My Protector

XLV

Melanie

After the pain I've been in the last year, this was nothing. The sharp stab every few seconds was more comforting than anything really.

Dominic watched from a chair next to me. I decided to let him come since I already had it done once.

Cerberus has agreed to draw up a new tattoo and draw it on. We decided to put it on my back where the burns were not as bad. I don't think I'd recover if it was on the blowtorch burn.

"Alright, Rina, that's it for today." Cerberus said as he started putting his tools away.

"I can keep going." I said. Dom shook his head as if he had the final say. "I can. How much is done?" I asked.

"We only got a third of it done. It's a detailed tat." Cerberus explained. He was right, but I wanted it to be over. I want to forget it was even gone to begin with.

"Come on, baby." Dom pulled my shirt back over my head after Cerberus bandaged his work. I pouted but complied.

I have something to show you. Dominic signed.

"Having secret conversations now." Cerberus joked. I smiled. The guys who couldn't sign always joked about Dominic and I having secret conversations.

"See you tomorrow!" I waved to Cerberus as Dom ushered me out of the parlor. He was eager to get to wherever he was bringing me.

We took Dom's truck today as it is still the middle of winter. A car would not get through the amount of snow and ice on the roads. Winter in Washington state was no joke.

Dom preferred his truck anyway. His bike may be his baby, but this truck was his project with Rogue. I recently found out he "rescued" the truck from a junkyard a few years ago, and Rogue helped him fix it up at his shop. He's never let anyone else drive it.

The trip to our destination was short. Wherever we were was right in the middle of town next to that bakery Emily likes so much. Even just the thought of their cupcakes makes my mouth water. Sugar has definitely been my weakness since coming here. I was never allowed anything unhealthy with my father.

"What is this?" I asked Dom as he helped me out of the truck. When I said he fixed it up, he added every possible think a man could add to his vehicle. That included suspension that mocked my height.

"For you." Dominic said. He was quiet. Was he nervous I wouldn't like whatever it was?

He took me to the empty space next to the bakery. He pulled a key out and unlocked the door. What is going on?

Inside was hardwood until the back of the room. Marley floor was laid out and mirrors were positioned on a wall opposite of a wall of barres. Immediately I felt tears threaten to spill.

"Dominic..." I trailed off as I walked further into the room. It was gorgeous.

"Do you like it?" He asked. He was nervous. Honestly he looked pretty cute watching my reaction. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I love it!" I said expressing my gratitude as much as I could through the hug.

"There's an upstairs too." Dominic said placing a soft kiss on my head. This man is perfect.

I let him lead me to the staircase hidden in the back. The back was just a room with a bathroom off of it. A small storage area basically.

The second floor was a completely furnished lounge. A bed was against the wall covered in many soft blankets and pillows. A desk was opposite with a large computer on top. A couch was against another wall and a soft fluffy rug covered most of the floor. This had to be the girl's doing.

"I... this is amazing!" I teared up again. When did he have time to put this together. Or even buy this building.

"I wanted you to have something." Dom said as he wrapped his arms around my waist. He rested his chin on my head.

"This is more than enough. When did you have time to do this?" I asked. I think I've been around him everyday since I got back. I can't think of a time we were separated.

"I bought it awhile ago." He hummed. I sighed. Of course he did. He's likes surprises I guess. "I think we should break it in." He chuckled.

"What! It's freezing in here." I shivered to prove my point. The heat was not on and I was still wrapped in my giant puffy coat.

"We can warm up." Dom left a kiss on my neck right where the coast collar is. He was persistent.

"When we get home. I'm cold." I said. Dominic let out a small huff of annoyance. I laughed slightly and turned around to face him. "We have to get to Emily anyway. I offered to watch Dorian while her and Lucian went on a date." I shrugged.

"Fine." Dom sighed. He leaned down to give my lips a harsh kiss before leading me down the stairs. I smiled at his pouting expression. Never did I think I'd see this big bully man pout like a child. I'll have to remember to give him a little something later.
———

Being in bed, tangled with Dominic is exactly where I need to be. I can't imagine what I would do if he never came for me in Maine. I think I'd give up.

I could have never believed I would be in a relationship with a possessive biker a year ago. I would laugh in the face of anyone trying to convince me. A year ago I was focused on dance and trying to not get on my father's bad side. Now I barely have any worries. I'm basically spoon fed everything with Dominic. He never lets me do anything that involves, what he calls "a waste of energy". If he can do it, he will.

According to the girls, all the guys are like that. They are very... high-strung. Though, I love Dominic more than I've ever lived anything before. My life feels complete. My heart is full and eventually, hopefully, my house. I'm right where I need to be. My father was gone. There was no more being afraid.