Standing up, Dom led me to the shower. After starting the water and helping me in, he gently kissed me from the top of my head, down my face and neck. I was barely able to keep my eyes open, the threat of sleep eminent. Dom quickly washed me and himself and we stepped out of the shower.
“Let’s take a nap,” I said, looking at the comfortable bed that was calling my name as he dried us off.
The nights I slept all the way through were few and far between. Even snuggled safe in Dom’s arms. I was always on alert, always ready. Never sure what situation might arise or what might come after me in the dark. One of the only ways I could possibly hold on to any amount of control was by being ready.
I was exhausted anyway, and after that phenomenal bout of love making, I was done for. Climbing into bed, I pulled Dom’s arms around me. His warmth sank into my soul. The safety I felt then only happened when he was around. The moment he wasn’t, it was a different story.
Placing my head on his chest, I listened to his heart beat the steady rhythm that reminded me of home. Smiling, I kissed his chest and snuggled deeper, nestling myself in the crease of his arm. Enjoying the way his fingers softly and lazily strummed up and down my arm.
“Hey, baby, we need to talk.” His tone sent a shiver down my spine and I sat up.
“What is it?” I wrung my hands together, not liking the look on his face as he sat up beside me and scooted us back against the headboard.
“Do you remember the other night when you said Ernie gave you that weird vibe, and how you didn’t like the way he was speaking to you?”
“Yeah.” I frowned. “He was a real tool. I almost kicked his ass.” The bad feeling I had just got worse.
Dom sighed and looked me in the eye. “Ernie was a transfer from Jersey. We didn’t know much about him except that he was having some personal issues. We figured it was an ex-girlfriend or something.” He paused, like he was trying to figure out what to tell me.
“Okay,” I said hesitantly. “Why did he really transfer?” I knew the answer wasn’t going to be something I’d like at all.
“Fuck, babe.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “He transferred here to be closer to you. Because John is his dad. He’d convinced him to come here by telling him he could make a ton of money, and all he had to do was screw with you.” I think my heart stopped as he kept going, like he had to get it all out. “We couldn’t figure out how John had gotten into the clubhouse to give you that letter the other day, and it’s because he didn’t. Ernie wrote the letter for him.”
Stunned by the information, I stared at Dom. “They were working together on this the whole time?” My mind couldn’t wrap around it all.
“Yeah. I’m sorry, baby.” He pulled me to him, trying to calm me.
But there was no way to calm me down. My heart raced. “Where is he now?”
Dom’s brow creased. “Who, love?”
“Ernie. Where is he?” Surely Dom hadn’t let him stay around to try and draw out John.
“Dead, baby. We took care of him.” He kissed my forehead. “You don’t have to worry about him anymore,” he said, stroking my back.
Unsure of how to feel, I sat there, numb and reeling from the fact that bastard had his pathetic son in on his sick and twisted game. I didn’t realize I was crying until Dom wiped the tears from my cheeks.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll protect you, I promise. But I’m sorry I let Ernie get that close to you.” His jaw clenched. “It won’t happen again.”
My tears picked up speed. The feeling of defeat was slowly trying to creep in. I looked up at him. “I’m just tired of always having to worry. I’m sick of having to always be on alert. I need a break.” I wiped at my eyes. “I just need him to leave me alone!”
I curled myself onto Dom’s lap, closing my eyes as he wrapped his arms around me, and imagined we were far away from here. Nobody but the two of us. I thought of another place, where there was no John, no fear.
In my mind, we were back at Dom’s refuge, the lighthouse. The place where nothing bad could touch us. A place of peace and beauty and all things light. Walking along the water’s edge, watching the sun setting. My favorite time of day. The colors blended together, mimicking a watercolor painting. The view always breathtaking, almost surreal. My hand was in his and he gently squeezed.
I looked down at our joined hands. The wistful smile on my face faded as I noticed the hand in mine was not Dom’s. Looking up, I stared into the eyes of the devil.
“Told you I’d have you. Nothing can keep me away. We belong together.” John sneered.
I tried to pull away, but he gripped my hand tighter, almost painfully. Looking around, the lighthouse slowly melted away like wax from a candle. I was back in the cellar, bound to the ground. I started hyperventilating, pulling ineffectually at my chains.
“No! No! No!” I yelled.
I scanned the room that was lit bright this time, realizing I was the only one here. A small piece of me felt relief for the other girls. I screamed for help, knowing it was pointless. But I had to try. I yanked relentlessly at my restraints.
Then a door slammed and my head swiveled toward the sound. I looked up to see Ernie
