Page 92 of Filthy and the Beast

Damian nods. “Sure.”

I take his mug, refill it, add a splash of milk, and hand it back. “You sleep okay? I didn’t snore?”

“If you did, I was too far in dreamland to hear it. I haven’t rested like that in weeks.”

Glad to hear it, I smile. “Good.”

Maybe everything is okay. I’m probably just worked up and insecure because I haven’t had someone in my room in years, haven’t done that other stuff ever.

Damian sips his coffee, thinking. Eventually, he leans forward.

“I had such an amazing time with you last night. And thank you again for having me into your room. I know that involves a huge amount of trust for you, and I appreciate it.” He grins. “And as I might have mentioned, I appreciate the amateur bird photography as well.”

Relaxing, I grunt my laugh. “Had to keep myself busy somehow before you came by.”

“You took every one of those photos yourself?”

“Over the years.” Consider telling him all about the lake, what it means to me, but I decide right there: when the time's right, I’ll just take him.

Soon, hopefully.

Damian nods. “Very impressive. You’ve got a good eye.”

I nod. Glad he thinks so.

“Are you training today?” Damian asks.

Funny question. I train every day. He must just be tired.

“Sure am.”

“When will you start fighting again? Do you have any matches coming up?”

Anxiety prickles my spine, hairs standing up on the back of my neck as I remember the argument with Buck. “Nothing yet.” Eyes on the stove, I fight back shame.

“No leads at all? Not even after that meeting with your old friend? You’ll probably have to schedule things out far ahead of time. Is that right?”

Buck’s fight is still nothing more than a crumpled piece of paper, trash I can’t bring myself to throw away. The lack of any better lead makes me sick.

Time to tell Damian what a failure I am, but not yet. I’m not ruining a perfect morning, the first time I’ve ever woken up with someone in my arms.

“Nothing.” I hope to leave it at that.

“Oh, okay.” I try not to hear the disappointment in his voice.

“What are you doing today?” I hand him his plate, changing subjects.

Taking it, Damian murmurs his thanks. “Assuming you don’t need me for anything, I think I’m going to spend the day running errands. Maybe meet up with Nico and Owen later.”

“Sounds nice.” I sit across from him with my plate. I’d enjoy spending the day together, but it’s a weekend, and I’m not getting in the way of him doing what he needs to do. “Tell Nico and Owen I say hi.”

Damian smiles. “I will.”

We eat together. The morning is quiet. Nothing is awkward, exactly, but Damian isn’t as bright as usual. All these warm feelings bubble up, making me want to act weird, touch him more. But I manage to keep my cool.

After breakfast, Damian finally gives me the touch I’ve been waiting for. While we’re washing up the dishes, he lays his hand on my back, right between my shoulders. I turn, and he meets me in a quick, soft embrace.

Bliss.

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