Chapter Twenty-Four

Past

G rooving to the beats of the song blaring in my ears through the AirPods, I type away on my laptop. I need to turn in my assignment by the end of the day.

After dad’s visit yesterday I couldn’t concentrate on anything. The guilt is eating at me but I can’t just tell him about Damian. Not because it is fairly new. It’s because he wouldn’t approve of me dating a guy ten years older than me.

I duck my head, biting my lip to hide the stupid grin as I think about last night. Damian was livid when I told him about the tea incident. He hung up right away—but only to FaceTime me. Not because he missed me. Oh no, not that. He just wanted to see for himself what damage the boiling water had done.

Fortunately, the burns weren’t too serious, but Damian didn’t share my perspective. Instead, he took the opportunity to deliver a stern lecture on safety precautions. In an unexpected twist, he even offered to lend his personal chef to ensure I wouldn’t face any mishaps in the kitchen.

Naturally, I declined his offer, valuing my independence. However, convincing him of my self-reliance turned into a heated, hour-long argument. To put an end to the discussion, I playfully teased him by suggesting I might flirt with his chef. That certainly hit a nerve, and Damian’s possessive side emerged.

Damn was he pissed. Who would have thought I could see the day when Damian gets all territorial over me?

I couldn’t contain my delight. This was the same man I secretly loved since I was eighteen. And hearing him so bothered about me was a dream come true.

Still giggling like a lunatic with my head bowed, I suddenly notice my fingers haven’t stopped typing. When I finally glance at the screen, I gasp.

Damian Damian Damian Damian Damian Damian Damian Damian

I’ve unconsciously typed his name over and over. Another giggle escapes me. Shaking my head in disbelief, I hide my face in my hands, smiling.

Peeking through my fingers, I catch sight of the screen. Just seeing his name makes my heart stutter. I let out a breathless laugh at the absurdity of my own actions.

One thing is clear—I’m utterly hopeless when it comes to him.

I startle when my phone rings. My hand shoots out instinctively, fumbling to grab it which is buried under the books and scattered papers.

When Damian’s name flashes on the screen, my eyes widen, and before I can stop myself, I exclaim, “No way!” The words come out louder than I intended, drawing a few curious stares from the other patrons.

I smile apologetically as I fumble to answer the call. “Hey!”

“Angel.” His deep voice greets and I just melt. Right there.

Breathing dreamily, I speak, “Yes.”

“Missed me?”

I stare at his name on my laptop screen. “Always,” I admit, my cheeks tingling with heat.

“Where are you?”

“Where am I?” I echo, a silly smile playing on my lips. Then sit straighter when his question registers. Glancing around, I say, “Oh, just at the campus café, you know, the spot where we usually meet.”

“How are the burns?”

I stare at the small spots over my forearm. “Much better. I applied the ointment Hal delivered.”

“Good.”

“You told me Hal is your chief of security, right?”

“Yes, he is.”

“But he acts as your chauffer, personal secretary, waiter, delivery man. Is there anything he can’t do? He is so versatile.”

There is a long pause before he responds, “Hal is my most trusted employee and I would hate to lose him.”

“Why would you lose him?”

“Because I won’t tolerate you admiring him.”

“I… I didn’t mean to—”

“No one else should have your attention. You’re mine, and I won’t share what’s mine. Not even your thoughts, because those are mine too.” His voice is stone cold yet I can’t help the warmth that envelops my heart.

He said I’m his. I’m his . I close my eyes, savoring his words. Flying high.

“Have you eaten yet?” he asks, snapping me back to reality.

“I had a cup of coffee.”

He’s silent again for a beat. Then, “Stay there. I’m coming to get you.”

“What?”

“You need to eat. And I need to see you.”

I let out a soft breath. “You do?”

“Yes.”

This can’t be real. Can someone be this happy like I am right now? I glance around to check if someone is watching me right now. No one is. If they were, I bet they would’ve seen me glowing.

It’s more than happiness; it’s a profound sense of being truly valued.

It feels like all the years I went without love is worth it because this feeling? This tingle in my chest that Damian had awaken is worth everything.

The loneliness I used to carry feels a little less heavy, replaced by the comforting presence of his affection.

“River?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you busy? Can you make time for lunch?”

I stare at the papers scattered all over the table and my laptop. “No. I’m not busy.” Never for him anyway. “I’m actually starving.” Starving to see you. To spend time with you. To talk to you and feast on your rare smiles.

“All right. I’ll see you in twenty.”

“Can’t wait.” I let out another dreamy sigh, and in response, I hear him huff—a sound that carries a hint of laughter before the line goes dead.

I quickly clear the table and wait for him like a lovesick girl with a smile so big people give me side eyes. Because I am alone and smiling. So yeah, I admit that’s kinda creepy. But can you blame me? I get to see my busy boyfriend for an impromptu lunch!

My boyfriend.

My first ever boyfriend.

It really hits me then that I have a boyfriend now. But calling Damian Montgomery a “boyfriend” feels ridiculous. That word doesn’t come close to capturing who he is. Damian is the kind of man who turns heads without trying, whose presence alone makes people straighten their backs. “Boyfriend” is far too small, too casual for someone like him.

But still, no matter how juvenile that word is, I get to call him my boyfriend.

Mine.

The thought makes me so happy, so giddy to the point that I feel like I’m going to explode. I really wish I wasn’t hiding my relationship from Dad. But I am finding this secrecy thrilling.

I’m not yet ready to tell anyone. Not that I have close friends to do that. This is like having a whole new world made just for me. Where Damian is all mine and I don’t have to share him with anyone.

I smoothen my hand over my navy blue pleated plaid mini skirt and the soft fabric of my pale-yellow top, trying to ease the butterflies in my stomach.

For good measure, I check my reflection in the small mirror from my black Louis Vuitton leather backpack, noting how my green eyes reflect a mix of excitement and nervousness. My glossy curls tied in a ponytail are still behaving. Good.

I’m just putting the mirror back when I feel a shift in the air. I don’t need to look up; I just know it’s him. Damian. And when he steps through that door, the entire vibe in the room changes.

He’s dressed to the nines in that black sleek suit of his as always, effortlessly commanding attention. The redhead barista steals a quick glance, the couple by the window pause mid-sentence, and even the background hum of the coffee grinder seems to lower its volume in reverence.

But he has eyes only for me. I rise to my trembling feet when he reaches me. He doesn’t stop until he is in my personal space. He pulls me against his hard body with an arm around my waist. “You look beautiful,” Damian says and leans down as if to kiss me but at the last second tilts his head to press his lips on my cheek before pulling away.

“Ready?” He asks and I nod then reach for my backpack. But Damian beats me to it and carries it for me. Then with a hand on my lower back, he ushers me out.

We are both silent until we are seated in the close confines of the back seat of his car. He’s so close to me, his spicy cologne is making me all hot and bothered. Is that even possible? To be so aroused by just getting a whiff of your man? I don’t know where we are headed. So I turn to ask him but he presses his lips to mine.

My eyes widen for a second before falling shut. The kiss isn’t rough but it feels urgent. Like this is how he wanted to greet me in the café but couldn’t. Bringing my trembling hand up, I cup his stubbled jaw as his tongue slips between my lips while he pulls me closer.

I take the opportunity to explore his wide shoulders beneath the jacket and feel the tension in his body. He wants me. He wants this. Just as much as I do. The knowledge excites me so much, I find myself shuddering against him, reveling at the way our lips fit together.

But just as quickly, the kiss ends. “Wow,” I manage to say, still dazed.

He gazes down at me for a moment, and then a subtle smile, small yet noticeable, tugs at the corners of his lips. With a sudden, yet gentle, movement, he pulls me flush to his side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“So you missed me too.” I say in a playful tone, with my head against his chest.

I look up and snicker at the droll look he sends me. “Admit it, you missed me so much you couldn’t wait until the end of the day. When, you know, we both usually meet.”

“River,” he says, his voice carrying a subtle warning, yet his eyes held a glint of amusement.

I frown. “What? It’s completely normal for a boyfriend to miss his beautiful and young girlfriend.”

He tightens his arm around me. “Are you calling me old, angel?”

I suppress my grin and try to appear serious. “Of course not. I wouldn’t dare. I just meant you’re not… you know, exactly young so…”

He fists my ponytail and tugs my head back. “Too bad.” He presses a soft kiss on my parted mouth. “You’re stuck with me.”

“Promise?” I breathe, suddenly not joking at all.

His eyes darken. He seals the deal with another searing kiss. I’m glad the partition was up because I wouldn’t be able to meet Hal’s eyes. I expect Damian to let me go now but he doesn’t. He keeps me pressed against his side and I’m not complaining.

Keeping my head against his chest, I run my fingers over his shirt. This close, I can smell him. And he smells so good, it makes my eyes roll back with pleasure.

Throughout the ride he remains silent and makes some phone calls. But I don’t mind because through it all he has his arm around me.

He is my boyfriend.

My man.

Mine.

The thought makes me shy and I end up burying my head in his chest.

I smile against his shirt when he tightens his hold. I look up at him and just admire the view of his strong jawline.

Feeling eyes on him, he glances down. Earlier it used to embarrass me whenever he used to catch me staring. Not anymore. Because I have the right to stare at his beautiful face. I give him a shy smile.

He doesn’t smile back but lowers his head and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. That makes me beam at him.

When the car comes to a stop, Damian straightens and I have to begrudgingly leave his arms. It’s like losing my warm, cozy sweater in the harsh unforgiving winter.

Damian gets out and holds out his hand. I eagerly scoot toward it, place my much smaller hand in his large one and climb out of the car.

It’s challenging but I tear my eyes away from him to look around. Then blink in surprise at the massive sleek black gates.

“Where are we?” I ask him and Damian merely takes my hand again and begins pulling me behind him as we enter what looks like the longest driveway I’ve ever seen.

Tall, manicured hedges flank the sides of the path, and a few elegant palm trees dot the landscape, gradually ascending to the top of the hill.

Reaching the crest, my eyes widen at the sight before me—a marble walkway leading to the sprawling mansion twice the size of my own.

As Damian leads me inside, I hesitate, looking around at the opulent foyer with its polished marble floors and glittering chandeliers. “This is impressive, Damian, but I thought we were just going out for lunch.”

“I’ve arranged a special meal for us right here.” He hauls me further inside. “Would you like to explore the place before we eat?”

I sometimes forget Damian’s role as a real estate mogul. He deals with properties of this caliber. “Sure.”

“This mansion has twenty-one bedrooms. But I’ll take you straight to the highlights to save time.”

I try not to gawk as he leads me into the art gallery. This place has its own dedicated art gallery? Well, consider me truly impressed.

Next through the sliding glass doors, we step into the backyard. I’m met with a sprawling oasis of greenery.

“Now look at this.” Clutching my shoulders, Damian turns me. I gasp at the view of downtown Los Angeles. Our family estate has a beautiful garden, but this... it’s like stepping into a secret paradise. The sheer size and perfection of it all are breathtaking.

I’m still basking in the beauty of the nature when Damian is whisking me away from it and into the entertainment zone. My jaw drops when I take in the four-lane bowling alley. And not far from it is the fully equipped movie theater twice the size of my own.

After touring the personal nightclub, I’m genuinely awestruck. Then he takes me to the expansive rooftop deck but excuses himself to attend an important phone call.

I don’t mind much because the view before me is simply breathtaking.

Numerous sitting areas, elegantly arranged with plush cushions and stylish furniture, invite relaxation under the blue sky. The gazebos, adorned with flowing curtains, sway gently in the midday breeze.

I picture myself spending lazy afternoons in this secluded haven. The idea of sinking into one of those chairs, a book in hand and the golden warmth of the sun on my skin, feels irresistibly inviting.

Damian and I can have endless stargazing nights here. The vision of us doing that makes me smile foolishly.

This place is grand just like him. Every corner of this place screams luxury and untouchable power. Just like him

I can’t help but think it’s a perfect fit for Damian. The sleek design, luxurious details—it all resonates with his style. Though it’s not his place, it feels like it was made for someone like him.

My stupid, stupid heart starts imagining a life with Damian in this stunning mansion. It begins fantasizing about a future with lazy mornings and passionate nights. It pictures a time when I don’t have to long for his time because he would be right by my side all the time.

When I feel a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, I turn. Damian stands a few feet away with his hands in his pockets.

My face heats up, hoping like hell he can’t read what I’ve been thinking.

“Hey.” I smile.

He comes to me and doesn’t stop until he is circling his arm around my waist. “Sorry, I had to take that. I didn’t mean to leave you so long.”

I glance at my dainty watch and realize it had been over fifteen minutes. “It’s all right. I’ve been enjoying the view.”

“Lunch is served. Come.” He guides me to the formal dining area. I frown when I see my plate had been set at the other end of the table. I want to object but don’t wish to come across as clingy so I let it go.

The first course consisted of the Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Salad. We are eating the main course, a Pan-Seared Black Cod with Saffron Risotto when Damian suddenly asks, “So what do you think?”

“About what?”

“About the mansion.”

“Oh,” I dab at the corner of my mouth with a napkin, then smile as I look around. “It’s absolutely stunning,” I say, my voice filled with admiration. “The attention to detail, the architecture, the vibe—it’s all exceptional.”

“Good.” He seems pleased with my answer and resumes eating in silence.

“Whose place is this anyway?”

“It’s one of my recent acquisitions.”

My eyes widen in surprise. “This mansion? You bought it?”

He nods. He is a real estate mogul. He might have some plans for it in the future—perhaps an investment or a resale opportunity. We dine in comfortable silence but my mind races the entire time.

The property is so beautiful. I want to know what are his plans for it. I want to tell him to keep it. The thought of anyone else living here except him doesn’t sit right with me. These walls have his aura stamped all over them.

When we move to dessert, we are treated to a Dark Chocolate Truffle Torte, adorned with edible gold leaf and accompanied by fresh berries and a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream. It was a decadent masterpiece, concluding our extravagant luncheon on a sweet note. And although, I’m in a sugar coma, I can’t keep quiet anymore. “Are you going to flip it?”

He studies me as I wait for his reply. “You said you liked the mansion.”

“I did.” I reply, puzzled.

“So why would I flip it?”

“Because that’s what you do?”

“Angel, why do you think I brought you here?”

To feed me? I wanted to say but settled with a shrug.

“I bought the property for you.”

My eyes bulge. He did what?

“I thought it might be a nice place for us to meet. Given our lack of privacy because of the paparazzi, it’s not always easy to find a quiet spot in public. This way, we can have our own private place whenever we want to see each other.”

I’m floored, trying to process the fact that he purchased this extravagant mansion just for our private rendezvous.

All the fantasies my heart had conjured up earlier turned to reality. I pinch myself and wince. It’s definitely not a dream. “I… I don’t know what to say.” He leans back in his chair, pulls something out from his pocket. “You don’t have to say anything. Just take this and give me a kiss.”

As my eyes land on the keys he’s holding, I break into a full-blown smile. I get up and practically run toward him. He pushes back his chair, making room for me as I lower myself on his lap.

Instead of taking the keys, I take his face in my hands and lean down to kiss his lips softly.

“Tell me.” He runs his hand up and down my back.

Somehow, I understand what he’s asking for, and without hesitation, I give it to him. “I love you.”

His eyes darken before he kisses the breath right out of me.