đź–¤ Chapter 7: His Obsession, Her Weapon
From the novel: Owned by the Devil
By C. Amara Vale
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Zara sat cross-legged on the edge of Damien's massive bed, a cigarette burning between her fingers.
She didn't smoke.
But she wanted to see what would happen when he saw the ash on his sheets.
The door opened.
She didn't flinch.
Damien walked in wearing nothing but black slacks, his chest bare and damp from the rain outside. The ink on his skin glistened under the soft lighting — bold lines, hidden scars, power inked in every symbol.
He stopped mid-step.
"You're playing with fire."
Zara blew out a perfect circle of smoke. "I thought you liked that."
He strode across the room in two steps and snatched the cigarette from her mouth, crushing it out in his palm like it didn't burn him.
"Don't test me today."
"Why?" she said. "Bad mood, or did one of your enemies send flowers again?"
Damien didn't answer.
He turned and poured himself a drink instead. Neat bourbon. No ice. The way monsters drank.
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"They've put a hit on you."
Zara blinked. "You're joking."
"I don't joke." He took a slow sip. "Especially when it comes to your life."
She rose to her feet, the silk slip she wore falling around her like shadows. "Then why am I not already on a plane to nowhere?"
"Because I'm not letting you out of my sight."
She stepped closer, voice low. "You want to keep me safe… or just keep me?"
His jaw ticked. "Both."
She smiled coldly. "I'm not your weakness, Damien."
"No," he said, finishing his drink. "You're the weapon I keep polishing."
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The room vibrated with silence.
Then his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and stiffened.
One word escaped his lips like a curse.
"Santos."
Zara didn't know the name, but the way Damien set the glass down and grabbed his gun told her enough.
He clicked the safety off.
"I have to take care of something."
She crossed her arms. "Let me come."
"No."
"Why? Because I'm the girl in the pretty collar?"
He turned to her slowly.
"No, Zara. Because I know how Santos ends things."
He walked up to her, cupped her jaw, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Stay alive for me."
He was gone before she could stop him.
And the silence left behind felt like a goodbye.
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What happens when the devil leaves his heart unguarded… even for a moment?
To be continued...
By C. Amara Vale
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