Page 42 of Cruel Salvation

“Well?”

“I liked the first because it had good bones, but it would be a lot of work. The second was stunning and those views just felt so tranquil, but neither felt right. But it’s not my house. How did you feel?”

“The same. I liked them both well enough, but I didn’t walk in and instantly get that feeling of home or that this was where I could see myself.”

“Yeah, I get that, and this is very different from your place in London.”

“I wouldn’t say my place in London feels like home either. I like it well enough, but I spend so much time at work, I just bought it because it was a good investment.”

“That’s the most billionaire thing you’ve ever said.”

Damon grinned as he pulled the car up to the first barn conversion. “What does that even mean?”

Naz wrinkled her nose and it was cute as fuck. “Only somebody with mountains of money buys a million-pound house in London he doesn’t really like and justifies it because it’s a good investment.”

“I think buying a house as an investment in London is the only reason.”

“You don’t like living in London?” she asked as they stepped out of the car.

“I don’t hate it, but I love the quieter pace in the country.”

Naz lifted her head to the sun and closed her eyes, and he could help but pull her into his arms. “Me too. It’s a good place to raise kids.”

Damon felt his heart pounding fast in his chest but didn’t want to assume or seem too eager with his response. “I agree.”

She lifted on tiptoes and kissed him quickly before ducking away, forcing him to follow her.

They walked around the property, hand in hand, and he could tell from her reaction this wasn’t the one either. “One more to go.”

“Hey, don’t sound so despondent.”

“I’m not. I just know properties like this aren’t exactly plentiful around here.”

“You could always buy land and build.”

He hadn’t considered that, but she was right. In this part of the country, land was abundant and he was lucky money wasn’t an issue for him.

“What kind of house did you grow up in?”

Naz pursed her lips and he hoped he hadn’t stood on a landmine. Her parents and childhood were a touchy subject, but he also knew talking was what she needed. She might not agree though, so he had to tread carefully. “Did I just overstep?”

Naz shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I don’t talk about it much because what’s the point. I can’t go back and change things.”

“Do you ever see your father?”

Again, she shook her head. “No, part of coming into Shadow was letting my past go. He thinks I died and, honestly, he didn’t even go to the funeral I supposedly had. Apparently, a board meeting was too important to miss for his only daughter.”

“Wow, what a dick. Sounds like you’re better off without him.”

“I am, but it still stings sometimes. No child wants to feel like they aren’t wanted or loved.”

He took her hand and drew her close as they stood at the entrance to the last property. “I hate that you felt that way.”

“It’s fine. I’m mostly over it.”

“His loss. You’re an amazing woman.”

Her tinkling laugh filled his ears and a light jolt hit his chest. “I love you, Naz. I know you aren’t there, but I need you to know it. This house, I want it to be ours one day when, and if, you’re ever ready.”