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“Really spectacular sex,” I amend.

Her mouth twitches.

“It was still just sex, Clarissa.”

“Okay.”

“Stop saying okay like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you think I'm completely full of shit.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You're very loud when you don't say anything.”

She smiles. I hate that I've started liking her.

I turn toward the window. Damian's house sits next door, quiet in the morning sun. My gaze immediately finds the top floor.

His bedroom.

My skin warms.

And suddenly I remember the strangest part of last night.

Not the pleasure.

Not his magic.

Not even the bite.

The peace.

For those hours in Damian's arms, something inside me had felt different.

Right.

Whole.

Like a part of me I'd stopped waiting for years ago had finally woken up and stretched. Crimson and gold light flickers beneath the skin of my hands.

I curl my fingers into fists.

“No,” I whisper again.

This time, even I don't believe myself.

My phone rings.

I jump hard enough to make Clarissa squeak.

“Goddess!”

“It's just your phone!”

“I know that!”