Shattered Longings

Chapter 38 A Debt You Can Never Repay

Bella’s eyes widened as she looked at Dominic. She met his intense gaze before quickly looking away.

“I–I’ve been saving up since you left abroad,” she said. “After all, I owe you and your family so much; I can’t just leave it at that, right? I’m still a little short, but I will pay you back the rest every month. Did you receive the money I sent last month?”

Dominic’s expression hardened as he realized she was clearly trying to skirt around the issue. “I’m not asking for your money. Do you honestly think you can repay what you owe me with just money?”

Bella fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her head bowed as she murmured, “I know… it’s not about the money, but this is all I can do. If there’s anything I can help with, please let me know. I’ll do my best to make it up to you until you feel I’ve repaid you.”

He wasn’t sure if he was more angry or amused by her words. “Until you’ve repaid me? You’ll never be able to! The only use I have for you is in bed.”

Her cheeks heated up, and she was at a loss for words. Even though that was true, the truth made her feel awkward and embarrassed.

Feeling the need to leave, she spun on her heel and scurried away. “I’m going to bed. You should get

some rest too…”

when she heard a loud noise from above. Before she could see what it was, Dominic yanked her back. In the blink of an eye, à potted plant

high from the eaves. Bella figured it must’ve been

stepped out just a moment earlier and gotten hit on the head,

frame and firm chest

looked up and met his deep, ocean–like eyes, feeling as though she was being pulled into

she felt his warm breath brushing

a sudden, he let go of her and

in response before carefully walking around the shattered potted plant and returning to her room. Closing the door behind her, she pressed her hand

they almost

was drunk and intimate with her, he hardly ever kissed her. So, it was highly improbable that he

had fallen the night before. He looked at it regretfully

35 A Debt