“I’m okay. I just couldn’t sleep...”
All of a sudden, he lifts me up to have me sit on the kitchen counter, facing him. He is still taller than me, so Ihave to look up. Standing so close to each other like this, with him between my legs, is kind of embarrassing. But he doesn’t seem to care. Instead, he keeps his hands on my waist and lands a soft kiss on my forehead. Then, he retreats to look at me in the eye with a stern expression.
“Are you worried? About facing your brother?”
I just nod, biting my lip anxiously. I have to admit I am. It’s not like we will be thrilled to see each other... And we will have to discuss some really, really painful memories.
“I hope I will get the answers I’m looking for. It kills me to be in the dark, not knowing why Alec resents me so much, why he hated me all this time...Why he hurt me so. I just... I don’t know how I can find the strength to face him after everything that happened.”
Damian gently brushes my hair and leans to gently kiss my neck. I shiver slightly, but his lips keep going, flying like butterflies from my neck to my jawline, to my cheek, before he finally takes my lips for a sweet, long kiss. I answer his kiss, and a small fire ignites inside. Whenever Damian touches me, it’s like the most natural thing in the world. All of my anxiety goes away, replaced by this instinctive desire for my mate. Yet, I don’t want to let go of my human self, a bit shy and clumsy. I place my hands around his neck, looking to gather some self-confidence I don’t have. It’s like Damian’s strength is getting to me, and when our lips eventually part, I feel a lot better already.
He looks into my eyes and whispers, “Nora, I won’t let him do anything to you anymore. Don’t worry. I swear, I won’t let anyone touch you, hurt you, ever again.”
I smile at him and put my hand on his cheek. I love this man.
I don’t know when I realized it, and I don’t really care. I just know I do. The way he is so dangerous, yet so protectiveof those who matter to him. The way his silver eyes look at me as if he could capture me. His warmth, the feeling of his skin against mine, and how he kisses me, forceful yet so tender. It feels so dangerous, so wild, yet so right. It’s like I’m a different person, a version of myself I had yet to reveal. Being with Damian can be scary at times, but I still find myself wanting more.
Like this, when I lean to kiss him, despite blushing like crazy. It’s thrilling, and I feel a bit proud, being able to show my feelings, too. He smiles softly, obviously pleased by my boldness. Then he takes his turn to kiss me again.
“Oh please, can’t you guys get a room?”
I jump, surprised by Liam’s voice. Why can’t anyone sleep at this hour! He is looking at us with a disgusted face, with only his pants on and his hair all messy. Damian sighs and retreats a bit, leaving his hands around me but still watching his brother’s moves. Actually, Liam ignores us and walks to the fridge, opening it with a grumpy face on, scratching his bare stomach. He frowns and turns to me.
“Nora, you guys don’t have anything ready to eat here? I’m starving!”
Now that I think about it, I didn’t see him have dinner yesterday, aside from my almond cake. I don’t know who usually cooks for him, considering that he lives downstairs, but Liam is obviously clueless while looking at the fridge’s content. Damian sighs and lets me get down of the counter.
“I’ll make something if you can wait a bit.”
“Yes!”
He makes a winning gesture with his fist, and I just roll my eyes. I guess it’s okay to cook breakfast at five in the morning if everyone is up anyway... Tonia is still sleeping, but she will probably get up sometime soon, too, per usual.
Turns out I was right. An hour later, the four of us are sitting around the table, having breakfast while it’s still totally dark outside. Tonia turns to Liam as I’m serving orange juice. “What about the school, kid?”
Liam rolls his eyes and is about to say something, but then his eyes cross those of his brother. In a split second, Liam’s attitude changes and he sighs. “I... I’m going. After breakfast.”
I can’t help but smile. Apparently, Liam can be cheeky with others, but he won’t risk it in front of his older brothers... I already noticed it before with Nathaniel. He sighs, but Damian is just quietly enjoying his coffee. Now, Tonia is smirking while Liam is frowning at his breakfast.
I start drinking tea, absorbed by the first rays of sunlight, throwing orange and pink shades into the sky outside. Now that I think of it, we are on the 1st of December. It’s already been over two months since I met Damian, his brothers, and the siblings. My life really did change a lot in just a few weeks. So much, it’s almost unbelievable. I still feel like I could wake up at any moment, finding myself back in the basement and realizing this was all just a dream.
“What are you thinking about?”
Damian caught me daydreaming, and I blush a bit.
“Not much... When are we going?”
“It’s up to you, princess!”
I turn around. Nathaniel just arrived, looking very proper as usual. He walks up to us and helps himself with the coffee. Judging from the large cup, he probably didn’t get much sleep either.
“What about Alec?” I ask.
I was almost prepared to see him followed by my brother, maybe even Bobo, but he came alone. Now that I think about it, I didn’t even see them catching Alec
“It’s okay. Your brother is under tight surveillance and all ears for your questions.”
I frown. I don’t like the way he said this. He might be smiling, but I still don’t really believe it, not with his choice of words. I turn to Damian, hoping he did respect his promise, but he is eating his breakfast silently. I put my cup back and get up to face Nathaniel.
