Page 25 of The Perfect Deception

Damien pulls back, his eyes filled with desire. “I can’t get enough of you,” he says, his voice low and sexy.

“Who says I want you to?” Damien surprises me by lifting me off the bed, my feet dangling as he carries me to the bathroom. I giggle, a mix of amusement and anticipation in my voice.

He sets me down in the shower, the hot water cascading over us as we move together. His hands explore my body, his touch sending waves of pleasure through me. I can see the heat in his eyes, and I know he’s just as surprised by our sexy times as I am.

“Have you had your fill yet?” I can’t stop smiling, my body still pulsing. My nipples are sensitive, my whole body feeling deliciously alive.

I feel a connection with Damien that goes beyond just physical attraction, something deeper that scares me a little, but also makes me want to stay.

After a few moments, he helps me gently remove the plug, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment.

We step out of the shower, and Damien wraps a towel around me, his touch gentle as he dries me off. He leads me back to the bed, his eyes never leaving mine.

He crawls in bed next to me, his gorgeous lips twisting into a beautiful smile. “Never,” he says, his voice low and sexy.

I feel a rush of love and warmth, my heart swelling with emotion. “Good,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart is as full as my body, but my mind is racing.

I think Mr. Damien Wolfe is falling in love with me.

Me.Little ol’ me.

As my body relaxes into the mattress and his muscular arms wrap around me, I smile to myself because I know I love Damien.

And I think he loves me too.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Damien

“I don’t believe it.” I’m back at Serenity House, staring at the screens in awe. Olivia’s progress is leaps and bounds ahead of last week. “Doc, please tell me I’m not seeing things. This is real, right?”

Dr. Atkins grins, adjusting his sweater vest. “It’s very real, Mr. Wolfe. I’ve been thinking, with each improvement Olivia makes, it changes things a bit. Maybe we should consider regular updates on the software side of things, or ‘debugging’ as you tech guys call it.” He clears his throat, a nervous habit when he’s not 100% sure. “We don’t have set milestones that automatically trigger an update, but I’d bet my degree that’s what’s happening with Olivia.”

“So, it’s working? The interface is helping her connect the dots?”

“Most definitely.” Dr. Atkins nods vigorously. “Look here, this highlighted section? Memories. We all recall memories differently, but the brain stores them the same. Some people useimages, others smell or sound. For your sister, your voice is the key to unlocking her memory core.”

“That’s amazing.” The progress so far gives me hope Olivia will get better soon and she’ll finally get the life she deserves. When that happens, she won’t have to live in a world wheretheyall still draw breath. She’ll be free and clear to live her life, to enjoy it and thrive.

With this breakthrough, I know what I have to do. The List needs my full attention. “Good job, Atkins.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wolfe. And thank you for this opportunity. This is fascinating, and I have to say that Olivia is a compelling subject.”

“And why is that?”

Dr. Atkins holds up his hands, a hint of defensiveness in his gesture. “What I’m trying to say is, despite being nonverbal, Olivia’s brain is far from atrophied. She’s flexing her mental muscles regularly, keeping them sharp and active. Based on these readings, I’d wager she has a rich, complex inner world. A landscape of thoughts, memories, and emotions.”

I blink, trying to wrap my head around his words. “In plain English, Doc? Break it down for me.”

He leans forward, perched on the edge of his seat, eyes glued to the monitors. “For decades, people believed nonverbal patients were trapped in a mental void. An empty expanse of nothingness. But Olivia? I’d say she’s got a vibrant mind, buzzing with activity. I bet she’s been hearing everything and wanting to respond, but unable to do it.” He taps his temple, his smile wide and eyes sparkling with curiosity. “And that, myfriend, is a wonderful thing. It means she’s still in there, fighting to come back to us.”

“I get it,” I reply, my voice a bit too forceful. “Thank you, Doc. Really.” An unexpected wave of feeling crashes over me, throwing me off balance. My heart pounds, but it’s not the usual thrill or anticipation that comes with closing in on a target. No, this feels suspiciously like fear, mixed with an overwhelming sense of hope.

I’ve spent my entire adult life building an empire, amassing the resources—both human and financial—to save my sister. Every decision, every move, every calculated risk has been leading up to this very moment. Dr. Atkins’ revelation hits me like a freight train. I’m close, so damn close to making it a reality. To give Olivia the life she deserves.

Atkins meets my gaze, as if he’s trying to read my thoughts. “Mark my words, Damien. What we’re doing here? It’s groundbreaking. Nobel Prize worthy. No bullshit.” His confidence is evident in his steady voice and direct eye contact. “We’re on the cusp of something extraordinary. You’ll see.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. I turn to Olivia, a smile tugging at my lips. “You hear that, sis? You’re amazing. A fighter. Keep pushing, keep holding on.” I lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment as if I could will her back to awareness through the sheer force of love.

---