Page 34 of Bound By Longing

The moment the sun comes up, I rush downstairs. I need to leave. I need to see my sisters again.

“Where are you going?” Damien asks, walking down the stairs and wearing nothing but pajama pants. His bare chest is on full display, showing every inch of his hard muscle. I squeak and look away.

“I was going home. You said I could go when morning came.”

“I did say that, didn’t I?”

“You did. So, I’m leaving.”

“Fine. You can leave.”

I’m almost to the door when he says, “But, I have another idea.”

I know I shouldn’t ask, but … “What idea?” My hand rests on the doorknob. I could just leave. Damien wouldn’t physically hold me here. I know it.

But for some reason, I’m hesitant to leave. Sure, it’s for my own safety, but also … there’s something else. Another reason I don’t want to leave.

“I have some work to do at my club. You could come with.”

“What would I do at your club?” I glance at him, then quickly look away. I think I forgot he was shirtless for a moment.

“Be there with me.”

“Damien, I want to go home. We shouldn’t spend time together.”

I can feel him approach me from behind. “Why not?”

“Because you can’t give me what I need.”

“And what’s that?” His breath tickles the back of my neck.

A husband. Marriage. But I feel too silly to say anything.

“I understand,” he says as if he can read my mind. “I’m not looking for anything serious. And I take it you are?”

“That’s what’s expected of me.”

“And what if you did the unexpected? You don’t have to do what your family wants.”

I sigh and turn around to face him, even though it takes all my courage. I purposefully meet his eyes and ignore his chest. “But I want those things, Damien. I want to be married. I’ve always dreamed of it ever since I was a little girl.”

“I see.” His eyes rake over my face. I’ve never felt more vulnerable than with Damien. “I can’t force you to do anything you don’t want. But I’m going to ask you one question: Do you want to have fun with me?”

“I don’t know what that involves.”

“Just answer the question, Mila. Do you want to have fun with me?”

Do I? I know that I shouldn’t trust Damien even though he saved my life. I need to let my sisters know I’m ok. It’s not fair to keep them waiting like this.

But … I don’t want Damien to stop looking at me. I want to stay in his orbit. It’s stilly, though. He can’t offer me what I want in life. I should walk out that door and never see him again.

Except, I don’t want to.

“I want to have fun with you,” I admit in a whisper.

His eyes grow darker, and his smile widens. He’s the pure image of danger, and it sends shivers over me. “Good. Then let’s have fun.” He offers me his hand.

And after a moment, I take it.

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