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His expression changes so completely that I almost regret asking.

“Never.”

The word is absolute. He comes around the table but stops several feet away.

“I would rip off my own wings before I'd ever hurt you.”

“That's very dramatic.”

“I'm a Jersey Devil. We don't do subtle.”

I smile despite the tears burning behind my eyes. Then Damian's face changes again.

His confidence disappears.

For the first time since I've known him, Damian Leeds looks nervous. Actually nervous.

“I need to tell you something else.”

“There's more?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, good. Because this conversation hasn't been emotionally catastrophic enough.”

He doesn't laugh.

My heart starts pounding.

“Damian? What is it?”

“I love you.”

Everything inside me stops. His wings shift behind him.

“I love you, Belinda.”

No swagger.

No command.

No Mine.

Just Damian.

A man standing in my kitchen looking more vulnerable than I have ever seen him.

“I've never said that to a woman before.”

My eyes sting. He drops to his knees.

“I've never felt it. Not for anyone else.”

He takes one slow breath.

“But I feel it for you, Belinda Ramos. With every fucking thing I am, I love you.”

My magic flares.