Chapter 283

Vespera stared at Dominic in disbelief and pointed to herself. "You want me to go?" He seriously expected her—a defenseless woman—to face some mysterious, possibly terrifying creature? Was he out of his mind? "Ms. Gildon, I'm scared," Dominic said, his deep voice brushing warmly against her cheek, his breath soft and dangerously close. His hand around her shoulder tightened just a bit, like a frightened child clinging to comfort. Tall, powerful, and helpless. "I'm scared, too!" Vespera shot back. She yanked herself out of his grip and spun to flee. "Don't run," he said calmly. Before she could escape, Dominic caught her and pulled her back, locking her securely in his arms like he genuinely feared she'd bolt. His broad chest made her feel even smaller, and his lips dipped toward her ear again, his voice dropping to a hushed tease. "If you run, what'll happen to me? I'm counting on you to protect me." Vespera's ears turned flaming red. She looked like she might cry. Could so