Page 39 of Endless Love

His argument is valid enough. Yes, I have nothing to worry about.

“Cold feet yet?” I ask, chewing my lower lip, and his eyebrows knit.

“Bria, should I worry I fucked you into irrationality?”

I burst into laughter, and he joins me. He wraps me to him. I have everything my heart desires.

“What should we do for the rest of the day?”

“Just lie here and forget about the world?”

“That’s a hard one to top.”

“You realize tomorrow will be an exhausting day? Poor baby, I can’t imagine how tedious it might get to shop for a wedding dress.” I grip his chin between my thumb and forefinger and shake him.

“Damien, don’t make fun of me finding my wedding dress.”

I climb out of bed and parade naked in front of him. Whatever he would have said next dies on his lips as his entire demeanor changes. His gaze turns darker, and his eyes burn with promise. I love the effect I have on him.

Goal accomplished. I sway into the dressing room and chuckle at hearing him groan.

“You’re not serious right now?”

“We spent enough time in bed. I miss London. So, hop up.”

I turn my head and watch him, his back leaning against the bed frame, lost in thoughts. I grasp he’s not happy with the prospect. He might want to keep me here, secluded, and remembering only the happy times and memories we made together. On the one hand, I find it ridiculously sweet, but on the other, hypocritical.

For him, it was seven years spent in a rush, in warm bodies in which he’d find a quick release and years when he matured and became not only a strong man but also a respected businessman. A sigh parts my lips at how he wants to shield me from this part of his life when he indulged himself in activities that kept him afloat while I sank into darkness and illness. It was his coping mechanism. I can’t ease him, it is his road to walk and find redemption, but at the end, I will wait with outstretched arms for him. His sad face calls to me. I put one of his shirts on and walk toward him.

“Stop tormenting yourself over things we can’t change. You don’t owe me anything.” His eyes shut, closing off all the misery I just glimpsed, and he fists the sheet.

“You’re wrong. I owe you everything. London was my playground. On every corner is a shadow of my past that will try to lure you in and hurt you.” He drags a hand through his hair, and when his eyes land on me, he says, “I can’t protect you from it. Like a sucker for pain, you crave it. You know what I’m talking about, and still, your curiosity is greater than your self-preservation.”

Yes, but the words my brother said to me about ignoring push me further. We have to overcome all the worry, the doubts, the decisions of the past. It’s another step toward healing and putting the past behind us. I am ready to confront whatever crosses my path.

“You either come with me, and we’ll face it together, or you stay here like a coward and let it linger between us.”

“So brave, Bria, like a soldier when faced with death, thinks he will die a hero believing in leaving behind a better place because of his sacrifice.”

His intensity sends chills through me. He’s not happy with my decision, but he just has to suck it up. I stomp back to the dressing room and put on a pair of slim jeans, a patterned cream and brown sweater that hangs loosely over my hips, and ankle boots. I tie my hair in a bun and wrap a scarf around my neck. Heavy steps approach, and although I knew he’d eventually give in, the relief undoes me. I raise my eyes to him standing in the middle of the doorway.

“You look beautiful.”

These three words light me up and make my day. I have never considered myself a fan of compliments, but when the man of my dreams looks at me lost in adoration and says them, that’s something else. I stare at his naked, ripped body and his flexed muscles, captivated by the sight as he poses with no shame.

“Like what you see, baby? Did I interrupt your gawking?”

His grin turns to mischievous. He is infuriatingly cocky, but I love this side of him. Damien is carnal and unapologetic when it comes to nudity. I point a finger at him and say, “Although your attempt at enticing me has its appeal, I won’t change my mind.”

I mean, it wouldn’t be that hard to distract me, so I rush out as Damien throws his head back and laughs, his perfect set of white teeth flashing at me.

“If you come out of that room naked, I will put you on a sex-free diet until our wedding. How is that for fair play?” I threaten over my shoulder, and he backtracks.

“There’s no need to take such drastic measures. I’m only human.”

“There’s still your hand.”

“Bria.”

---