Dom (Alliance #3)

At once, they all turn to face me, calling out “Happy birthday!” with one singular voice shouting “Surprise!”

I freeze.

What?

I stare at the crowd before me.

Did they say…

The oxygen freezes in my lungs, halting my breath, while heat fills my eyes.

Did Dominic…?

I force my body to inhale. But it’s choppy because there are balloons and flowers. And…

And…

“Happy birthday, Angel.” Dominic cuts through the group of people looking at me expectantly.

My lips part, but I can’t speak. Because if I speak, I’ll sob. And there are so many people here.

It’s a birthday party.

For me.

My husband’s big body moves closer until he’s all I can see.

He cups my cheeks with his palms. “Breathe, Shorty. It’s just family here.”

It’s just family here.

I swallow.

And I swallow again.

He planned a birthday party for me.

“Shh.” Dom’s thumbs brush under my eyes, and I can feel the dampness. “Maybe we surprised you a little too much.”

I sniffle and bite my lip.

His thumb brushes again. “Would you like a drink?”

I nod.

“Wine or something stronger?”

I nod again.

Dominic smiles at me. And it’s so soft, so kind, it brings me that much closer to a complete meltdown.

His fingers flex on my cheek. “How about a margarita?”

A small scoff breaks free from my throat, and his smile grows.

“No? How about a shot of whiskey?”

I wet my lips. “Yes, please.”