Page 62 of Devotion

It’s possibly the last glass of champagne at play, but I snort a little at the comment as we take the steps beside the garage up to my apartment.

“No way you just fucking laughed at that,” he teases, holding my back as I fumble inside my clutch for my keys.

“Come on. You have to see the irony in that statement.”

He doesn’t answer, but he’s a smart guy. He understands my meaning. From the woman who earns her living photographing actual proof that he’s not a gentleman, I’ve possibly got more right thananyoneto call him out on this.

Once I have the door open, the vibe between us shifts. We’ve been flirty and rather hands-on this evening, and it has me more than a little turned on. But it’s never far from mind that Damien’s not the average, ordinary guy.

He’s innately dark and wicked beyond words. A nightmare despite having excellent genetics that make him practically irresistible in his expensive, tailored suit.

The very idea of a man like him can be summed up with one word—dangerous.

Still, there’s this pull toward him that has my limbs weak, has my body threatening to collide into his. It’s the reason my lips part to offer an invitation.

“You—”

“Goodnight, Layla.”

Damien’s words overshadow mine, so much that I’m not even sure he realizes that single syllable left my mouth. But he’s right. Our night should end here. It’s what’s best.

It’s what’ssafe.

Giving the back of my neck a gentle squeeze, he places a single kiss on my forehead, contrasting the heat and urgency of the one we shared while pinned against the brick wall. And yet, somehow, this one’s better.

“Goodnight,” I force out, fighting the urge to say more, extend the invitation I intended to just a moment ago.

He turns to leave, and there’s an unmistakable ache in my gut as I step inside my place, twisting the lock, ensuring that I’ll spend tonight alone, wanting.

I step out of my heels, then my forehead falls against the door. My thoughts are utter chaos, matching my racing pulse, but I’ve done the right thing.

I’ve done the right thing.

Right?

My breathing sounds erratic as I begin to pace, at war within myself as I question whether I’ve made a mistake letting him go. Yes, I know he’s all bad, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about him at all the wrong times.

Hasn’t stopped me from wanting him.

Before I lose my nerve, I undo the lock and pull the door open, knowing my mind’s made up about chasing after him. But when I’m met by a wild gray stare, something’s become clear…

I won’t have to.

The beast I should be resisting, the one who’s brutality I’ve witnessed firsthand… is back, standing at my door. A million warning sirens sound off inside my head, because I’ve just become aware of a very pertinent fact.

Once I’ve had Damien, once his flesh and mine have intertwined in the most carnally satisfying way known to man… true addiction will undoubtedly take hold.

And if that happens, it may never let me go.

23

Layla

Large, strong hands brace against either side of the doorframe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man more desperate, more at war with his nature.

“Tell me to leave.”

The raspy command falls from Damien’s lips, and I swallow the lump in my throat. He’s right. Ishouldtell him to leave, but I’m silent instead, frozen in place.

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