Page 51 of The Merciless Don's Bride

“Feeling alive,” she murmurs. “It’s weird isn’t it? Living without feeling like you are. Something it hurts. Just how much I need to feel.”

Her words strike a chord within me. I feel my throat dry, unable to believe someone could describe my feelings so accurately. It’s also crazy, that a person that seems so full of life could feel that way. But I guess it’s a human thing. We’re bound to always wish for more. Racing to fill a void that seems unreachable. Feeling empty.

“These days, I take any chance I can get to feel. Getting drunk and dancing is one of those ways,” she continues.

“Surely there are other less mind-numbing ways that would provide the same effect.”

She smiles, “But this way’s fun. The things that hurt you can also help you. Nothing in life’s a straight line.”

“Life isn’t simply black and white?”

“Exactly. You’re actually cool. For you know, a stranger.”

“My name’s Damien,” I inform her.

“Nice to meet you, Damien. You’re very good looking,” she states. “In like an intimidating me. I don’t know if I want to run right now or sit on your face sort of way.”

“You always say everything on your mind?” I question amused.

She laughs, “Only when I’ve had a couple of glasses of whiskey and meet the most interesting and dare I say attractive man I’ve ever seen in one night, it’s not even my birthday,” she says jokingly. “It’s freeing, though. You should try it.”

“Try what?”

“Tell me what’s on your mind, Damien. Let loose a little. It might do you a bit of good.”

“What makes you think I don’t let loose?” I question raising a brow.

She points at my shirt, “The stuffy-looking three-piece suit was my first inclination. Don’t get me wrong, you look hot. But you’re giving me businessman who takes everything too seriously vibes.”

Close enough. I do conduct business. Just not the savory kind.

“And how would you suggest I let loose?”

“There are endless possibilities,” she says, eyes intense as she looks straight into my eyes. “Sex for one.”

I feel my heart jump. Okay, the woman is definitely trouble.

She’s laughing a second later, “I was joking! Oh my God, Damien. I don’t proposition strangers.”

“And yet,” I drawl, stepping forward, “You just did, sweetheart.”

I’m not sure what she sees in my expression but she sobers up, her eyes growing wider.

“Take your own advice, Cassandra. Tell me what’s on your mind. What are you thinking right now?”

She’s quiet for a second before speaking, “I’m thinking you’re very dangerous, Damien.”

“You have no idea,” I murmur.

She’s like a siren calling to me. I’m helpless, unable to stop myself from being caught in her net. My eyes flick down to her lips and my jaw clenches.

I don’t think I’ve wanted to kiss anyone as bad as I want to kiss her right now.

“How old are you?” she asks randomly.

The question is a little unexpected so it does make me pause in my tracks.

“Why are you asking?”

---