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Instead, I heard myself say, “Okay.”
“Would you like something to drink?” Damien asked, moving toward a sleek kitchen
área.
I was love–struck, plain and simple. Caught in that intoxicating early phase of relationship where every look, every touch, every word seemed weighted with meaning. Part of me wanted to retreat, to protect myself from potential hurt. But a stronger part knew this might be my last chance at something real, something profound.
The implication that he was sharing something precious with me wasn’t lost on me. The interior was just as beautiful–minimalist but warm, with natural wood and stone elements throughout. A glass wall provided an uninterrupted view of the moonlit lake.
“You did,” I said firmly, though part of me had secretly enjoyed his attention. “Mr. Vance is my business partner, nothing more.”
“I know.” Damien’s voice dropped lower. “But I don’t think he sees it that way.”
The request hung between us, charged with unspoken implications. I should have made excuses–I did need to pack, needed to review my presentation, needed to get proper rest before my flight.
“My lakeside villa isn’t far from here. Stay with me tonight, before your trip.”
“Breathtaking,” I agreed, taking a sip to calm my nerves.
When he left, closing the door softly behind him, I sank onto the edge of the bed, my heart pounding. What was I doing here? This wasn’t like me–staying overnight at a man’s house, even one I was dating. Everything was moving so quickly, yet somehow it felt right.
“You can go home early in the morning. I just…” he hesitated, surprising me with a flash of vulnerability. “I’d like to spend more time with you before you
leave.”
“Need my help?” he asked again, softer this time, the question hanging between us like a promise.
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“You know exactly what I mean. The interrogation over dinner? The constant touching? You were practically marking your territory.”
Damien kept his eyes on the road, his profile illuminated by passing streetlights. “What do you mean?”
As I towel–dried my hair, I made a decision. I was tired of hesitating, of second–guessing. I wanted Damien, and I was almost certain he wanted me too. Whatever happened tonight, I would embrace it fully, with no regrets.
“Hazel?” Damien’s deep voice called through the wood. “Is everything alright?”
“I know,” he said again, his voice softer now. “Stay with me tonight”
As he filled two glasses, I wandered to the window, mesmerized by the silvery light playing across the gentle waves. I felt rather than heard him approach, his presence warming my back before he even touched me.
Under the warm spray, I tried to sort through my jumbled emotions. Desire, certainly -that was unmistakable. But also nervousness, excitement, and a deep, abiding affection that was rapidly transforming into something more permanent. I was falling hard for Damien Sterling, and it terrified me as much as it thrilled me.
He smiled, and the look in his eyes made my stomach flip. “The bathroom is through there. Take your time. I’ll be in the living room when you’re ready.”
The abrupt change of subject caught me off guard. “What?”
Instead of being offended, Damien laughed–a genuine, warm sound that despite my annoyance made my heart flutter. “I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”
“You might as well have peed in a circle around me,” Imuttered, crossing my arms.
There was a brief pause, then: “Do you need help drying your hair?”
“I come here when I need solitude,” Damien replied, unlocking the fre door. “It’s my private retreat.”
“He looks at you when you’re not watching,” Damien interrupted. “I noticed it the moment we walked into your office.”
“There are clothes in the drawers,” Damien explained, following my gaze. “I had them purchased after your last visit, in case you ever needed to stay.”
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“Are you going to explain what that was about?” I finally asked as we pulled away from
the restaurant.
After my shower, wrapped in one of the sinfully soft towels, I opened the dresser drawers. True to his word, they contained a selection of casual clothes, sleepwear, and even underwear in exactly my size. I chose a silky pajama set in a deep emerald green that reminded me of Damien’s eyes when he was focused intently on something–or
someone.
“I know that too.” Damien reached across the center console and took my hand. “But I
wanted him to know it as well.”
“That’s ridiculous-”
It was, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. The thought of Damien selecting clothes for me, anticipating my needs, imagining me here in his private space–it sent a delicious shiver down my spine.
“After the charity gala,” he admitted. “Was that presumptuous of me?”
The bathroom was as luxurious as the rest of the villa–a rainfall shower, marble countertops, and plush towels that probably cost more than my first month’s rent. I decided a shower might help clear my head.
“I’m going to Milan for work,” I reminded him. “Nothing more.”
His thumb traced circles on my palm, sending tiny electric currents up my arm. I tried to maintain my irritation, but it was rapidly dissolving under his touch.
We stood in silence, watching the lake. The air between us felt charged, every breath carrying significance. When his hand settled lightly on my hip, I nearly jumped.
“Thank you,” I said instead. “That was… thoughtful.”
“Water is fine,” I replied, suddenly aware of how dry my mouth had become.
The innocuous question carried weight far beyond its simple meaning. I cracked the door open slightly, clutching my towel, and found Damien standing there, eyes dark with an emotion I recognized mirrored in my own.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, handing me a glass.
Chapter 154 – Whispers of Intimacy: A Night at Damien’s Villa
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151 Chapter 154
A faint smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Was I that obvious?”
“You never mentioned this place,” I said as we walked up the pathway.
My heart hammered against my ribs. “I have to pack-”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice higher than normal. “Just finishing up.”
I blinked, stunned by the level of consideration–and forward planning. “You bought me clothes? When?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. He led me down a hallway to a spacious guest bedroom with its own lake view. What caught my eye, however, was the dresser.
Damien’s hand tightened around mine, and he made a sudden turn, changing our route. Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to a stunning modern villa nestled against the lakeshore. Floor–to–ceiling windows reflected the moonlight dancing across the
water.
“I’ve prepared a room for you,” he said, his voice low. “If you’d like to freshen up.”
I was just wondering whether to blow–dry my hair when a soft knock came at the bathroom door.
I sighed. “Even if that were true–which I’m not saying it is–I’m not interested in him that way.”
The ride back from the restaurant was uncomfortably quiet. Mr. Vance had practically fled after dinner, making hasty excuses about early morning preparations. I couldn’t blame him–Damien’s behavior had been blatantly possessive all evening.
