Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

24. Ulterior Motives?

"Alright, fine," I conceded, and Lily's face lit up with gratitude.

"Thank you," she said, and I hated that she had no idea what I was doing to her.

Soon we were all loaded into the car, headed towards Dom's family home. The car ride was suffocating, the gentle hum of the engine a stark contrast to the storm brewing within me. Lily and Dom chatted away, oblivious to my rising anxiety. They mused over whether a certain family member would be characteristically late again, and I couldn't help but wish I had stayed behind in the comfort of my bedroom.

Then, as if sensing my growing reservation, Dominic spoke up. "Thanks for coming, Adam," he said, glancing at me through the rear view mirror with a sincerity that felt out of place. "I feel like you've become part of my family, so I want both you and Lily there with me today."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, his words not quite matching my feelings. I didn't feel a part of his family, not in the slightest. I suspected he only said it for Lily's benefit, but a sliver of doubt crept in. Was Dominic so deluded that he really believed his own words?

As we pulled up to the house, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between Dom's home and his parents. Their home was nice, no doubt, but not quite as fancy as Dom's. I had always thought Dominic came from a life of luxury. But looking at his parents' house, it seemed like they had a comfortable life, similar to my own, but not quite on the same level as Dom's success.

As we got out of the car, Dom went straight to the back to unload. Suddenly, the front door swung open, and a woman with a heavy German accent emerged. "Mein Süßer Dominik!" she exclaimed, rushing toward her son. I couldn't help but be surprised, as Dom didn't have a trace of a German accent.

With a wide smile, Dominics mother took his face in her hands and planted a kiss on his head. I blinked, a bit surprised as Dom enveloped the petite woman in a bear hug, lifting her off the ground.

"Too strong!" She shrieked with delight as he released her, the smile still plastered on his face. "Oh, how I've missed you, mein Sohn!" she said, squeezing him tightly in a warm embrace.

I stood there awkwardly with Lily, feeling a bit out of place as I watched the affection between Dom and his mother. Our parents were never that touchy-feely with us, so it seemed strange to me. But then it was Lily's turn for a hug.

"Still so beautiful!" the woman exclaimed, pulling Lily into her arms. I couldn't help but stare, feeling like an outsider in this personal moment. Dom looked on with a satisfied smile as Lily chatted away with his mother. It was weird to see Lily being embraced so warmly by someone I didn't even know.

But then the woman's gaze fell on me. "Der Bruder?" she asked, staring at me intensely. I had no clue what she said, so I nervously glanced at Dominic, hoping for some help.

"Ja, Mama, das ist er," Dom nodded proudly, stepping closer and placing his hand on my shoulder as if he was presenting me.

The woman's eyes lit up, and she stepped forward. I braced myself for a hug from the stranger, but instead, she simply grabbed my hands, holding them gently.

"I'm so happy you're here," she said with a warm smile. I nodded, forcing a smile back, unable to find my voice. I shot Lily a puzzled look, but she seemed happy that I was being welcomed. It was all so unusual.

Dominic's mom was absolutely stunning. She had long flowing hair and striking blue eyes. It was no wonder Dominic had inherited such good looks, despite them not looking very similar.

"Kommt rein!" she urged us, inviting us inside.

I stood at a distance from Dom and Lily as they received hugs from more family members. Thankfully, they gave me space and offered friendly nods as Dominic introduced me. It was strange watching him interact with them. Dominic was very friendly with his family, touching them and kissing cheeks. It was very unusual for me because, as much as I loved Lily, I never put my hands on her. It was always her hugging me. I suddenly wondered if Dom's family was the cause for his disregard for boundaries. Dom was always too touchy, and seeing him among his family, it almost seemed natural.