Elena froze when she noticed him. Her cheeks burned under the mask, though she tried to play it off by straightening the blanket around her legs.
Damian walked closer, his smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What's this?" he drawled, tilting his head.
"My cupcake playing dress-up with mud on her face?"
Elena narrowed her eyes at him, but there was a spark of amusement there. "It's called self-care, Damian. Something you clearly know nothing about."
He chuckled low, sliding one hand into his pocket. "Maybe you should show me, then."
Her brows shot up. "You? With a face mask? I can't picture it."
"Try me."
She blinked. He wasn't joking. His dark eyes glittered with challenge.
Slowly, Elena reached for the brush and the little jar, her fingers trembling slightly as she dipped it into the cool cream.
"Hold still," she whispered, moving closer.
Damian sat on the arm of the sofa, leaning slightly toward her. For once, he didn't demand or command—he simply allowed.
Elena's hand was steady now as she gently brushed the cream along the sharp line of his jaw, the straight bridge of his nose, and finally his forehead.
"Careful," he murmured, his lips quirking. "If anyone sees me like this, my reputation will be ruined."
Elena giggled softly, unable to help herself. "You look… less terrifying already."
Their eyes met. His gaze softened—just a fraction—and lingered on her parted lips. The air shifted. Her hand lowered slowly, but neither of them pulled away.
And then, Damian leaned in. His lips brushed hers in a kiss that was uncharacteristically gentle. Elena's breath caught, her heart racing.
The kiss deepened, slow and consuming, until—
"Ohhh my god!" Tatiana's voice broke in from the doorway.
Both of them froze, pulling apart. Elena's face turned scarlet beneath the mask, while Damian simply straightened, his expression unreadable though a muscle ticked in his jaw.
Tatiana burst out laughing, holding her drink. "Really, cousin? A face mask and a kiss? At this rate, Elena, you'll turn the devil into a boyfriend by next week."
"Tia!" Elena squeaked, hiding her face behind her hands.
Damian stood, shooting his cousin a murderous look, but Tatiana only winked. Without a word, he walked out of the room, his long strides full of restrained tension.
Behind him, Tatiana collapsed onto the sofa, cackling. "Oh, Elena. I think you've just discovered my cousin's weak spot."
Elena groaned, still red as a cherry. But inside, her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
The next day;
The smell of freshly baked croissants and strong coffee filled the dining room. Elena sat stiffly in her chair, poking at her eggs while Damian scrolled through something on his phone.
"Stop stabbing your food like it offended you," he muttered without looking up.
Her eyes narrowed. "Maybe it did offend me."
Damian raised his head then, that infuriating smirk tugging at his lips. "Careful, cupcake. Keep glaring at your breakfast like that and I'll have to punish it… no one dares offend my cupcake."
Elena's fork slipped, clattering onto the plate. Her cheeks flamed.
From across the table, Tatiana nearly choked on her juice, laughing. "Oh my god, you two are like a married couple. I can't deal."
"Shut up, Tia," Elena mumbled, hiding behind her hair.
Tatiana only grinned wider. "Speaking of married couple things Elena and I are going shopping today. Girls' day."
Damian's dark gaze flicked to Elena, then back to his coffee. He didn't object.
After breakfast, the two girls headed upstairs to get dressed.
Elena pulled out her wallet and showed Tatiana her bank card.
"This is enough," Elena said firmly.
Tatiana gasped dramatically. "Enough? Babe, that's nothing compared to what he has.
Do you know how long I've dreamed of shopping with Damian's card? And now, thanks to you, I finally can."
Elena blinked. "What? No, Tia. He gave me this card. I can't just—"
"Please, Elena," Tatiana cut in, clasping her hands together in mock pleading. "Do it for me, babe. Just… seduce him a little.
Bat your lashes, pout, maybe call him something cute. He'll melt like butter. Trust me."
Elena's stomach twisted. Seduce Damian? Was she insane?
Still, Tatiana's puppy-dog eyes wore her down. "Ugh… fine. But if he kills me, it's your fault."
Elena rushed downstairs and spotted Damian outside, about to get into his sleek black car. Her palms grew clammy. Okay, Elena, just… just be cute. How hard can it be?
"D-Damian!" she called, her voice squeaky.
He stopped mid-step, turned slowly, and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, cupcake?"
Her legs wobbled as she walked closer, wringing her hands together.
"Um, I… I need… well, Tatiana and I are going shopping, and…"
Damian leaned against the car, crossing his arms, enjoying every second of her flustered state. "Spit it out."
Elena bit her lip, trying to remember Tatiana's instructions.
She tilted her head, batted her lashes—probably too much—and forced a smile. "Pretty please, Damian… can I… maybe… borrow your card?"
For a long moment, silence.
Then Damian's low chuckle rumbled out, rich and amused. "This is your attempt at seduction? Elena, you look like you're auditioning for a bad school play."
Her face turned crimson. "Shut up! I'm trying here!"
He pushed off the car and stepped closer, his shadow swallowing hers. His hand lifted to tilt her chin up.
"You don't need to try, Elena. You could just breathe and I'd give you anything."
Her heart somersaulted.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a sleek black card, and pressed it into her palm.
"First you have to give me a kiss"
She swallowed hesitating at first then leaned towards pressing her lips on his, he kissed her passionately"
Her cheeks turned red and he smirked at the sight.
"Here. But don't get ideas. I know Tatiana put you up to this."
Elena's jaw dropped. "How—"
He smirked. "Because you'd never dare ask me for anything unless someone forced you. Next time, cupcake, learn to lie better."
She gaped at him, speechless. Damian chuckled again, brushing his thumb over her hand before stepping back.
"Go. Enjoy your little shopping spree