Last night, I didn’t ask questions either. Helping him get his hurt off his mind was my intention. I saw this broken man, battered and bruised, and wanted to make him feel better.
It wasn’t the time to ask questions. But with the delicate situation, I’m unsure if there’ll ever be a right time. I hardly know Damien. What makes me think he’ll even confide in me?
I’m a stranger.
A girl with a shady father.
There must be some trust if he brought me to Antonio’s. From the look they exchanged in the kitchen, it was clear Damien knew he was crossing a line. But it was also clear that Antonio wouldn’t punish him for it.
I glance out the window, people-watching as we pass them. “Are you and Antonio close?”
“We’ve been close friends since childhood. He’s my boss, and I’m also Amara’s godfather.”
“When you say boss, do you mean boss at the casino or boss in another line of work?”
He stares straight ahead, curling his hand tight around the steering wheel. “He’s my boss.”
Alllll riiiighty.
The silence reemerges for the rest of the ride.
“Do you want to come up?” I ask when he parks.
He grabs his key fob from the cupholder and exits the SUV. I open the door, but before I step out, he appears at my side and helps me.
As we walk toward my building, he runs his hand along my shoulders. It’s a simple touch but lights my body on fire. We’re quiet as we climb the stairs.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask when we’re inside my apartment.
I’ve swallowed this man’s cum, but I don’t even know his drink preferences.
Pippa the dancing slut over here.
But Damien doesn’t make me feel shame for that.
Somehow, someway, I feel comfortable with every line I’ve crossed with him.
“I’m good.” He loosens his cuff links while I trail him into the living room.
“Let me change out of these clothes really quick.” I go to my bedroom to swap my tank and shorts for a loose summer dress.
Damien is in the living room, taking in the space while I sit on the couch.
He slowly does the same.
Has this man ever allowed anyone to get close to him?
More-than-sex close?
I shift to face him and cross my legs. “I’m sorry about your family, Damien.” My heart aches at what little information he told me. I can’t imagine the pain sweeping through him.
His face is blank, and he doesn’t say a word.
When I reach out to take his hand, he tenses, causing me to immediately jerk back. He winces as our eyes meet, a wild storm in his. My breathing catches when he grabs my hand and envelops it with his.
I scoot in closer. “What happened?”
His eyes don’t meet mine, and his Adam’s apple bobs as he speaks. “A casino competitor blew up my parents’ house, killing them, along with my sister and grandparents.”