Page 29 of Bound By Longing

“What were you like when you were a kid?”

“I don’t do backstory.”

“Then what do you do?”

“I usually fuck the women who come to my place.”

Right on cue, her face turns beat red.

“But don’t worry,” I say. “I won’t fuck you. You look like you might pass out if I tried to touch you.”

She lets out a slow breath. “Well, thank goodness for that.”

Her obvious innocence makes me laugh. “I like you, Mila, because you’re a breath of fresh air.”

She’s silent for a moment as she stares into her lap. Then she looks back at me. “Damien, when can I go home?”

“When I feel like it.”

“Let me call my sisters to let them know I’m at least all right.”

“No.” I know if I let Mila call, Mikhail will find a way to track it and find Mila here. Then I’ll be in big fucking trouble. “But how about this? Wait until morning. When it’s light out, it’s safer. You can leave then. Until then, spend the night. You’ll be safe here. I promise.”

She studies me with curious eyes. I don’t like it—her eyes are too open. Too vulnerable. It’s like she can see past my exterior.

“Why did you save me?” she asks.

“Because I wanted to,” I answer honestly.

A long moment passes between us.

Until the doorbell rings, breaking the spell. Collete answers the door, and after a moment, a young woman walks inside. Nadia. One of my casual hookups. We like to meet up every so often to fuck.

“Nadia,” I say, standing up. “I didn’t know you were coming here.”

“I missed you.” She eyes Mila over. “I didn’t realize you have company.”

“I do. So, you’re going to need to go.”

Nadia pouts. “Do I have to?”

“Yes.” I start walking her to the door when Mila stands up.

“She can stay.”

Her words shock me, honestly. “You want Nadia to stay?” What is Mila up to?

“I do. Clearly, you guys are together. Don’t let me get in your way.”

She doesn’t want to be alone with me, I realize. Nadia helps offer Mila protection. Smart. Mila has more brains to her than I’ve given her credit.

“You can stay,” Mila says to Nadia.

“I didn’t realize I needed your permission,” Nadia replies, making Mila stutter and blush.

“I was just saying …”

I walk over to Mila. “You really want Nadia to stay?”

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