Chapter 20

Richie was the first one ready for the show and he headed to the hospitality room to find Dominique.  He knew she was still a little uncomfortable and he wanted to reassure her.  Plus, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her.  She had stolen his heart so completely. 

Entering the hospitality room, he spotted her in the corner sipping a drink.  There were a handful of fans but they were ignoring her.  Unfortunately, when he walked in, they didn’t ignore him but he politely brushed them off never taking his eyes off Dominique. 

Approaching her, Richie put his hand on the side of her face and kissed her softly.  “Hey, ‘Princess’,” he whispered. 

“Hey,” she blushed softly.  She caught a glimpse of the fans gawking at them and said, “They’re watching me.” 

“No, they’re watching me and wishing they could be in your shoes” he answered without taking his eyes off her.   “Let’s go somewhere private.” 

“How long do you have?” 

“Fifteen, twenty minutes and I want to spend it ALL with you,” he answered touching his finger to her nose. 

“Where are we going to go?” 

“The room where we  practiced before sound checks.”  Taking her hand, Richie led her out, down the hall towards the dressing rooms, and stopped one door down.  He opened it for her and followed her in.  “Want anything?” 

“You….to hold me.”  Richie put his hands on her waist and pulled her to him.  She put her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes.  “You look really good!  I love this jacket!” 

“Thank you, ‘Princess’.”  Looking into her eyes, he asked, “Are you okay?” 

“Ummm,” she replied as she played with a button on his shirt.  “I guess so.” 

“Hey, hey, hey.”  Richie used his finger to lift her chin.  “Talk to me, Dominique.  What’s wrong?” 

“I know Jon and the others are okay with my past but what about the fans?”  

“Dominique, I’m not dating the fans…I’m dating you….” 

“I’m a fan, Richie.  I know how they’re going to react….I heard the girls in the hospitality room.” 

“Yeah, you’re a fan, ‘Princess’…my number one fan,” smirked Richie.  “Relax.  The fans will love you once they get to know you.  Is that all that’s bothering you?” 

Dominique tucked her head again as she said softly, “I’m hurting.” 

“I need to distract you.” 

“How?” 

Richie looked around and then pulled her to the couch in the corner. They settled on it together and Richie lifted her chin to place a soft kiss on her lips.  As he looked into her eyes, he ran his finger along her jawbone until he reached her hair and then threaded his fingers in the soft locks.  The distance was closed once more as his lips covered hers, caressing them into submission. 

“Mmmm, nice distraction,” she breathed when he broke the kiss.  “I want to run my fingers through YOUR hair so bad.” 

Richie chuckled.  “After the show, ‘Princess’, I promise! Just rest against me for now.” 

Dominique snuggled against him and took his hand to play with his fingers, tracing the star tattoo.  “I feel so safe in your arms, Richie.” 

“You are, Dominique, forever,” answered Richie.  He watched as she played with his hand as he played with her hair.  “What else is bothering you?” 

Dominique sighed, “I’m scared.  I’ve got this feeling something is going to happen…something really bad.” 

“You’re safe, Dominique.  William and his crew are going to protect you while we’re here and after the show, we’ll head back to the island where your dad’s men will take care of you.” 

“That’s just it.  If Daddy had taken care of Chris, he’d have come back to the island on the jet.  Instead, he stayed wherever he was with Jason.  I don’t think Daddy has taken care of Chris.” 

Richie thought about what she’d said and started to say¸ ”He wouldn’t….” but stopped. 

“What, Richie?”  asked Dominique looking up at him. 

“Nothing, ‘Princess’.  It was a stupid idea.” 

Dominique finished his thought, “Use me as bait?” 

“It’s a stupid idea.” 

Softly, she said, “No, it’s not really.” 

“He’d never put your life in danger, Dominique.” 

“If he thought he could get to me before Chris harmed me, yeah, he would.” 

“If I had known that, I would have left you on the island.” 

“I’m glad you didn’t know.  I don’t like the time apart.  I’m scared you’re going to decide not to come back.” 

“I’m coming back, ‘Princess’, every chance I get and I don’t like being away from you either,” answered Richie as Jon stuck his head in the door. 

“Time to go, you two.”

“On our way, Jon.”  When the door closed, Richie leaned to Dominique and kissed her.  “Please, don’t leave the venue without someone.” 

“Won’t even think about it.  Richie?” 

Richie covered her lips with his finger.  “It’ll be okay, ‘Princess’.  I trust your dad to protect you.” 

“You have been so wonderful to me.”

”You had me from hello, Dominique…completely…you possess my thoughts, my heart, my soul,” pledged Richie. 

With his arm around her, Richie led Dominique out to where everyone was gathering for the pre-show pep talk.  She was included with the group and before the guys headed to the stage, she gave Richie one final kiss.

Chapter 21       Index