219
~Damon's POV
She ran, I followed, and the thunder above us seemed like nothing compared to the thunder in my chest.
Minutes passed like that, chasing, catching, letting her slip away, only to drag her back. Every sound she made melted something inside me I didn't even know could melt.
Finally, I caught her again, and this time I didn't let go. I lifted her in my arms. "Enough," I said, my voice rough but soft. "That's enough, Lisa."
Her breath was shaky from laughter, her cheeks flushed pink. She opened her mouth to protest, but then…
She sneezed.
A small sound, almost delicate. But to me, it was like a knife.
I froze. My hold tightened around her. "Lisa," I said sharply. "You've caught a cold. This is exactly what I was avoiding."
She blinked, then smiled up at me with mischief in her eyes. "I'm fine. It's just one sneeze."
"Just one sneeze?" I echoed, my voice harsh. "No. I told you this was dangerous. Now look."
