Page 16 of Aine

“I don’t plan for us to be together in private.” He clears his throat. “Don’t tell anybody about your accident.”

I nod. It’s not like I was planning to.

A long silence stretches between us as Damien resumes walking, but it’s better than having to listen to his crude remarks. I don’t understand what he wants or why he’s claimed me as some sort of mate if he has no interest in me, but I’m not quite sure if I’m ready for the answer.

Not that I think he’d even give me one if I asked. Damien isn’t exactly chatty, and whenever he does speak, it’s only to be rude.

Damien reaches over my head to push open the front door, his force causing the heavy wood to slam against the wall with a loud bang. I can’t help but flinch and hope that doesn’t draw any attention.

I suck in a shaky breath as I look around, some of my nerves settling as I realize there’s almost nobody here. Most of the tables that fill the room are empty, and the few people who are in here pay Damien and me no attention.

A large, open kitchen is on my right, and the center island is filled with platters of food.

My mouth waters at the sight of it, and I can’t seem to look away as Damien leads me to a table in the back. Olivia catches my attention with a wave, the woman offering me a friendly smile as Damien rolls me in her direction.

I wave back, but I immediately drop my hand as her eyes dart to me and I realize it was Damien she was greeting. That’s awkward. They make eye contact over my head, and after a second, she clears her throat and turns back to her plate.

Damien sticks me next to her before walking around the side so I can see his face. He’s frowning, but I’m starting to think that’s just his natural expression.

“What do you want to eat?” he asks.

I shrug, my stomach rumbling loud enough that I know both of us can hear it. “I’ll eat anything.”

Damien blinks, glancing at my stomach before turning and heading to the island. I wait, expecting to get nothing for disappointing him with my answer, but I breathe out a sigh of relief as I watch him pick up two plates.

Olivia’s gaze burns into the side of my head, and after a second, I work up the courage to face her. She greets me with a soft smile, but it falls as she takes in my clothing.

“I’m glad to see you again!” I blurt out, all too aware that I’m wearing her dress and underwear. “Damien gave me this to wear, but I’ll give it back to you as soon as I can.”

Her eye twitches, and her lips tilt downward for just a moment before shifting into a smile.

“He gave it to me for my birthday,” she says, reaching out to finger the fabric. “It’s my favorite one.”

I grimace. “I’m sorry.”

Olivia laughs, the noise light and comforting. “It’s okay.” Despite her words, I can tell she’s annoyed, and I feel my guilt grow as she turns back to her plate.

Damien returns before I find any more words to say, the man’s arm brushing against mine as he sits to my right and sets a plate in front of me. It’s piled high with eggs and meats I don’t recognize, and I feel my mouth watering at the mere sight of it. It looks amazing and smells even better.

“Eat up,” he urges me, nudging the plate another inch in my direction before grabbing a sausage for himself and biting into it.

I don’t hesitate to dig in, my greedy hands grabbing as much food as I can and shoving it into my mouth. My eyes roll back as I mash the greasy breakfast between my teeth, swallowing it once it’s broken into just enough pieces that I won’t choke.

“I’m surprised he brought you here for breakfast,” Olivia whispers, nudging my shoulder to capture my attention.

I turn toward her, watching as she glances between Damien and me.

“Nobody ever comes for breakfast,” she says.

“Oh,” I comment, unsure how I’m supposed to respond to that.

Olivia sighs, slumping forward and looking at me with pity.

“I don’t understand why he’s trying so hard to hide you.” Her voice is so quiet, I can barely make out the words.

My spine straightens. I wasn’t expecting her to say that.

“Olivia,” Damien interjects, his warmth spreading across my back as he leans over me to look at her. “I left some papers on my desk for you to sort through.”

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