Damian froze at my words, his hands halfway lifted as though reaching for me. His eyes, however, burned with frustration-not at me, but at the situation.
"Amara, listen to me," he said, his voice low but urgent. He took a step closer, but I instinctively stepped back, folding my arms across my chest.
"I don't want excuses, Damian. What I saw-what everyone saw-was her clinging to you like she belonged here." My voice cracked, anger and hurt blending together. "And you... you didn't even call security yourself. You let her stand here and touch you."
His jaw clenched, the muscle twitching as he exhaled slowly. "Because I didn't want to make a bigger scene in front of the staff. I was trying to get her out without escalating it. But make no mistake, Amara-" His eyes locked on mine, intense and unflinching. "-I don't want Clara. I've never wanted her. The only woman I want... the only woman I will ever want... is you."
I swallowed, my heart slamming against my ribs, but I wasn't about to let my guard down that easily. "Then why does she keep coming back? Why does she feel bold enough to barge into your office, Damian?"
His expression softened as he stepped closer, slowly, as though afraid I'd push him away. "Because Clara doesn't understand the meaning of rejection. I've turned her down more times than I can count, but she clings to me because of who her father is. She thinks she can get away with it. But today-" His voice dropped, his tone sharp with finality. "-today was the last time. I'll make sure she never steps foot in here again."
Something in his tone made me pause. It wasn't just a promise-it was a vow.
I looked away for a moment, fighting the storm inside me. I could still feel the sting in my palms from slapping Clara, my chest still heavy with the weight of anger. But Damian's words... his eyes... they made it harder to stay furious.
He reached out gently, his hand brushing against mine. "Amara, I need you to trust me. I can't control who barges into my office, but I can control who owns my heart. And that's you. Only you."
I closed my eyes, exhaling shakily. The walls I'd built up cracked just a little as his thumb caressed my knuckles.
"Damian..." I whispered, torn between holding onto my anger and melting into the warmth of his voice.
I looked up into Damian's face, my breath uneven as the weight of my words hit me. Regret settled in almost immediately. "I shouldn't have spoken to you that way," I whispered, my voice low and filled with remorse. My chest tightened as I stepped closer, slowly closing the space between us.
Without waiting for his response, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly. The warmth of his embrace eased the heaviness in my heart. For a while, we simply stayed like that, pressed against each other in quiet stillness. His hand moved gently across my back, and little by little, I let myself relax in his arms.
After a moment, he lifted his head slightly, his tone calm yet certain. "You know Clara gave me an invitation for her father's anniversary," he reminded me softly. "We're going together."
I blinked, my heart skipping, realizing what he meant. Before I could say anything, his lips found mine in a slow, lingering kiss. The moment deepened, filling me with warmth, and I kissed him back, my hands resting against his chest as though anchoring myself to him.
When we finally pulled apart, Damian brushed a tender kiss against my lips once more before speaking again. "In less than an hour, we'll head home and prepare," he said with quiet confidence.
I nodded, still feeling the heat of his kiss lingering on my lips. With a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth, I turned and walked back to my desk, my body still buzzing with the closeness we had just shared.
It had been hours since we left the office, and by the time we reached the gate of his house, my heart was still racing. Damian stopped and looked at me, brushing his fingers through my hair. His hand lingered, tilting my face toward his, and then-without warning-his lips captured mine.
The kiss stole my breath. It was slow but consuming, leaving me trembling as warmth spread through me. I broke away, gasping softly, but before I could find words, he laced his fingers with mine and guided me inside.
In his room, the air shifted. My heart pounded wildly as he drew me close again, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that deepened with every second.
"Damian... what are you doing?" I whispered, my voice unsteady.
His answer came in the way he held me, the way his touch spoke louder than words. I felt my resistance melt away. His kisses trailed down my neck, and his hands moved with reverence, as though he was afraid I might break.
When he laid me gently on the bed, my breath caught. I had never been this close to anyone before-never allowed anyone to see me so vulnerable. A nervous shiver ran through me, but his eyes held mine, soft and questioning. He searched for permission, for trust, and I gave a faint nod.
As his hands slowly unbuttoned my clothes, my heart pounded harder. My body trembled, not from fear, but from the newness of it all. He whispered my name as if it was sacred, his lips finding mine again, guiding me into each moment with patience and care.
When the last barrier between us slipped away, he paused. His hand brushed across my cheek, his forehead leaning against mine. "Amara... I'll be gentle," he murmured.
And he was.
The first touch of pain made me gasp, my fingers tightening around his arm. But Damian stilled instantly, kissing my forehead, whispering reassurances until I nodded for him to continue. Slowly, the sharpness faded, replaced by a warmth that left me breathless. His movements were tender, cautious, as if every part of him was devoted to making me feel safe.
I clung to him, my voice breaking with soft moans as the tension eased, giving way to a closeness I had never known. It wasn't just passion-it was trust, it was surrender, it was the first time I gave myself completely to someone.
When it was over, he pulled me into his arms, holding me as though I was the most precious thing in his world. His lips pressed against my hair, his voice low and steady. "You're mine, Amara. Always."
And lying against his chest, I knew that night had changed everything.