Page 8 of Heat Me

"Gosh, no! How could you even think that? It’s… the other way around. I’m just not built for casual things. I want… something real. This job was never meant to be permanent anyway. I had a lot of debt because of my ex-husband and needed quick and big money. That’s all," I said with a shrug, giving him a tentative smile.

"What kind of job are you looking for?" His tone sounded casual, but there was this strange intensity behind it, like he genuinely wanted to know.

"I used to work as a client assistant at a matchmaking agency, but I had to leave… for various reasons. I have something like a job interview there today. Hopefully, I’ll get rehired."

"Are you still in debt?"

"Yes, but I have only two last installments to pay, and then I’m free."

"Then why resign now? Do you have the money to pay it off?"

His line of questioning was somewhat peculiar. Why did he even care about it?

"I don’t, but I can’t stay at Dark Dreams anymore. My boss is trying to force me to take another commission—and it would involve sex again. I don’t want to do it. The guy’s fascinated by me being a purple. I’m just… tired of being seen only as that."

Damien stared at me for a long moment before suddenly blurting out, "I kinda know what you mean. I’m seen a certain way too, because I’m a Lowen."

"Yes, being different, in any way… can be a nuisance."

He averted his gaze. His eyes landed on the mirror next to us and met mine there, in the reflection.

"The bonus money I sent you… would it cover your debt?" he asked, circling back to the previous topic.

"It would."

"But you returned it."

"I did. And I’m not taking money from you, so let’s not even go there. I want this to be normal. Because we both want it. Not for any other reason."

His eyes bored into me intensely. Then, suddenly, he muttered, looking downright uncomfortable, "It’s good you’re quitting Dark Dreams. This kind of controversial job could make some people… jealous."

What was he implying? Did he mean he’d be jealous if we were together? Or was it just a general observation?

I shrugged. "No idea what that would look like. No one's ever been jealous of me."

"You were married. I’m sure he was jealous."

"Nope. I was his trophy husband, entertainment. I never had… normalcy. It’s just not in the cards for freaks." I winced a little.

We just stared at each other for a moment.

It probably sounded pathetic, like I wanted him to feel sorry for me, but I just needed him to understand me better. Those short sentences were a glimpse into my life—enough for him to decide if he wanted to try something with me. I came with baggage, and he deserved to know it. I wasn’t just a typical alpha; his life would never be the same with me by his side.

"Is it really like that for you? People… see you as a freak?" he asked so softly I barely heard him.

"Well, I’m not like you, Damien," I muttered. "People can usually tell at first glance that I’m a purple, especially when I’m not wearing gloves. Your nature is more hidden. I’m viewed simply as a monster."

Damien was quiet, just looking at me. It was only now, in the daylight, that I noticed the true color of his irises. They were dark sapphire mixed with graphite—so unusual. His light freckles were amaranth-colored… really striking. Not wanting to stare too much, I glanced at the mirror.

"You don’t seem like a monster to me."

"But I am, Damien. When I change."

A brief pause, during which I could hear his slightly uneven breath.

"No man can be your equal."

I tilted my head. "Quoting some old songs?"

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