Chapter 17: The Truth About a Follower

Relief washes over me like a stream of warm water as Dominic's huge arms wrap around my waist. Closing my eyes, I take in the feel of his body so close to mine, almost forgetting that I was beyond angry only seconds ago.

Wait a minute.

"So, I need to know." My voice cracks a little. "Are you going to tell me who Victoria really is? Or is that a secret, too?" I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check this time.

He takes a second to answer and I wonder if he's deciding how much to say. The needles are back, poking around in my gut. "She has been a trusted friend," he pulls back and his eyes go soft when he looks at me, "for a very long time."

"Yeah," I reply, swallowing hard, "she mentioned something about that." I stop, hoping he'll fill in more of the blanks but he stays quiet, so I repeat her words. "Seventy-three years, right?"

His eyes wrinkle slightly at the corners. I can tell he's not happy I know that part. "Yes, and I haven't spoken to her about boundaries yet. I want