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    Mated by Contract to the Alpha


    <b>Chapter </b><b>94 </b>


    Dominic immediately stopped, though I could feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest against mine. His eyes, when they met mine, were dark with desire but clear with respect for my boundaries.


    “You don’t want this?” he asked, his voice rough.


    I let out a shakyugh, my body still thrumming with need. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just… can we wait until we’re home?” My hands remained on his shoulders, unwilling to let gopletely despite my words.


    He studied my face for a moment, then sighed and sat back, helping me to an upright position as well. I immediately felt the loss of his warmth against me, my body still aching for his touch.


    “I’m afraid I won’t be home tonight. I have to fly to Los Angeles for a business meeting.”


    “Oh.” I couldn’t hide my disappointment. “For how long?”


    “A few days, possibly.” He ran a hand through his hair, slightly disheveled from our encounter.


    I nodded, trying to look supportive despite my selfish wish that he could stay. As I straightened my blouse, fingers still trembling slightly from our interrupted passion, a thought urred to me. “By the way, I saw Elizabeth earlier today, heading to your office.”


    Dominic’s expression didn’t change. “She was delivering a message from her father about the Collins coboration project. Nothing more.”


    “I didn’t ask,” I said quickly, feeling my cheeks warm.


    A small smile yed at his lips. “No, but you ate lunch alone because you saw her, didn’t you?”


    I couldn’t deny it. “Maybe I was a little jealous,” I admitted, embarrassed by how transparent I apparently was to


    him.


    Dominic leaned in closer, his fingers gently tilting my chin up. “You have nothing to be jealous about,” he said, his breath warm against my lips. “Elizabeth is business, nothing more.”


    His reassurance eased something in my chest that I hadn’t even realized was tight with tension. I leaned into his touch, savoring the moment of connection.


    “When do you leave for L.A.?” I asked.


    “My flight is at seven.”


    12:14 Mon, <b>Sep </b>22


    An impulsive idea struck me. “Can I drive you to the airport?‘


    Dominic looked surprised but pleased by the suggestion. “Of course. I’ll have Raymond bring the car around at six.”


    63


    <b>He </b>stood and walked to his desk, opening a drawer and retrieving an envelope. I have something for you,” he said, returning to <b>the </b>sofa.


    I took the envelope, curious. “What’s this<b>?</b>”


    <b>“</b>Open it.”


    Inside was an official–looking letter bearing the Sterling Group logo alongside the emblem of the City Arts Academy. <b>As </b><b>I </b>scanned the contents, my eyes widened.


    “This is… an eptance letter to the design program at City Arts? With a full schrship sponsored by Sterling Group?” I looked up at Dominic in confusion. “I don’t understand. I never applied.”


    Dominic sat beside me again, his knee brushing mine. “I took the liberty of submitting some of your sketches to the admissionsmittee. They were quite impressed.”


    <b>I </b>stared at him, a mix of emotions swirling through me–gratitude, excitement, but also a touch of uncertainty. “But when would I attend sses? I just started working here.”


    “The program is designed for working professionals. sses are evenings and weekends.” His expression grew serious. “Reba, your talent is extraordinary. You shouldn’t have to choose between financial security and pursuing your passion.”


    Tears pricked at my eyes, but this time they were tears of gratitude. “I don’t know what to say.”


    Dominic took my hand in his, his thumb caressing my knuckles in a way that sent pleasant shivers up my arm. “Say yes. Say you’ll ept the opportunity.”


    I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Instead, I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. His arms wrapped around me in return, strong and secure. I pressed my face against his neck, inhaling his scent, feeling the steady beat of his pulse against my lips.


    “Thank you,” I whispered against his skin. “For everything.”


    Dominic’s hands slid up my back, one cradling the nape of my neck as he pressed a kiss to my temple. “You’re wee<b>, </b>little doe.”