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“Damien, calm down,” I demand, my patience with his attitude wavering off.
“I’m not talking to you right now.”
His gaze is ice cold. I want to believe it’s his way of processing the worries he has because of me, but my chest twitches.
“Listen to her. I understand and respect your concern, but it’s her heart medication. She wasn’t well.”
Just for one second, Damien’s features soften as his eyes travel up and down my body, concern etched in his eyes. It doesn’t take long, though, before the icy stare replaces the warmth once again.
Liam rises to his feet. His mission is over. He’s neither interested in confronting Damien nor to see Alex again. He just wanted to meet me, and in his own way, warn me.
“I’m out of here. If you ever want to contact me, which you should because you love her, ask Alex for my number.”
Alex grips Damien’s arm, his jaw clenching with all the strength he needs to keep Damien in his spot.
Liam stops next to me and says, “It was definitely interesting meeting you. I’ll keep in mind what you said. You should do the same.”
His voice is flat as our gazes meet mid-air. There’s no hiding that we acknowledge we share something in common—loss, grief, and someone else. I still debate who. I nod in response while Damien eyes me as if not recognizing who I am anymore.
“Stay away from my family,” Alex warns.
“Impossible.”
He turns his head around and looks at Alex one more time over his shoulder, a flash of animosity passing through his eyes, followed by a silent challenge. He disappears down the corridor, and Damien paces around, nostrils flaring. He loves me enough to calm himself down before saying something he can’t undo and will regret. It reassures me we’re on the right path.
Yes, I could have said no to Liam, but when do I ever back away from the things I want? Why start now? I’m aware I hurt Damien, but some things I will do just for myself.
“Bria, I swear to god, I could strangle you myself. What the fuck was going through your mind? Have you any idea who you just met?” Alex scolds.
“You tell me. Should I be afraid of you too, then?”
He flinches, digging a finger in his chest.
“I’m the man you have known for the last seven years, and you ask something like that? You’re unbelievable.”
“I didn’t mean it like that, but you treat me as if I’m some kind of idiot.”
“Because right now, I don’t see anything resembling even an ounce of intelligence.”.
I greet my teeth and glare at him. “I wasn’t in danger, not with him, and you know it. Why are you yelling at me then?”
“Because you could not possibly know if he is or is not dangerous. He’s a stranger to you. And like it or not, your last name draws attention. Why are you even here?”
“I’m tired, and I want to go home,” I turn my back to them, and dart toward the exit.
“This conversation isn’t over.”
“Yes, whatever,” I mumble. One drama-free night. Is it so damn impossible?
Damien doesn’t hold my hand, he doesn’t even look at me. It’s like I don’t even exist, and I force my pain back. How can I make him understand there is a connection between Liam and me? I am sure he will return, and I need to find out what it is.
We wait outside where everyone fidgets on the pavement, even though I’m sure Alex didn’t tell them what happened. He’s loyal to me first and foremost, thankfully.
“Hi, sis, are you all right?” asks Filip.
“I’m sorry that tonight ended sooner than expected, but I’m tired.”
“The only thing that matters is you being okay. There will be other nights,” he assures, smiling at me. I nod and embrace him as he shelters me in his arms. I take all the comfort he offers me and envelop myself in it. I’ll need it for what’s coming.
