Page 26 of Forsaken Promises
But the more I think about it, the more I find myself warming to the idea. A chance to start fresh, to build something new and beautiful from the ashes of our past.
“I'd like that,” I say softly, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. “It's been so long since we've really talked, really connected on a deeper level.”
Dom nods, his expression serious. “I know. And I'm sorry for that, Sofia. I'm sorry for all the ways I've failed you, all the times I've let you down.”
I reach up and cup his cheek, feeling the rough stubble beneath my palm. “I'm sorry too, Dom. For the way I've pushed you away, the way I've held on to my anger and resentment.”
He leans into my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. “We've both made mistakes. But that's in the past now. What matters now is what we do going forward.”
I nod, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. “You're right.”
Dom pulls back, looking at me softly. “Go get dressed, Sof, and meet me by the stairs in about fifteen minutes.”
Fifteen minutes? I want to squawk that it’s not enough time to look even a bit presentable, but I instead turn on my heel and hurry back up to the bedroom. He’s given me a challenge, and I intend to meet it.
As I head upstairs to change for our impromptu date, my mind is whirling with a mix of emotions. Surprise, certainly, at Dom’s suggestion that we try to rekindle our feelings for each other. But also a flicker of excitement, a spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, we can find a new love, one that’s better than what we once shared.
I rifle through my clothes, which had arrived from my family home during the wedding, searching for the perfect outfit. I want to look as enticing and beautiful as possible, to remind Dom of the girl he fell in love with all those years ago.
Finally, I settle on a flowing sundress in a soft shade of pink, with delicate lace detailing and a sweetheart neckline that shows off just a hint of cleavage. I pair it with strappy sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, my dark hair tumbling down my back in loose waves.
I look at myself in the mirror as I apply my makeup and nod approvingly. Not bad for fifteen minutes.
When I descend the stairs, Dom is waiting for me at the bottom, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of me. His mouth drops open slightly, and I feel a thrill of satisfaction and smugness at the obvious effect I’m having on him.
I’ve always known I’m beautiful—I take after my mother, who is renowned as one of the most stunning women in our social circle. But to see that I still have the power to render Dom speechless, even after all these years… it’s a satisfying feeling.
“You look… incredible,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough with emotion.
I smile, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
And it’s true. Dom is dashingly handsome in a crisp white shirt and dark pants, his hair tousled just so in that effortlessly sexy way of his. I want to run my fingers through it, tug on the strands like I used to.
“So, what did you have in mind for our date?” I ask, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach.
Dom grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “How do you feel about horseback riding? I thought we could take a ride out into the woods like we used to do when I would visit you at your father’s estate.”
I raise an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Horseback riding? Are you sure you’re up for that? It looks like it’s been a while since you’ve been in the saddle.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, I think I can handle it. The question is, can you keep up?”
I scoff, placing a hand on my hip. “Please. I could outrun you any day, Dominico Sicura. Care to put your money where your mouth is?”
His grin widens, and he offers me his arm. “Challenge accepted, Sofia Sicura. Let’s see what you’ve got.” He leans in, his lips tickling the shell of my ear. “Although I would prefer your mouth to be somewhere else.”
I nearly trip over my feet, ignoring Dom’s low, sensual laughter.
We head out to the stables, where two beautiful horses are waiting for us. As we mount up and set off into the woods, I can’t help but look around at the Sicura estate, taking in the sprawling grounds and grand architecture.
It’s not quite as picturesque as my family’s estate, with its lush gardens and sparkling fountains. But there’s a rugged beauty to it, a sense of history and tradition that speaks to me on a deep level.
I can picture myself here, I realize with a start. I can imagine building a life with Dom in this place, making it our own and filling it with love and laughter.
It's a daunting thought, a prospect that both thrills and terrifies me, but as we ride side by side through the dappled sunlight, the wind whipping through our hair and the sound of birds chirping in the air, I can’t help but feel a sense of rightness. A sense that maybe, just maybe, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
I also can’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this way, so long since I’ve allowed myself to simply enjoy the moment without the weight of the past bearing down on me.
Dom leads us to a secluded spot, a small clearing nestled among the trees. And there, spread out on the grass, is a picnic blanket laden with all sorts of delicious-looking food.
