Chapter 28
It had been two weeks since Dominique had been beaten by Santadio. For her, the days ran together. The only thing she was sure about was Richie. She missed him when she was awake and he wasn't there but she never doubted that he would return to her.
His 10-day break was finally here and Richie was back on the island to spend the time with Dominique. The guys had followed to work on material in Sonny's studio but Richie's first priority was his girlfriend. He stopped at the villa first to get cleaned up and then made his way to the hospital.
Richie slipped into her room to find her sleeping peacefully. He took in the whole picture; the bruising was beginning to fade and the swelling was going down. Despite the bruises and cuts, wires to monitors, and the IV, she was still the most beautiful lady in the world to him.
Leaning over, he placed a soft kiss on her lips, brushed her hair, and whispered, "Wake up, 'Sleeping Beauty'."
Her eyes fluttered open and to the best of her ability, she smiled. Reaching up, she touched his cheek and managed, "Prince Charming."
"Good morning."
"How long?"
"I've got ten days here with you. Do you feel like sitting up?"
Dominique nodded her head 'yes' and Richie moved to help her get comfortable. When she was settled, she reached for the paper and pencil to write him a message.
I've missed you so much.
Richie smiled, "I've missed you too."
My ring is gone.
"I know."
I'm sorry.
"For what? Did you lose it on purpose?"
Chris destroyed it.
"You couldn't help that, Dominique, so don't blame yourself." Standing up, he reached into his pocket and pulled out something. Taking her hand, he slid a ring on it. "When your other hand is healed, you can move it to that one."
Tears slid down her cheeks as she mumbled, "Sweet."
"Because I love you. When you're COMPLETELY well and we've had time to be a normal...."
Dominique wrote, "Us? Normal?"
Richie laughed, "Okay, so we aren't the typical, every day couple, but as normal as we can be....no threats from Santadio, no fear, no hospitals...when THAT happens, I'm going to put a diamond on your hand."
"Really?"
"Really! I want to be with you forever, Dominique, but I'm not going to rush you."
Dominique looked up into his hazel eyes and was swept away by the pure, honest love that shone in them. She had seen it before but had never fully allowed herself to believe she'd be with him because of Chris. Now though, she knew Chris wouldn't be a problem. Taking the pencil, she wrote, "You've never felt me feel rushed. I want to be with you forever...as your girlfriend, wife....whatever."
Richie leaned to kiss her again, his fingers tangling in her hair. Pulling back, he got comfortable on the bed beside Dominique putting his arm around her and that's where he stayed for the rest of the morning telling her about the tour.
