. "It's custom-made, designed to take his breath away."
I swallowed hard, touching the gown's soft fabric, my fingers trembling. Dominic's voice suddenly broke the quiet.
"You'll look unstoppable in that," he said, stepping into the room like a shadow, his dark eyes never leaving me.
I glanced up, catching the faintest flicker of something — desire? — in his gaze.
The taller planner swept the dress toward me. "Let's get you into it."
I slipped out of the robe and into the gown, the delicate lace clinging to my curves, the cool fabric sending shivers down my spine. I stared into the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back — fierce yet vulnerable, trapped yet radiant.
Dominic's presence was a heat at my back before I even felt him step closer. "You're breathtaking."
I shivered — and not just from the dress.
His hand brushed against my waist, fingers tracing a line that made my breath hitch. The air between us thickened, charged with something dangerous and delicious.
"Don't," I warned, voice barely steady.
"Don't what?" His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile.
"Don't make this harder than it already is."
His breath ghosted over my ear. "Too late."
His fingers tightened slightly on my waist, and a fire ignited inside me, fierce and uncontrollable.
I closed my eyes, struggling to push back the rising tide of longing.
Opening them, I met his gaze — dark, smoldering, impossible to resist.
This dress wasn't just fabric and lace. It was a challenge.
And Dominic Blackwell was daring me to accept it.