before my mother returns. “They… I need to speak to Mallory before my mother gets here.”
Damien nods. “I know. I called, and she said we can come by today. I was going to come and wake you, so you can put some clothes on.”
“Is that it?” I quip, as my chest tightens. After last night, I thought he’d be more affectionate. But Damien is cold this morning, different in the light of day.
He pushes to his feet, his eyes narrowing on me, and I’m sure he’s going to walk out, but he turns to face me fully, pulling something from his back pocket.
“That wasn’t it,” he tells me, with an arch in his dark brow. “I want you to wear this.” He hands me a small box. Without thinking, I shift toward him, causing the comforter to fall from my grip and those deep blue depths darken with need. “You’re going to have to behave while our folks are around.”
“Oh?” I take the box, flicking it open, ignoring his desire-filled stare on my naked breasts. “Damien.” His name is a whisper that tumbles from my lips. “This is exquisite.”
The thin golden choker has a rose hanging off it. But the gemstone in the center is a deep blue.
“Nothing can be as devastatingly beautiful as you are,” he responds in a low murmur. “Let me put it on.” I watch his slender fingers lift the delicate necklace from its velvet cushion. Within seconds, it’s unclasped, and I’m kneeling before him with my hair pinned up. Once the cool pendant touches my skin, I can’t stop the shiver that trickles through me.
His lips find my neck, pressing a heated kiss to the skin, leaving goosebumps in the wake of his warmth. “When they get back,” Damien whispers. “We need to be careful. You’re mine, always and forever, and I need you not to doubt me.”
Twisting on the bed, I look up at him. His hands reach for my shoulders, massaging them gently, as he lowers his touch to my nipples, which peak at the feather-light whisper of his fingertips.
“Because we’re forbidden,” I say, my gaze locked on his.
“Yes. But I want to talk with my father,” he tells me. “If he can understand my feelings, perhaps he’ll allow me to make my own choices.”
“What about me?”
“I’m not walking away from you. I’m not leaving here without you,” he affirms. “When I get on that plane to London, you’ll be by my side.”
“As your sister.”
“As my girlfriend,” Damien says, shocking me silent. “Last night wasn’t just sex for me, Nesrin. I haven’t felt connected to anyone before. I’ve always been alone, not physically, but mentally, emotionally.”
“And now?” I ask, unsure of where he’s going. Even though Damien’s given me strength in ways I have never imagined one person could do for another, I’m still scared. He could have any girl out there.
“Now,” Damien whispers, as his hand reaches for my face, holding it gently, while his thumb swipes over my lips. His gaze burns with desire, regarding me thoughtfully. “Now I’m lost in you.”
“And if our parents fight us on this?” It’s a question I’ve been wanting to ask for days, since the first time he kissed me. Even though I didn’t think it would go this far, I know I can’t go back now. And I’m sure he can’t either.
“We will have to cross that bridge when we come to it,” he tells me. “Right now, I need you to get dressed. Mallory wants to see us before the folks get back.” Damien settles on my bed, lying back, with his hands crossed behind his head.
“What are you doing?”
“Watching you get dressed,” he informs me as if it’s the most natural thing for him to do. “Once they’re back, our time together will be limited. And I’m not passing up the chance to see your beautiful body naked, as you put your clothes on.”
“And what makes you think I’d be willing to let you watch me get dressed?” I sass him as I cross my arms over my chest.
The hungry gaze of the predator burns me, as he takes in my body. “Because you enjoy taunting me, and you can’t deny it, because I know the moment I look at you like this,” he waves his hand toward his expression, “that pretty pussy gets soaking wet.”
Rolling my eyes, I point at the door. “If you’re not going to be quiet, then you can leave.” A chuckle rumbles in his chest and the