I think we all have a little party in our heads all with conflicting opinions and feelings. But there's no conflict between being caring and dominant. Quite the contrary I'd say. Domination for me isn't only to impose my will, but also to take those I dominate under my wing. For me it's an intrinsic part of it, and nothing I can turn off.
Could it be that you're mixing up dominant with sadistic. Yeah, it's very important to have ones sadist inclinations under control. Very important. If he can't, then I'd be very careful getting involved with this guy. It's one thing being able to live out ones fantasies. Quite another not to have ones impulses under control.
My personal journey was that I was a dominant and insecure. But there was no insecurity about my dominance. It was just how I was. I didn't understand I was dominant, (that came much later) so there wasn't much to be insecure about regarding that. I was extremely insecure about my sadism. Mostly because everybody in my entire surroundings told me it was wrong and sick. But I lost my virginity to a masochist, (it seemed like I had it written all over my face) so that was a rude awakening. All my insecurities about it were gone over night.
Do you really think he loves you, or has feelings for you? If he did would he go on like this? The two of you have obviously given it a shot. If he's still vacillating now, you know that somethings not right. Could it be that he's going on like this because you're letting him getting away with anything? Immature men often will treat their women just as badly as they'll let them. Could it be that he loves the sex you're having and hasn't met any other as good in bed, but that there's other qualities he also thinks is important for him to see you as somebody to settle down with?