Submitting to my Ex Uncle-Chapter 220

The hallway was quiet when they returned to their room. The soft click of the door behind them seemed to seal the world away. Inside, the air was warm, and faintly scented with lavender from the diffuser.

Celeste slipped off her coat, draping it neatly over the chair. Her shoulders sagged the moment she exhaled. She was beyond tired. Kids are amazing, but they’re always handfuls.

Dominic stood for a moment, watching her in silence. Then, with that quiet authority that had long since become familiar, he said, "Sit."

She did, settling at the edge of the bed. He crossed to her, knelt down, and began to unfasten her shoes. His movements were slow, and deliberate.

Celeste didn’t protest. She just let him. It had become a quiet language between them. This tenderness he offered, and the way she accepted it.

When he set the shoes aside, she released a soft sigh and reached up to gather her hair. The dark strands slipped through her fingers as she twisted them into a loose bun, revealing the curve of her neck. The sight made admiration and desire flicker in his chest.

Dominic’s lips lifted faintly. "You did well with the kids," he said. His tone was low and certain, and filled with beautiful admiration.

She looked at him with a doubtful smile. "Did I?"

"You did," he said again, firmer this time, as if daring her to argue. "They don’t open up that easily. Especially not Ruby."

Celeste’s lips parted. "You really think so?"

"I know so, sweetheart⁸."

The softness of his voice settled around her like a quiet blanket. She didn’t answer right away. She just smiled. Her smile was a tired thing that almost didn’t reach her eyes, but almost was enough.

"Come here," she murmured. Her hands slid beneath his arms, helping him rise to his full height.

He let her.

She reached for his jacket, slipping it off his shoulders with care. Her fingers brushed the fabric away as though afraid to cause him pain. Her gaze lingered briefly on his blue shirt beneath. Somehow, his shirt was still intimidatingly perfect even after the long day.

Without a word, she unfastened the buttons, one after another, her eyes scanning for what she feared most. There was no blood, and no sign of strain. Only a smooth skin and the faintest shadow of a healing wound.

Celeste’s breath left her in quiet relief. Her hand rested briefly over his chest before she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him.

Dominic chuckled lowly. His arms circled around her with an ease that spoke of countless repetitions. "You were worried."

"Of course I was," she murmured. "You keep saying it’s nothing, and then you go around moving like it doesn’t exist."

"I heal fast."

"Liar."

He smiled against her hair. "I’ll prove it to you, then. Cause I’m determined to heal quicker this time."

Her arms looped around him, with his chin resting on the crown of her head. Neither spoke.

When she finally pulled back, her eyes lingered on him. He could see the tiredness, yes, but also peace beneath it.

Dominic tilted his head slightly. "Dance with me."

Celeste blinked. "Now?"

"Now."

"There’s no music."

He reached over to his phone, tapped once, and let a soft instrumental fill the room. It was the sound of a slow piano, and gentle strings. It felt like evening rain. He turned back to her, holding out his hand.

Celeste hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.

Dominic guided her gently to the center of the room. She stepped close, her other hand coming to rest on his shoulder. His arm slipped around her waist, drawing her in until the space between them disappeared.

Again, neither of them said a word. They didn’t need to.

Their movements were slow, almost instinctive. Celeste’s head rested against his chest, with her body swaying lightly in rhythm with his. His palm at her back moved in small, grounding circles.

At one point, Dominic spun her gently. His hand caught hers before she could fall out of step. She laughed, soft and breathless, and he smiled because it was the only sound in the world that mattered.

"Careful," he murmured.

"You started it," she replied, eyes glinting.

He hummed in agreement, pulling her back to him. "Are you enjoying this?"

Celeste looked up at him, her lips curving faintly. "More than I thought I would," she admitted softly.

Dominic’s hand traced lazy circles against her back. "Beautiful," he murmured. "You deserve every softness after the day you’ve had."

Her eyes flickered with quiet amusement. "You’re part of the day, you know."

"I know," he said, his tone calm and teasing. "That’s why I’m trying to make up for it."

Celeste let out a small laugh. "You always think you can fix everything."

"Not everything," he murmured, his gaze deepening. "Just the things I break."

Her breath caught at the subtle ache in his voice. She lifted her eyes to him, meeting that gaze head-on. "You didn’t break anything today, Dominic."

He looked at her like he didn’t believe her.

Celeste reached up, brushing her fingers against his jaw. "You didn’t," she repeated gently. "You made them laugh. You made me laugh."

Dominic’s lips softened. "I always pray you, life will remain that way with the people around me." he murmured.

Her head tilted up, brushing his chin lightly. For a moment, neither of them breathed.

Dominic’s hand rose, tracing the line of her neck before cupping her cheek. "You look tired," he whispered.

"I am," she admitted. "But this... this helps."

He bent slightly, pressing his lips to her forehead. "Then we’ll stay like this a little longer."

She nodded, her cheek resting against his chest once more. His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear.

When the song faded, they didn’t stop moving. They just swayed to the silence.

Dominic’s hand slid up her spine, stopping at the nape of her neck. He leaned down until their foreheads touched. "You should sleep."

"In a minute," she murmured.

"You’ll fall asleep on your feet."

She smiled faintly. "Then catch me."

He did.

He lifted her effortlessly, his arms sliding beneath her legs. Celeste let out a quiet hum of protest that quickly turned into a sleepy sigh. He carried her to the bed, lowering her carefully against the sheets.

She reached for him before he could pull away, her fingers brushing his wrist. "Stay," she whispered.

"I will," Dominic murmured, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Just let me clean you up, then I’ll check on dinner. In case you wake up hungry later."