A Cut so Deep - Dani Rene Page 0,81

smirk he offers me does things to me, but we need to leave. I turn to focus on my clothing choices, instead of Damien’s hungry stare.

I grab a pair of baby pink tights, along with my denim skirt. A long-sleeved top that matches the color of my leggings, and some underwear, which I hide from Damien’s gaze.

I rush into the bathroom to get ready. After a quick shower, I moisturize my skin, taking extra care of the scars with some tissue oil, which has helped keep the redness at bay. When I first started doing it, I had spent time researching how to hide my mistakes. I never had anyone to talk to.

Now I wonder if Damien would be someone who I could confide in. He’s made it clear he wants me, especially after last night. Also, he accepted me for who I am, what I’ve done. He didn’t see my scars as me being a freak, like Xavier did.

Damien saw my inner turmoil, and he cared for me. He took me gently, giving me the affection I’ve craved for so long. But it’s not only the physical part of it, it’s the emotional freedom he’s offered.

By the time I reach the bedroom again, Damien is standing at the window, looking out over the garden. He turns his head, his eyes sweeping over me appreciatively, as he takes in my outfit.

“Cute,” he says, with the corner of his mouth ticking up. “Like the pink on you, makes you look sweet and innocent.”

“I am sweet and innocent,” I bite out, causing him to chuckle at my retort. But all he does is shake his head in response. “Can we go?” I pick up my purse and spin on my heel, heading for the door.

34

Nesrin

The drive to the Haven manor is silent. I’m not sure why I’m nervous, but I am. Although my mind is on my mother returning from her month-long honeymoon, my fear is that Damien is going to break things off.

The anxiety is winding in my stomach, and my breath comes out in short spurts as I try to calm myself. It’s at times like this, I feel young. Like a stupid teenager with a crush on a man far too old for her.

He kills the engine, then turns to me. “Hey.” Damien takes my hand, brings it to his lips, and presses a kiss to my knuckles. “It’s all going to work out,” he tells me, and as much as I want to believe him, I’m still fearful.

Nodding, I offer him a weak smile, and we both exit his Camaro. He doesn’t take my hand as we walk up to the door, and I know he’s trying to play the big brother role.

The moment it swings open, we’re met with the maid who gives us a smile and steps aside to allow us in.

“There’s my girl,” Mallory coos, as she glides through the entrance foyer from where the kitchen and back of the house are hidden. Dressed in a long, flowery gown, I can’t help but wonder who this woman is.

Most of my life, she’s been the only person I could talk to when she was around. Flakey at best, my aunt wasn’t always responsible, and I know that’s why mom and her would fight non-stop when she visited.

“Mallory,” I respond, as she pulls me into her arms. The scent of her perfume invades my senses. She’s like a stranger to me. I don’t know why on earth she’d be so different to how she normally is, but it’s clear that living in a castle has taken hold of her and changed her.

“Come, let’s sit down and catch up.” She lifts her gaze behind me. “You too, Damien. It’s nice to have you here.”

We follow her through the house, and I notice just how different it looks in the light of day. When I was last here, it felt eerie, haunted, but now that the sun is streaming through, it’s exquisite.

Seating ourselves in the dining room, I settle beside Damien, as Mallory sits opposite us. She’s had coffee put out as well as a plate with sweet treats, which I really want to try, but I don’t reach for them; instead, I focus on her.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this? When you were at the reception.”

My question stills her, for a moment, before she waves her hand in the air as if it’s nothing. “I didn’t want to upstage your mother’s perfect day.” Guilt flashes in her