CHAPTER 27

MIA POV.
My heart raced with fear and adrenaline. I forced myself to look Dominic in the eyes even though mine were filled with shame and ablaze with anger and disgust. I didn’t know where I got the strength from, but I push him away, my hands shaking with the effort and anger. It didn’t do much good but I pushed at his chest anyway.
"Get away from me!" I spit, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're disgusting," I hiss, the words feeling like acid on my tongue.
I'm trying to process what just happened, but my mind is a jumble of emotions. I feel violated, betrayed, and scared. I need to get away from him, to put distance between us before I lose my grip on reality.
I take a step back, my eyes fixed on Dominic's smug face. I can see the satisfaction in his eyes, the knowledge that he's gotten under my skin. It makes me sick.
I'm trying to regain my composure, to push back the tears of embarrassment. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me break apart in front of him. "Stay away from me," I warned him again, my voice low and even. "And don't ever touch me again." I said with finality in my voice and Dominic released his grip on me. Desperate to put space between us, I removed myself from his personal space to stand at my dresser in the room, finally feeling that I could breathe again. I can see the amusement dancing in his eyes, and it only fuels my anger and humiliation. I'm determined not to let him see me crumble. I couldn’t, otherwise he would win again.
I take a few deep breaths, attempting to calm the storm raging inside me. My heart is still racing, and my mind is reeling with thoughts of what just happened. I feel like I've been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me.
I glance over at Dominic, who's watching me with an air of superiority, a smirk still plastered on his face as he stood with hands on his hips. I feel a surge of anger and resentment, but I'm trying to keep it in check. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.
I take another deep breath, focusing on the sensation of the cool wood beneath my hands, the feeling of my feet planted firmly on the ground. Using my own psychology advice, I try to ground myself, to calm the chaos inside me. I won't let him win. I won't let him see me break.
Dominic's voice cut through the air as I was still trying to calm myself down. "If you wanted to see what was down there, Mia, then you could have just asked… I would have gladly shown you around myself.” He said and his eyes glinted mischievously.
My eyes flashed at him, my anger reigniting. “How dare he twist this around on me? I only went back to find my phone.” I retorted at him. “I didn't want to see...well, whatever you call it that he was doing.” I said and my cheeks reddened again. But Dominic didn’t look convinced, he just smirks, eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't pretend like you didn't like what you see…" he says, his voice low and mocking. "I could smell it on you. Desire. Even now.” He says and I cross my arms in front of my chest defensively. I didn’t know how to deny what he was saying without proving that I was not a liar. “You're just like all the others, Mia. Curious, nosy...and easily tempted." He said and I gasped at his words.
I feel a surge of resentment at his words. How dare he think that he knows me well enough to make such an assumption. I thought angrily. "No, Dominic, that's not true. I only went back for my phone. Why won’t you believe me?” I asked and I was taken aback when Dominic laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Don't lie to me, Mia," he says, his voice dripping with menace. "I know you're curious. You can't resist the temptation." He says as he takes a step closer to me, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. I can feel my heart racing, my pulse pounding in my veins. I try to stand my ground, but my legs feel like jelly.
"Do you want to be punished for your curiosity?" Dominic asks, his voice low and threatening. "Do you want to see what happens when you disobey me?" I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. "No, Dominic, I... I swear, I was just getting my phone back." Dominic just raised an eyebrow, his look was doubtful. "Save it." he says. "I know the truth. And soon, you'll learn to obey me...or face the consequences."
I feel fear and anger coursing through my veins as Dominic comes closer. I was unsure of what he wanted, but I knew That I didn’t want to find out. A surge of defiance rises within me, and I take a deep breath and let out a loud, ear-piercing scream. To my surprise, Dominic quickly back pedals away from me, looking at me with wide surprised eyes. For a moment, he looks almost...vulnerable before he jumps forwards and grabs me. "Shut up, Mia!" he snarls angrily but I don’t stop. I keep screaming, hoping someone will hear me, hoping someone will come and save me from this nightmare before Dominics’ hand clamps over my mouth, cutting off my scream. I celebrated a small victory in my mind at how unsettled he looked. It was certainly a new look for him. “Shut your mouth or you will face even more dire consequences than before.” He threatened and I feel a small victory, a sense of triumph, as I see the shock and anger in Dominic's eyes.
I smile from under his hand, feeling a sense of successful rebellion. It only angers him more. His eyes flash with rage, and he tightens his grip on me. "You think this is funny?" he growls, his breath hot against my ear. "You think you can just scream and attract attention?" he sneers at me. I tried to speak, but his hand was still over my mouth so all I could do was smile. A triumphant smile I knew he would feel under his hand.
Dominic's eyes bore into mine, his gaze cold and menacing. "If you scream again, there will be worse consequences." he warns, his voice dripping with malice. I feel a shiver run down my spine as he steps back, releasing me.
Just then my door bursts open, her eyes wide with concern. "What happened?" she asks, rushing into the room before coming to a shocked stop. Her eyes looked to Dominic and then to me. “Dominic, What…” She started to ask before he cut her off. "Mia was just having a little tantrum, Vivienne. She's fine now." He said as he turned into his usual collected and cold self. Without another word, Dominic walked from my room as though nothing ever happened.
Vivienne turns to me, concern etched on her face. "Mia, are you okay? What happened?" I hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal and decided to keep this to myself for now. "I'm fine, Vivienne. Really. Just a little...misunderstanding." I said and smiled reassuringly at her. Vivienne looks unsure but doesn't push the issue. Okay, if you're sure you're okay...But if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you." I nod, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Vivienne. She's the only one who seems to care.