d never been a man

grasp on every aspect of his life. Yet, as he sat in his father's grand estate, surrounded

rine w

vitation. Not

rents had decided, in their infinite wisdo

and filled with the usual discussions about business and legacy. What he hadn't expecte

e n

nclair, sent him a pointed look-one that warned him to behave. His father, Wi

has been eager to reconnect. It seems f

ost scoffed. More

acing the rim. "It's been far too long, hasn't it, Damian?" Her vo

s hands itched to grip his whiskey glass j

False. Everything a

the kind of woman who could stand beside a powerful man. But Damian knew the truth. He had seen the greed b

e, and now she expected to waltz

damn

derstand there may have been... difficulties

. "I never wanted things to end the way t

unreadable. "I know exactly

fest second, but she recovered quickl

eliberate slowness. "You assume t

ther, who often smoothed over tens

. "Katherine has been through a lot,"

stige of being attached to the Sincla

sation is pointless." He pushed back

voice harden

stretched between the

family is speaking to you," his father continue

s father's authority still lingered. Instead of outright defying him,

s curved in that coy smile he once fou

t," she said, tilting her head. "We used to

er statement sent a surge

e said smoothly. "We were conv

placed a gentle hand on his father's arm, a silent plea for restrai

sitting across from him, trying

didn't let the past

any

-

er D

ny, needing a moment of solitude. The city lights stretched b

n't have to turn t

ther

e she wore reaching his senses. Once, he had f

r voice softer now, less performative. "You

her. "I don't car

sharp beneath it. "Damian... we had s

low and mirthless. "You thi

think you're scared to admit that

I feel for you is regret-that I eve

ed, stepping for

't let h

coldly. "If you think I'll ever fall

confidence wavering. But Katherine was

lked back inside, leaving him

tation clawing at him. He needed to get out o

y one place he wan

th

hat made sense in the cha

e was done pret

-

r Tha

ate as he parked out

ked once

Barefoot, in a loose sweater and shorts, her hair sli

p at him, star

ng the door behind him, his hands already

he said against her

econd before her arms wrappe

murmured. "Just

n't push

, she le

hat night, Damian felt li