Protecting What's Mine

Chapter 7: Grace

Knuckles rap against the door. This has been my bedroom at Dominic's since I was a kid. If someone didn't know better, they would assume I grew up here. Books, knickknacks, pictures, and clothing fill the space making it look lived in.

"Come in."

The door opens, and Dominic's blond head pops in. A long, low whistle escapes his lips as his eyes sweep over me with appreciation.

Grinning in response, I hold up my arms before giving a little twirl. "So? What do you think?"

With a smile stretching across his handsome face, he shakes his head. "You look stunning, Gracie."

Glancing down at the dress, I admit shyly, "I feel like a princess. The gown is gorgeous. Thank you so much. How did you guess my size?"

Looking pleased with himself, he shrugs his broad shoulders as if it's no big deal. "I'm a man of many talents. Do you really expect anything less from me?"

I roll my eyes.

"All right, all right. I bought three different sizes of the same dress. The other two are hanging in my closet in case this one didn't work." He gives me a playful wink before adding, "Tonight is too special to ruin by not having the perfect fit."

I laugh. "Well, thank you. I love it." Again, my eyes are drawn to the six-foot mirror leaning against the wall. The gown really is lovely.

And I feel beautiful in it.

The dress is a rich, deep blue crepe that matches my eyes perfectly. It's strapless, with a beaded sweetheart neckline and a long slit up one leg. Dominic also picked out strappy silver sandals that make my legs look long and lean.

I meet his eyes in the mirror as he moves to stand behind me. "Did you really pick all this out yourself or did someone help you?" I wiggle my brows, alluding to the possibility of a female friend that he has yet to introduce me to.

His smile broadens, making him look even more debonair than usual. "Fine. You caught me. I had a little bit of help."

Surprised by his words, I spin on silvery heels so that we face one another. I don't think I've heard him mention a woman in at least two years. "Will I get to meet her tonight?"

Almost immediately, he chuckles. "I had help from my personal shopper at Saks." One brow arches in question. "Were you thinking someone else?"

A sheepish smile settles across my face. "Maybe."

I think Dominic could use a steady woman in his life. He has a gorgeous house right on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Even though I've never gotten the feeling that he's lonely, I can't imagine that he wants to remain a bachelor forever.

Because I'm busy dwelling on his single status, I don't realize that he has slid a large rectangular box out of his pocket until he presents it to me. Surprised, my eyes instantly jerk up to his.

"You moving back home seemed like a special occasion that needed to be celebrated." A look of uncertainty flickers across his face as he slowly opens the case. "I hope you like it."

Eyes widening, my gasp is audible. Shaking fingers fly to my mouth in shocked awe. A stunning sapphire and diamond necklace lays nestled against a rich, black velvet backdrop. "Oh my God," I whisper, "I can't believe you did this!"

I can tell that this isn't cheap costume jewelry he picked up at a chain department store. No, this is the real deal.

Slowly, I shake my head. The piece is so spectacular that I can't bear to rip my gaze away from it. "No," I finally murmur, "I can't accept this! It's way too much, Dominic." Again, my wide, disbelieving eyes shift to his.

My response seems to delight him. He beams from ear to ear. "Gracie, you deserve this and so much more. The last two years have been terrible. I wanted to do something special for you. Something you would love." Again, uncertainty crosses his face as his eyes search mine. "You do love it, don't you?"

My gaze drops to the glittering diamonds and sparkling sapphires. They're practically glowing in the black velvet box. "How could I not? It's a gorgeous piece."

"Then I want you to have it. Enjoy it. There's been so much grief over the last two years. We both need to start enjoying life again."

Biting my lower lip, I hesitate, conflicted about accepting such an extravagant gift. I want to, but...

"This must have cost a small fortune."

He shrugs broad shoulders encased in a dark suit jacket. "I can afford it. It's not like I have a wife or daughter to spoil rotten. Just you. So, please, allow me to do this."

My eyes lift to his in question. "Are you sure?"

Sensing my capitulation, he beams. "Positive."

Dominic has always been generous to a fault with me.

"Okay," I whisper.

Not saying a word, he sets the black case down on the dressing table before picking up the necklace. It sparkles and shines as the gems catch light from the chandelier overhead. He moves to stand behind me before positioning the diamonds and sapphires against my neck.

My hair has been swept up and piled high on the top of my head. Dominic's fingers smooth over the stones, trailing gently across my chest before fiddling with the clasp in the back. For a silent moment, neither of us dare to move. His hands rest lightly atop my bare shoulders.

His eyes lock on mine in the looking glass. "You are stunning. And it has nothing to do with the necklace, dress, hair, or makeup. You have this light within you that shines so brilliantly. It's nice to see it again." He kisses the top of my head. "I've missed it."

"Thank you," I whisper through the thick emotion clogging my voice, "for everything."

I take in my reflection, barely recognizing the girl staring back at me from the silvery looking glass. The sophisticated hairdo, the flawless makeup, the lovely gown, the stunning necklace, and lastly, the silvery high-heeled sandals that make me look elegant and refined.

Dominic has done a better job dressing me than I usually do.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Just remember to have fun tonight. This party is all about you." He kisses my temple. Stepping away, he holds out his arm, and I loop mine through his.

His black suit and crisp white shirt look exquisite on him. The top button has been left unfastened, so even though he's dressed up, there's still an air of casual refinement to his style.

My eyes run over the length of him. "You look pretty snazzy yourself."

He cracks a smile before inclining his head my way. "Then we make quite the pair, don't we?"

I trot out my best English accent, trying to sound as regal as possible. "We most certainly do, my lord."

His deep chuckle resonates as we leave the bedroom behind and head down the second-floor corridor to the staircase.

"Perhaps you should leave the British accent to the British."

I pretend to take offense even though I know he's right. My British accent is crap.

Sconces light the hallway as we walk to the curving staircase that leads to the first floor. Music from the string quartet set up in the living room near the baby grand piano fills the air. I didn't realize that guests had already begun to arrive. As the babble of dozens of voices wafts over me, my belly pinches. These people are nothing more than strangers to me. I don't realize that I've tensed until Dominic pauses, throwing a questioning glance my way.

"You okay, sweetheart?" As always, his words brim with concern.

My lips lift, and I give him a slight nod. "I'm fine. A little nervous, I suppose." I force out a laugh. "This party is for me, but I don't know a soul."

He pats my hand in a comforting manner. "I won't leave your side, Gracie. You have my word. No matter what happens, I'll be right there."

As if he can read my innermost thoughts, he adds in a quieter voice, "You won't ever be alone again."