Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

38. A Taste of Control

"This sounds like a discussion we should include Lily in," I suggested, a small smirk playing on my lips as his expression darkened, clearly displeased by the idea.

I knew Lily would find it ridiculous that Dominic was even suggesting such a thing. She was a big fan of Ryan, and an even bigger fan of me having a friend since I never really had any growing up. Dominic watched me with a cold stare, his hands tightly gripping his knees, trying to contain his anger. Seeing him suffer like that brought a small thrill to my heart, a taste of control I hadn't felt in ages. I couldn't help but feel a smug satisfaction, knowing that he couldn't do anything about it. Thankfully, Dominic managed to keep his composure, or else I would have been in for a world of hurt. But for now, I could revel in his misery.

It's not like Dominic had anything to worry about. Ryan and I had never done anything more than that one kiss he had witnessed at the concert. He was probably just worried that something more happened between us at the party.

Just then, the buzz of my phone interrupted the tense atmosphere. Dominic's face twisted, a clear desire to check my phone. But he held himself back, remaining seated across the room, his gaze piercing into me as I checked the text.

"Can I still come over like we had planned? Still have these joints I rolled," the text read.

I stared down at the message, contemplating my response. We had made plans for him to come over and smoke after the party, but that was before I walked in on him and Rosie fucking. I wasn't sure if I was ready to face him just yet. I had made a fool of myself, and I hoped Rosie didn't think anything of it. But maybe having Ryan over would be a chance to move on from the awkwardness. I glanced back up, meeting Dominic's annoyed gaze, and felt a flicker of something in my chest—a small satisfaction knowing that I had the power to toy with him. He wanted me to stop bringing Ryan over? Fuck that.

"Sure," I replied to Ryan with a smirk, sliding my phone back into my pocket.

"Ryan is coming over," I announced, unable to hide my grin as Dominic's hands balled into fists, the muscles in his jaw ticking in barely contained fury.

He took a long, measured breath, his fingers drumming against his thigh in a silent countdown to keep his cool. "It's 11pm," he muttered, the glare from his watch reflecting his mood.

"Yeah, he might just sleep over," I gave him a sweet smile, relishing the stormy look on his face.

I was basking in his misery, feeling a twisted sense of satisfaction that I was forcing him to tolerate Ryan. Dominic took another deep breath, his eyes darting from me to the empty space where he likely pictured Ryan. "Fine," he forced out, standing abruptly. The heavy chair scraped against the floor, echoing his irritation. He swiftly made his exit, unable to stand seeing me so blatantly disrespectful.

I hadn't seen Dom's violent side for quite awhile, and he seemed very close to revealing it just moments ago. Thankfully he was managing it better since we ended things. The room felt colder at his absence, the loud slam of his bedroom door upstairs signaling his angry surrender. The air was still thick with unsaid things. I leaned back on the couch, the weight of the night suddenly pressing down on me.

As I lounged on the sofa, feeling somewhat victorious against Dominic, I scrolled through my phone, not really seeing anything. A tiny knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach at the thought of seeing Ryan again. I remembered the wounded look he'd given me when I last saw him just hours before, and I shook my head, trying to dispel the unwelcome guilt. If anything, it should've been Ryan who was guilty. He brought me to that party knowing full well I would hate it. And then he left me alone to get his dick wet.

Soon enough my phone buzzed—Ryan was outside. I stood up, a mix of nerves and anticipation churning inside me as I moved towards the door.

"Hey," he offered a small smile. I couldn't muster one in return, just held the door ajar for him before I pivoted, heading straight to my bedroom.