Page 18 of Texting the Possessive CEO
Dominic Vale: They look stunning. Just like you.
Izzy: Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, though.
I sit on the couch, crossing my legs, a silly, reckless smile on my face.
Izzy: I don’t need special favors.
Dominic Vale: It’s not about what you need, Izzy. It’s about what I wanted to do, and I wanted to give you a gift. Don’t overthink it.
Of course,hehas the luxury of saying that. He can only see parts of the puzzle. God, I feel sick just thinking about that. I need to stop this somehow, but what about Grandma? Maybe if I came clean to Dom, he might help me.
No, that’s dreamland thinking. If he knew I was only in his company to destroy it from the inside, he’d hate me, rightfully so.
Izzy: Well, thank you. It means a lot.
Dominic Vale: You’re welcome. How’s your grandma today?
Izzy: I’m touched you’d ask. She was alert earlier, for a while at least. There isn’t much I can do except visit her and be there for her. But it never feels like enough.
Dominic Vale: I’m sure you’re doing great. Do you have anybody to help? To visit her when you can’t?
That sick feeling returns. Lies stacked on lies.
Izzy: I have an uncle, but he’s never been supportive. Only ever looks out for himself. But yeah, he visits her sometimes.
Dominic Vale: I’m sorry, that’s all you have. You deserve better than that. A support system. Family to help you through these tough times.
Izzy: It’s fine. It’s life. It’s just the way it is. I can’t do anything except put one foot in front of the other.
Dominic Vale: Amen to that. This might sound strange because we only met recently, but I’m proud of you.
I blinkback tears. I need to stop this, but I can’t.
Izzy: There’s something I need to tell you.
I type, then quickly delete. Instead, I say something else.
Izzy: I need to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Dominic Vale: Sleep well. I know I won’t.
Izzy: Why not?
More dots appear, then disappear.
Finally.
Dominic Vale: Because you’re there and I’m here.
I put my phone face down, smoothing my hands over my stomach. Soon, Aaron’s going to lose his patience. If he ever learns something is going on between Dom and me—whatever this is—he’ll know I have access to more information than I’m letting on.
God, family is complicated.
CHAPTER 8
DOMINIC
Aaron Pike sits opposite me, the morning sunlight shining on his bald head. He has some kind of product in his beard, making that shine too. Ethan and my executive team are with me, and Aaron has his lackeys with him. But as we stare at each other across the boardroom, it might as well be just the two of us.
