Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,18

tone is raspy and barely in control. “I think about us, just so you know.”

My breathing stills, while I stare directly at the wall in a catatonic state. His words can be interpreted in so many ways, and being a woman, I know we have the habit of spinning things bigger in our head than what we really think it is. I didn’t know how to answer him, not wanting to get my heart involved since I purposely left it out of this equation.

But why now, I want to ask.

Why, after four years, has he finally posed the question I so desperately wanted back then?

“I think about you visiting Paris, too,” is all I can say in return, praying he means the same.

“No, Kate,” he whispers down the line. “I think about us. You and me… together. A life together, just us.”

It was the admission I never expected to come from Dominic Kennedy. I’m left confused and angry, wondering why I’m forced to have to endure this again. Dominic has no understanding of what it’s like to be in a committed relationship. He takes from people what he needs. He’s made himself into a successful entrepreneur by promoting the exact opposite of commitment. I’m not stupid, knowing all along that this will have to end one day. I just didn’t expect it to end like this.

And I refuse to let him change the rules of our game.

“I can’t discuss this any longer,” I rush, shaking my head. “I think it’s best that we don’t see each other in Paris anymore.”

Drawing a deep breath, I expect him to agree. After all, he can get pussy anywhere he wants. I wouldn’t put it past him if he has other women besides myself and Allegra.

“You can run, Kate. But I know you’ll be back,” he assures, a sadistic edge in his voice. “I’ll be traveling to Milan for the week, then back next Monday. Same place, same time.”

With his assumption lingering in my thoughts and delaying any response from me, the call ends, and suddenly—he’s gone.

Pulling my knees toward my chest, I stare blankly at the television screen while trying to process what happened. The more it plays inside my head, the larger the vicious cycle swirls, and the only thing transpiring is his expectation of me being back in that room.

The sound of a text message comes through with his name. It’s a video file. I hit play and watch the small clip of me being on my knees while I take him all in, sucking every inch of his cock as he films me. I remember the moment, consenting to him doing so.

Another text message follows.

Dominic: It’s in your eyes. You can never escape how I make you feel.

I hate his observation, the way he makes me believe I have no control whatsoever. My finger swipes away from the message, refusing to respond to him and encourage his behavior. If I have a weakness, he knows exactly what it is before I even can admit it.

My phone rings again, but this time, Charlie’s name flashes on the screen.

“Charlie,” I greet, trying to sound upbeat before she picks up on my negativity and questions me. Charlie is intuitive, and given she’s a lawyer, it’s hard to hide anything from her since she has tactics to extract information when she needs it.

“We’re all set for arriving on Friday. I’m so excited,” she screeches over the phone. “Mainly because I’m kid-free for four days.”

“I’m sure you’ll miss them.”

“Yeah, until I’m asleep in business class on expensive champagne and decadent food, which doesn’t involve animal crackers.”

“I’ll let you guys get settled on Friday, then we’ll get ready in your suite before driving to Versailles.”

“Lex, um… he won’t be driving over with us. He has something he has to do.”

“Meeting?” I question, knowing his itinerary and when he plans to visit the office.

“I don’t believe so. Drinks with someone,” she answers vaguely. “But how much fun is this weekend going to be? Marie Antoinette costumes. Such a fairy tale!”

Charlie’s love of romance is rather sickening at times. She’s a hopeless romantic, and I’m sure she’ll spend all weekend trying to convert me.

“Lucky you’re bringing your prince.” I laugh.

“Speak of princes—”

I cut her off. “No, no, and no. I’ll not go on another one of your dates. I’m going to this alone. There’s nothing wrong with that. Embrace singlehood.”

“But how about just a date? Nothing serious?”

“No,” I state firmly. “This isn’t entirely a social event. There’s some