a lie, and his beliefs turned all the good into something sinister. Knowing how my parents used each other stuck with him.”
“I understand.”
“Do you love him?” Cassian asks, as he kills the engine and turns to look at me. His eyes shimmer, more green than blue. It’s a beautiful color. As endless as Damien’s and Finn’s.
“I think I do. It’s not easy to say those words,” I tell him, “I wasn’t brought up in the most loving home either. My mother was more concerned with her latest award or the next movie deal. So, I understand why he’s hesitant.”
“Don’t take how he is with you for granted. I’ve never seen him like this,” Cassian tells me, before he pushes his door open, “but also, don’t expect too much from him too soon.”
“I won’t.”
That’s the end of our heart to heart, and I’m thankful for it. Even though I knew that Damien wouldn’t come to terms with the thought of loving someone, he’s still allowing himself to care. And that’s all I can ask for.
I follow Cass inside and make a beeline for my bedroom. Inside, I grab a hanger and drape the dress, hiding it in my closet. If Damien walks in here, I don’t want him to see it before tomorrow night.
The moment my bedroom door whooshes open, I feel him. He steps inside, stopping beside my bed as I’m shutting the closet. His gaze narrows, sweeping over the room and notices the empty bag, the shoe box, but that’s all he can find.
“Did you get a dress?”
“Yeah,” I tell him, crossing my arms, to keep from showing him just how nervous I am.
Without a word, Damien closes the distance between us, and the air thickens with hunger. It’s as if he can devour me with merely a glance. His hands grip my hips, and he holds me steady. One of his hands releases me, and with that, he tips my chin, so I’m looking into those cerulean orbs.
“Where is it?”
“You’ll see it tomorrow.” My voice is a failed attempt at sounding confident. I’m met with a smirk, dark and devious, just like he wants.
“If you’re showing any skin tomorrow, I will punish you, and this time, it most certainly won’t end with you coming all over my hand.” His promise is laced with lust—rabid and feral.
“I don’t doubt it,” I tell him, attempting to sound calm, but my hands are shaking like a leaf in a summer breeze. I want to turn away, to sit down, but I’m suddenly hoisted up against Damien’s rigid body, and he walks us over to the bed where he sets me down.
Seconds later, he’s reaching behind him and pulling a small black velvet box from his pocket. He hands it to me before saying, “I got you something that I want you to wear.”
My heart is thudding wildly, and I’m thankful he didn’t drop to one knee when he pulled it out because I may have fainted from the sweetness of his gesture.
I flick open the lid. Inside, nestled on the darkest velvet, is a gold rose with small thorns adorning the stem. The shimmering ruby that sits in the center of the bud is beautifully carved, fitting strikingly in the setting. Attached to the rose is a sleek choker that I tug from the cushion.
“This is exquisite. But I don’t know if I can wear it.”
“Why?”
I glance up, meeting his questioning stare. “It’s too much, Damien.”
“You’re a Thorne, but you’re also a rose. My wild rose.” He watches me intently, his eyes boring into me like they always do, but this time those flames that usually dance only with desire, now offer more.
Affection.
Caring.
And an emotion I’d rather not voice, even to myself.
But then he says, “My rose.”
28
Damien
With a quick glance at the clock, I sigh, knowing we’ll be late if she doesn’t come down the fucking stairs in the next few moments.
I didn’t think Nesrin would be here for long. I figured she’d just turn around and head back to the city because that’s what she grew up with. City lights and streets paved with dreams.
She has certainly changed my mind about her. Since the first day I saw her, I had an idea in mind as to what she was like. But she’s not only offered me a calm and solace I never thought I’d have. Nesrin has also tormented my demons, dragging them to the forefront, calling them to come out and play.
Tonight is a test. She knows about