Damian exhaled, steadying himself. "Can we sit first? And order? Please. This is the first time we're having dinner anywhere outside the company."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Whether I order or not, I'm leaving when you finish explaining. You made it very clear that we should keep our distance."
That one landed hard. His shoulders stiffened, and regret flickered in his eyes. "I know and I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'm sorry for all I said and how I said them. I shouldn't have said any of that. I thought I was protecting you… but I only ended up hurting you."
Chloe's breath hitched, but she refused to let her expression soften. She remained standing for a moment longer, as if deciding whether to walk away or give him the chance to speak.
Finally she sighed, pulled out the chair, and sat.
Damian slowly sat too.
