Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 58

Rebecca's POV

Dylan grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the café, his shoulders rigid with barely contained rage. The door slammed behind him, the bell jingling sharply.

The moment he disappeared from view, Sophia's composed expression crumbled. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled down her cheeks in sudden, uncontrollable streams. Before I could say anything, she lunged forward and threw her arms around me, her body shaking with sobs.

"I'm so sorry," she choked out, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "How could I doubt you? I'm such an idiot."

I wrapped my arms around her, my throat tight with emotion. Her pain resonated through me as I gently rubbed her back.

"It's okay, Sophia. I completely understand," I whispered, feeling her tears dampen my shirt.

She pulled back, mascara streaking down her face as she shook her head vehemently. "No, it's not okay. Seven years of friendship..." Her voice cracked. "And I threw it away for a guy I've known for what? A few weeks? God, I'm so stupid."

My heart ached for her. I reached for a napkin and handed it to her, our fingers brushing. "Don't say that about yourself. Anyone can be deceived."

"But I should have known better." She dabbed at her eyes, smearing the black makeup further. "I should have trusted you."

I took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, feeling the cold dampness of her skin. "He had 'evidence,' Sophia. He was incredibly convincing." I sighed, my shoulders dropping with the release of tension. "Honestly, if I were in your position, I might have been fooled too."

Her eyes, red-rimmed and swollen, searched mine. "Really?"

"Really," I confirmed, my voice softening. "These... people... they're masters at manipulation. Dominic explained how Dylan's been doing this to multiple women. He uses his photography as a way to get close to them."

Sophia's expression darkened. "That bastard. I can't believe I fell for it." She looked down at the phone, her jaw tightening. "All his passion for photography... it was just a front, wasn't it?"

I nodded, watching her face cycle through anger and hurt. "Dominic had him investigated. He's been targeting women for a while."

We sat in silence, the reality of Dylan's betrayal settling between us. Finally, Sophia checked her watch and sighed.

"I should get back to the office. We have an important editorial meeting today."

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked, scanning her face for signs of distress. "Maybe you should take the day off."

She shook her head, her posture straightening with new determination. "No. Work will keep my mind occupied. I won't let that asshole ruin my day too."

We walked toward the café's exit. The afternoon sun warmed my skin as I linked my arm through hers, drawing her close in silent support.

"I could come with you," I offered. "We could talk more on the way."

Sophia smiled weakly, wiping away the last traces of tears. "I'd like that."

As we started walking, she suddenly stopped, her grip on my arm tightening. "Wait, can you send me that evidence? I want to file a police report."

"Of course," I agreed immediately, relief washing through me that our friendship had survived intact. "I'll forward everything to you."

---

Hours later, I paced across Dominic's villa, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my dress. I checked my watch again, then glanced at my phone. My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared at the elegant box on the coffee table.

Diana appeared with a covered dinner tray. "Mr. Sterling called to say he'll be home shortly. Would you like to eat now?"

I shook my head, my mouth too dry to contemplate food. "I'd rather wait for him. And..." I gestured toward the carefully wrapped package, my palms dampening. "I have a surprise."

A knowing smile crossed Diana's face. "I understand. I'll keep dinner warm."

After she left, I touched the box, my fingertips tracing its edges. The tailor had assured me it was their finest work, but doubt gnawed at me. Would he think it too forward? Too intimate?

The sound of the front door opening sent electricity racing through my veins. I stood quickly, my hands smoothing down my dress as Dominic stepped into the living room. Despite the weariness around his eyes, his gaze brightened when it found me, sending warmth spreading across my skin.

I crossed the room without thinking, my body drawn to his. My arms slid around his waist, and I pressed against him, breathing in his scent. My heart pounded against his chest.

"Thank you for sending that information about Dylan. You have no idea how important it was," I said, my voice lower than I intended.

His arms encircled my waist, his hands firm against the small of my back. The pressure of his fingers through the thin fabric of my dress made my breath catch.

"That Beta knew you were mine and still dared to threaten you and your friend. That's challenging me directly," he said, his voice a low rumble I could feel against my chest.

I pulled back slightly, tilting my face up to his. The intensity in his eyes made my skin tingle. "I have something to show you."

Curiosity darkened his gaze. "Oh? What is it?"

I led him to the couch, my fingers reluctantly sliding from his as I picked up the box. My heart beat in my throat as I handed it to him. "I ordered this a few days ago... I hope you like it."

Dominic took the package, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a jolt through my arm. He carefully unwrapped it, removing the lid. His expression transformed, eyes widening slightly, lips parting.

"This is..." he began, lifting the garment from its tissue paper nest.

"A suit jacket," I explained, heat rising to my cheeks. "I noticed you didn't have one in this shade, and I thought it would suit you."

He ran his fingers over the fabric, his touch almost reverent. "This is premium wool... the tailoring is exquisite."

I smiled, relief loosening the tightness in my chest. "I went to the best custom tailor in the city. Would you try it on?"

Dominic nodded, setting aside the box. I moved behind him, helping him slip the jacket over his shoulders. My fingers skimmed the muscles of his back, and I felt him tense slightly. His body heat radiated through the thin fabric of his shirt, drawing my hands to linger longer than necessary.

Standing in front of him, I took in how the jacket accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. My eyes traveled slowly up to his face, finding his gaze fixed intently on me.

"Perfect. It suits you beautifully," I said, my voice hushed. "Really highlights your shoulders and waistline."

He turned to look in the nearby mirror, and I watched his reflection, admiring the strong line of his jaw, the width of his shoulders.

"You have excellent taste, little doe," he said, his voice deepening on the endearment.

I bit my lip, heat spreading through me at his approval. "It feels like I'm playing secretary, helping you dress."

Dominic continued examining the jacket, then suddenly paused, his fingers finding something inside the sleeve. "Is this... a small deer?"

I nodded, my heart racing. "It's embroidered where only you can see it. I asked the tailor to add it."

Something shifted in Dominic's expression - his eyes softened, his jaw relaxed, revealing a tenderness I rarely saw. "Come here," he said quietly, the words more command than request.

He pulled me closer, one hand circling my waist while the other caressed my cheek, his thumb grazing my lower lip. I tilted my face up, my eyes fluttering closed as he leaned down. His lips met mine, gentle at first, then more insistent. Heat pooled low in my belly as his hand slid from my cheek to the nape of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair.

When we parted, I was breathless, my hands having found their way to his chest. His eyes held mine, darker now, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"I don't kiss my secretaries," he murmured against my lips, his breath mingling with mine.