Page 52 of My Masked Savior
DAMIEN
The private dining room at Marcellino’s is the kind of upscale spot where the menu doesn’t have prices and the staff materializes only when needed. Perfect for Killian’s celebration, though I catch Morgan fidgeting with her clutch as we walk in.
“Relax, princess,” I murmur against her ear. “They’re gonna love you.”
Basia waves from across the room, already seated next to a massive dude with dark hair and shoulders that could block a doorway. Caleb. Good to see Ward cleaned up for the occasion.
“Damien!” Emily rushes over, practically bouncing. Her engagement ring catches the light as she pulls Morgan into an enthusiastic hug. “I’m so glad you could both come!”
Killian appears behind her, smirking. “Congrats on not scaring this one off yet, D.”
“Night’s still young,” Ethan calls from his seat. He’s leaning back in his chair, looking thoroughly pleased with himself, while the blonde next to him—Emily’s best friend—radiates irritation.
“Do you have to breathe so loud?” she snaps at him.
“What are you, a bat?” Ethan shoots back.
“That’s Barbara,” Emily whispers to Morgan with an apologetic smile. “She’s... actually really sweet once you get past the?—”
“The fact that she wants to stab Ethan with a fork?” Killian finishes.
Barbara’s eyes narrow. “I’m considering it.”
“Kinky,” Ethan grins. “Didn’t know you were into blood play, Barbie.”
“Call me that again and you’ll find out.”
I steer Morgan toward the table, catching Caleb’s eye. He gives me a subtle nod, then turns his attention back to Basia, who’s explaining something with animated hand gestures. Ward’s face stays carefully neutral, but I notice how he shifts his chair closer to hers.
“So this is Morgan,” Killian says, extending his hand. “Heard you survived Damien’s cooking. That’s true love right there.”
“I make excellent eggs,” I counter.
“You burn water.”
Morgan laughs, the sound genuine and light. Some of the tension leaves her shoulders.
Emily touches Morgan’s arm, drawing her attention away from our exchange. “Don’t worry about them. They’re always like this.”
“Like what?” Killian feigns innocence.
“Bickering like an old married couple.” Emily rolls her eyes fondly. “You get used to it. They love each other really.”
“I tolerate him,” I correct.
Morgan’s shoulders shake with silent laughter. She glances between us, a warmth settling in her expression.The wariness that’s been her constant companion since we walked in fades a few degrees.
“Damien got me through some rough patches during deployment,” Killian says, his tone shifting to something more serious. “He and Ethan both.”
“And Caleb,” Ethan adds, lifting his glass toward Ward.
Caleb grunts in acknowledgment, still focused on whatever Basia’s saying.
“They’re insufferable together,” Emily continues, squeezing Killian’s hand. “But it’s kind of sweet once you realize they’re just terrible at expressing emotion like normal humans.”
“We express emotion,” I argue.
“Violence isn’t an emotion, Damien,” Morgan quips.
