I want the Dom

"Cat," Xavier's voice sliced through the hush of the dim room. Cathleen jolted awake, her arms cradling Bella, the warmth of her daughter a stark contrast to the chill in his tone.

Her eyes, wide and alert, flickered between the baby's serene face and the imposing figure of her husband. She brushed away sleep, the lullaby dying on her lips. "Oh, I didn't know I fell asleep," she murmured her voice a soft anchor in the tense air.

"Yeah, I can see." Xavier's words were edged with impatience as he loomed closer, his shadow swallowing the gentle glow of the nightlight. "But you are spending so much time with Bella that you can't put her down. You do know she's not going anywhere, right?"

The nod was automatic—a simple bob of her head—but her mind raced. His presence commanded her attention; his frustration was palpable, filling the space like a thick fog.

"Then why are you not performing your wifely duties to me?" Xavier's question hung heavy, his gaze dropping pointedly to the bulge strai