Page 31 of Filthy Beginnings

But here she was, her steps light, her blood thrumming hot and wild and free.

All because of Damien.

He’d busted into her life and changed everything.

“You can look now.” His hand fell away.

She blinked, taking in the softly lit space. “What is this place?”

“I bribed a few of the guards to set it up for me. Apparently, it used to be part of the old underground city. Now, it’s storage. Or… as I like to think of it, our tunnel love den.” He laughed his smartass laugh, but there was another layer. “What do you think?”

Vulnerability. That’s what she heard in his voice. He’d done something big for her, and he had no idea if she’d like it or not.

The organ inside her chest tingled.

Damien was so cocky. He might be younger than her, but he was more worldly and confident. Plus, he was such a gigantic wall of brawn, a mountain of strength and power. At least on the outside.

So, it comforted her to know he had his moments too. That inside, beneath the corded flesh, he was as vulnerable as she was to the bond deepening between them.

Their bodies and souls might have recognized each other instantly, but there was still so much to learn about their connection. Still so much trust to forge.

The reminder made her feel all the more protective. He might be physically stronger, but she needed to take care of him as well.

“What I think,” she spun in his hold and threw her arms around his chest, “is that I can’t believe you did this for me. I love it.”

He held her tight. “I would do anything for you, Scarlett.”

She was coming to believe him.

“I would do anything for you too, Damien Skolov.” She pressed a kiss above his heart. “Anything.”

A wave of ominous foreboding rolled through her, stealing her lighthearted mood.

She’d been on her best behavior when Egan was around. He’d even praised her after her first performance of the rotation, remarking how vibrant her colors had become. A comment that made her nervous—since she knew the new richness resulted from her connection to Damien—but Egan had done nothing else out of the ordinary.

Nor had he mentioned this mysterious investor with plans for Damien, though she’d been keeping her eyes and ears open.

Thankfully, Damien was staying alert too.

She’d told him about Egan’s reference to this mysterious male as soon as he’d come for her. In return, he’d told her about Olan Lundin, a family enemy who’d been hunting him and his siblings since they were younglings.

He suspected this might be who was after him—and he’d promised to be on guard.

She was still concerned.

“Scarlett?” Damien’s deep rasp rumbled by her ear—and she realized she’d gotten lost in her worries.

This was supposed to be a happy, stolen moment together.

“Let me look.” After placing another quick peck to his chest—she couldn’t resist—she pushed her palms against his torso and spun.

“So bossy.” He laughed, but let her go.

Throat tight, she took it all in.

There’d been an attempt to clear away the cobwebs and stack most of the crumbling rocks off to the side.

Candles flickered in strategic locations, adding a warm, romantic glow to the space. A space now separated into two sections.

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