Four

When Dom woke a couple of hours later he was surprised to find Kylie already awake. She had pushed herself up on one arm and had been watching him sleep.

"Hey, Honey, you OK?" he asked reaching his hand out to caress her cheek.

Instead of answering she bent her head and brushed her lips gently against his. Dom felt a wave of desire wash over him and the hand at her cheek slid back into her hair, cupping her head and bringing her closer to him. He deepened the kiss and slid his tongue into her mouth, running over her teeth and tasting her sweetness. He rolled onto his back, bringing her with him so that she lay on top of him. His hands ran down her back and he cupped her bottom. Kylie slid her hands between them, running them over his muscled chest. Dom knew he had to stop this before it went too far and between kisses, while drawing in ragged breaths he told her so.

"Ky, Baby... ..we've gotta stop honey...we can't."

"Please Dom...please just love me," she countered as she kissed his face, neck and finally that sensitive area behind his ear. Dom groaned knowing if they didn't stop soon they weren't going to. He pushed her up and held her away from him.

"We have to stop, Ky," he said firmly looking up into her deep blue eyes. He saw tears well up in them just before she pulled herself away and sat on the edge of the bed. She drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them, her cheek resting on them facing away from him. Slowly the tears ran down her face.

"Why Dom?" she asked, her voice raw with emotion. "What's wrong with me?"

"Kylie...," Dom tried, but she cut him off.

"Why doesn't anyone love me? Am I that terrible? He always said no one would ever want me. That it was my fault he hurt me, because I was stupid, lazy and worthless. She never stopped him so, so it must have been true, right? But I always thought if I got away I could find someone to- to love me, but...he was right wasn't he?" she finished so quietly that Dom could barely hear her.

"No, Baby. No! It's not you, Little Girl. It's me, Baby. There are things about me you don't know. I've screwed up a lot and I don't want to do that with you." Dom grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close. He put a hand beneath her chin and forced her to look at him. "He had no right, Baby, no right to do what he did to you. You didn't deserve it! It's not you, Baby, I just-I don't want to end up hurting you."

"Then just love me Dom, please, just love me," she begged.

Dom felt something inside him snap. He brought his lips to hers and began to fulfill her wish. Somehow in just a few short moments they were both naked and Dom settled over her and slowly eased himself into her. He entered her slowly, a little at a time, allowing her body to get used to him. Slowly he began to move his hips reigniting the smoldering coals within her. He tried to be gentle, but she was frantic and what little control he had left slowly slipped away from him. Together they climbed higher and higher until at last they were floating among the stars. As their breathing slowed to normal Dom rolled over bringing her with him. She snuggled against him and fell asleep, safe in his arms.

Dom held her close trying to figure out what to do now. He loved Kylie more than he had known was possible. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but was it fair? Did he have the right to tie her to him, an ex-con ten years older than her? What would happen in ten years? She would still be a beautiful young woman, while he would be a middle aged man. Hell ,at best he was a good mechanic, a street racer. What kind of future could he offer her? Finally sleep claimed him, but he was no closer to an answer.

F&F

Kylie woke slowly, momentarily unsure of where she was. As she became more aware of her body she felt the warmth emanating from the man sleeping beside her. Dom, she thought smiling and snuggling closer to him. A wave of love for him washed over her as she remembered last night's events. She gently traced a finger down the middle of his stomach. She felt him stiffen beneath her hand.

"You keep that up , Little Girl, and we'll be late for work today," he said, his voice rough with sleep. His own hand was sliding over her backside.

"Guess we'll be late today," Kylie replied, mischief twinkling in her eyes as her hand slipped lower.

F&F

Kylie stood in her room surveying herself in the mirror. She and Angel had spent the afternoon at the mall shopping. Angel had insisted that Kylie needed the perfect outfit for the races tonight. Dom had just grinned and handed Kylie a wad of cash, telling her to buy whatever she wanted. He'd kissed her cheek and told her to have fun, then he'd turned back to his car, making sure it was ready for tonight. Angel had rolled her eyes. On the way to the mall she'd tried to weasel out of Kylie exactly what her and Dom's relationship was. It was obvious to the whole gang that Dom was the only one Kylie was comfortable with when it came to physical contact. Whenever anyone else got too close or touched her without thinking Kylie would stiffen up. Dom however was always touching her, pulling her on his lap, kissing her on the cheek or forehead, holding her hand, or hugging her close. Everyone was speculating on their relationship. Vince, Lydia, Leon, and Rachel were sure the two were having sex, while Mia, Brian, and Jesse swore they were just friends, good friends. Angel, Rome and Lexi weren't quite sure.

Kylie herself wasn't exactly sure where she stood with Dom. Her limited experience with men left her at a loss to define what is was she and Dom had together, if anything. Yes, they had had made love, or had sex, last night and this morning, but Dom had never said the three words Kylie longed to hear, I love you. She knew Dom cared for her, he was always there to chase away the demons that haunted her, to assure that she was safe. And he was very generous with her, buying her anything she wanted or needed. Yet, sometimes he treated her like a younger sister, holding a part of himself back from her. She was hoping tonight would change all that.

That was why she was wearing this very short, white leather mini skirt with a white lace tank top that revealed skin from mid stomach to the low waist of the skirt, over a white lace bra, and three inch white stiletto boots. Lying on the bed was a black white length leather jacket. She had indulged in makeup too. Concealer, foundation and blush covered the faint green-blue remnants of her bruises, while iridescent eyeshadow, liner and mascara brought out her blue eyes, and red lipstick and polish adorned her mouth and nails. She'd pulled her hair into a french braid with loose tendrils framing her face. Looking in the mirror, she actually felt pretty, but she was worried about what Dom would think when he saw her. Picking up the jacket from the bed she headed out. It was time to face the music.