152 Chapter 155
152 Chapter 155
Something flashed in his eyes–disappointment, maybe, but also respect. He nodded, stepping back. “Take your time. I’ll wait for you in the sunroom. It has the best view of the lake at night.”
After he left, I leaned against the door, catching my breath. Part of me wanted to call him back, to let him in, but another part–the cautious part that had been hurt before -needed to slow down. I finished drying my hair quickly and slipped into the emerald pajamas he’d provided.
“Has that happened before?” I asked, my throat suddenly dry.
A hint of sheepishness crossed his usually confident face. “I watched several online tutorials after you mentioned enjoying it at that café last month.”
He nodded, reaching across to take my hand. “More than I probably should be. But I can’t help it.”
When I emerged from the bedroom, I followed the soft glow of lights to find the sunroom. The space was magnificent–three walls of glass overlooking the moonlit lake, comfortable furniture arranged to maximize the view. Damien stood when I entered, dressed in dark loungewear that somehow looked elegant on his tall frame. “He’s discreet,” Damien countered. “You’d hardly notice him. And he’s not there to report your activities to me–he’s there to ensure nothing happens to you.”
“I can manage,” I finally said, surprising even myself. “Just give me a few more minutes.” “Knowing you’re safe,” I answered honestly. “I can handle myself for a few days in Milan, but if something happened to you while I was away…”
“What’s this?” I asked, moving closer.
I nodded, unable to form words.
“I noticed you didn’t take any from the drawer,” Damien explained, noting my expression. “I thought you might want fresh ones for tomorrow. They’re newly purchased and laundered.“,
“That’s not comforting,” I murmured.
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“About your trip to Milan next week,” he began, setting down his cup.
I blinked in confusion. “Your bodyguard? Why would I need-‘
“Thank you,” I managed, tucking them discreetly beside me. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“Nothing will happen,” he assured me. “I’ve lived with these precautions for years.”
He stood then, pulling me gently to my feet and into his arms. The tea and fruit forgotten, I melted against him, feeling the solid warmth of his chest against mine.
“In anything.” His eyes traveled over me appreciatively. “But especially in that color.
And as I returned his kiss with equal fervor, clinging to his shoulders while his hands roamed possessively down my back, I realized I did understand after all. This was Damien Sterling declaring that I was his to protect, his to cherish, his to claim–and nothing in heaven or earth would stand in his way.
“Fruit tea,” Damien replied, gesturing for me to sit. “A special blend I thought you
might enjoy.”
“You did that for me?” I asked softly.
“Is that why you have cameras at your properties? Why your driver is always armed?” I asked, remembering details I’d noticed but never questioned.
“What would comfort you?” he asked.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?” he asked, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze.
“Damien,” I said gently, “I appreciate your concern, but having a bodyguard follow me around Milan would be awkward and unnecessary.”
“You look beautiful,” he said simply.
His arms tightened around me, one hand sliding up to cradle the back of my head. “Then I’ll kiss you until you know-” he whispered, before his mouth descended on mine in a kiss that was neither gentle nor tentative.
My hand tightened around his. “And you? Have you been targeted?”
A chill ran through me. “Are you in danger?”
< 152 Chapter 155
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I hesitated at the bathroom door, heart fluttering in my chest as I met Damien’s
intense gaze.
“Damien…” I whispered, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in his voice.
My heart swelled at his words. I realized then that his insistence on protection wasn’t about control; it was about a man who had found something precious and was determined not to lose it.
I noticed a tray on the low table between two plush armchairs–a teapot, two cups, and a plate of sliced fruits.
“There have been incidents in Europe recently,” Damien interrupted, leaning forward. “Nothing specific to target you, but general concerns about safety at major events.”
Chapter 155 – His Protective Vow, His Fiery Claim.
I glanced down at myself. “In pajamas?”
“Okay,” I relented. “Mr. Shaw can come to Milan.”
I bit my lip, processing this new information. “What about you? If you send your bodyguard with me, won’t that leave you vulnerable?”
“But now you have me to worry about,” I pointed out.
“I do many things for you, Hazel,” he replied, his voice low and intent. “Some you know about, others you don’t.”
“I have a security detail for a reason,” he answered quietly. “I’ve never wanted to burden you with this aspect of my life, but as we grow closer, I need you to understand why certain precautions are necessary.”
Damien was quiet for a long moment, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. When he finally spoke, his voice was controlled but edged with something darker.
He hesitated, then nodded once. “Yes. Three years ago, a colleague was killed in what appeared to be a mugging but was later confirmed as a premeditated attack.”
“Since we met,” he murmured against my hair, “I’ve found myself valuing my life more
than I ever have before.”
I tensed slightly. “What about it?”
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152 Chapter 155
“I think I do,” I said softly. “Because I feel the same way about your safety.”
Relief washed over Damien’s features. “Thank you. You’ve no idea what that means to me.”
The revelation stunned me. I’d known Damien was powerful and wealthy, but I’d never fully considered the potential dangers that came with his position.
“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “I’ve traveled alone before.”
We sipped our tea in comfortable silence for a moment, the moonlight casting silver patterns across the floor. When Damien spoke again, his tone had shifted to something
more serious.
I accepted the delicate cup, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. “Where did you
learn to make fruit tea?”
A smile touched his lips. “I have others. My security team is extensive.”
“My work involves sensitive matters, Hazel. Weapons development, defense contracts
-it creates enemies.”
He poured the tea, a fragrant blend that filled the air with notes of citrus and berries. “I try to anticipate what might make you comfortable.”
The thoughtfulness of it–combined with the slight awkwardness of discussing underwear–made me both touched and flustered.
“No,” he said, his eyes intense and burning with purpose. “I don’t think you do.”
“I’d like to send Mr. Shaw with you.”
“Why?” I asked. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“I take precautions,” he said, not quite answering my question. “But those close to me could potentially become targets as well.”
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “This isn’t about doubting your capabies. It’s about my peace of mind.”
“Yes,” he confirmed. “And it’s why I’d feel much better if you allowed Mr. Shaw to accompany you to Milan. Not to monitor you, but to protect you.”
I studied his face, noting the genuine worry in his eyes. “You’re really concerned, aren’t
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The admission stunned me. Damien Sterling, powerful businessman and heir to one of the country’s most influential families, had watched tea tutorials for me.
As I settled into the chair, I noticed something else–a small pile of neatly folded undergarments on the side table next to me. My cheeks heated instantly.
His expression softened. “Yes, and it changes everything. Before, I was careful because it was expected of me. Now, I’m careful because I have something–someone–worth coming home to.”
This was a claiming, a promise, a vow sealed with fire instead of words. His lips moved against mine with fierce determination, as if he could pour every ounce of his protective instinct and burning desire directly into me through this connection.
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