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Lilah clears her throat. “It’s fine, Mom. I’m not surprised. His parents must’ve handed the judge some cash and told him what a fine, upstanding citizen Ash is.” She releases a defeated sigh before continuing. “They have connections everywhere.”
I pull my chair closer, wanting to tuck her within my body, to keep her safe, even though I know nothing will make her feel that way, not until he’s locked away. “I wish I could do more, baby. I hate seeing you upset. But I hope the next bit of news cheers you up.” She sits up straighter. “The videos and everything else are gone. You never have to worry about it again.”
She drops her fork, it clatters loudly against the plate. “Wha—how?”
“Someone on my team hacked his computer and erased all evidence of them.” Her bottom lip begins to tremble, and the next thing I know she flings herself over me, wrapping her soft arms around my neck, crumbling into my shirt. She weeps loudly for what feels like forever, and for once I know they’re happy tears.
Pulling back, she peers at me. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
I gently cup the face of the woman who I believe was put onto this earth to be mine. As I gaze into her eyes, I know this moment right here is the right moment to tell her what she makes me feel, no longer caring about finding the perfect time or the perfect place because none of that exists. We create our own perfection. And right now, the way she looks at me, the way my heart beats for her, that’s perfect for me.
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, baby.” I stroke her cheeks with my thumbs just as her mom stands to clear the plates. “You mean so much to me. Now that I know what genuine love feels like, I never want to let it go. I never want to let you go. I love you, Lilah.”
“Damian…” She places her hand on top of mine, the one still on her cheek. “I love you so much.” I pull my lips down and kiss her, letting my mouth tell her everything that my voice forgot. Yeah, this is perfect.
Chapter 25
Lilah
As Mom and I sit together on the couch, the sound of a running shower echoes across the room.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” she asks, her brows wrinkling as she sips her coffee.
“I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I’m going to stay with Damian in his apartment.” I lean my head against her shoulder.
She takes a deep breath then kisses my hair. “If I didn’t have to be back at work, I would stay much longer, but I’ll come back on Sunday. It should be a slow day.”
“Only if you can get away. I don’t want you to lose your job.” I hug her tight, not wanting to let go but knowing she needs to go back home. She’s a lead hairdresser at a swanky salon in Long Island, so she can’t be out of work long.
“I know, I just hate not being here. I’m glad you have Damian though. He seems like a great man.” My heart swells with affection at the mention of his name, but at the same time doubt rears its ugly head.
“He is. I just—”
She cocks her head back. “What is it, honey?”
“What if I’m wrong, Mom? I was so wrong about Ash. What if I just don’t know how to pick the right ones?” I hear the pitter-patter of the shower, glad that Damian is still inside because the last thing I want is for him to walk in on this conversation after he just told me he loves me.
“He’s good baby, so good. I see it. Don’t allow one bad man to cloud what you know in your heart.”
“I love him so much, but my feelings have grown so strong so fast. I’m scared it’s not normal. I worry it’ll all come falling down on us.”
“Love doesn’t work on our timetable, sweetheart. It just happens when it happens. It’s okay to be afraid but don’t let fear stop you from finding the type of love that’s stronger than life’s many struggles, because that type of love is worth everything.”
“You’re right,” I bite the inside of my cheek. I need her to be right. I’ll never overcome the pain if he hurts me too.
“If you find someone who gives you their unyielding devotion, who makes you feel more beautiful on the inside, that’s who you want by your side. And I have a feeling that’s him.”
Just then the door creaks open and Damian comes out dressed in a tight white T-shirt and grey sweatpants hung low on his hips. His muscles are on full display and I internally drool.
“Well kids, it’s time for me to go.” She rises to her feet and gives Damian a hug. She whispers something in his ear, then comes over to me and squeezes me tight. “Call me if you need anything at all. You hear me? I’ll rush back.”
“I will, but stop worrying.”
“Yeah, yeah, wait until you’re a mom. The worry never stops. But let me go before I decide I rather stay.”
I kiss her cheek. “You’re an amazing mom. I hope you know that.” She sniffles, pulling me in for another tight hug. She deserves her own happiness and her own Damian. I wish she’d meet someone to share her life with, but she never found anyone worth her time. Mom dated one man for a few years when I was around thirteen, but that was it. Maybe it’ll happen when she least expects it.
Damian’s powerful arms slide around me from behind as she walks out. He brushes my hair away from my shoulder as his warm breath skims across my neck, leaving soft kisses against my skin. I lean back, enjoying the feel of his hard body against mine. Just a simple kiss, and I melt into him. That’s how much he owns me.
