Chapter Thirty-Five

Present

D amian is sprawled on the other side the bed, deep in sleep, his tanned body looking irresistibly inviting. I gently extricate myself from the tangle of sheets, careful not to wake him. As I move to stand, a sharp ache floods through my body, radiating from between my legs.

I wince with each step, my legs feeling unsteady beneath me. The soreness between my thighs makes me walk awkwardly as I tread carefully toward the bathroom.

My face heats up as soon as I peer at my reflection. My curls are a complete mess and my mouth is all swollen and pink. There is redness all over my neck and chest by Damian’s stubble. I look down and flush again when I find teeth marks in intimate places.

After examining all the hickeys and finger marks and feeling beyond embarrassed, I limp toward the shower. The erotic memories from last night torments me. And as if that wasn’t enough, the moment the hot water touches my skin, every muscle I possess throbs and aches.

He was insatiable.

So were you , my mind counters.

All right, I admit I was a bit out of control. But honestly, it was nothing compared to his hunger… his stamina. He was more demanding than ever before. We were at it until 5 am.

I’ve long since accepted that nothing has ever meant more to me than Damian. When you love someone for as long as I’ve loved Damian, it’s easy to lose yourself in the process. Four years of deep, consuming love can make you forget everything about who you are outside of that relationship.

When you’ve given so much of yourself to someone else for so long, untangling your emotions and reclaiming your sense of self isn’t instantaneous. It takes time. It takes a great deal of patience.

So, it’s pointless to berate myself for wanting him so much. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t uncover the truth behind his intentions for marrying me. I owe it to myself.

I reach for the towel hanging on the rack, blushing furiously as I recall Damian chasing me while I was wrapped in nothing but a towel. Shaking off the memory, I swiftly wrap it around myself and step out of the en-suite only to find Damian awake, his dark eyes raking over my body.

My mouth goes dry as the awareness of our nakedness hits me—him concealed by the sheets, and I barely covered by the towel. Feeling my face burning up at his shameless appraisal, I snap, “Do you ever think of anything else?”

He lifts a shoulder in an infuriatingly nonchalant shrug before pushing himself up from the bed. My gaze trails irresistibly from the rich bronze skin of his broad shoulders to his bare chest, and then to the curling hair that shadows his powerful muscles.

Suddenly, breathing becomes a challenge. My fingers dig into my palms as my eyes wander helplessly down, lingering on his taut abs, and further down to the area that makes my pulse race. In a flash of horror, I realize I’ve been staring. I twist my head so fast I almost get a whiplash.

“You still blush like an innocent,” he murmurs huskily, his voice rough with sleep as he prowls toward me. My chest heaves up and down from shallow pants by the time he reaches me. I feel his nose grazing my temple. “Even after all this time, after everything we’ve done, you’re still so shy—”

I cover his mouth with my palm, but he only kisses it and pulls it down. “That turns me on even more, angel.”

I take a small, instinctive step back, my heart pounding in my chest as a shiver of anticipation trails down my spine. “We shouldn’t be doing this right now.”

“And why not? I want you even more than I wanted you last night.”

My face burns from his words. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, I stammer, “Y-you’re going to be late for work.”

“I’m the boss. I make the rules. And besides, the only thing that matters is us. Everything else can wait.”

That makes my head whip back to him. “You’ve never neglected work before!”

He steps closer, his gaze intense. “That’s what happens when I’ve been kept away from you for months. I’m deprived and I need you.”

“But—”

In lightning speed, he grabs my wrists and draws me against him. “Instead of spewing more excuses, why don’t you use that mouth to kiss me instead?”

My eyes are huge as he lowers his head and parts my already parted lips wider with his tongue and gives me a slow, deep kiss. “I want you again. After you passed out, I had to go for a cold shower to keep myself from waking you.”

My knees wobble. How can I keep resisting when he says things like that?

When he bends his head to kiss me again, I open my mouth willingly. All my hesitance melts away as my arms go around his neck, yanking him closer while I rise onto my tiptoes, pressing my body against his.

I shiver violently as he wrenches my towel and lifts me up to kiss me more comfortably. I instantly wrap my legs around him, kissing him back with equal enthusiasm, pawing any part of him I can reach.

With a guttural groan, he turns and brings me down on the bed. We keep kissing for what feels like forever before he lifts his head. Slowly, I open my eyes and stare at him.

“I want to break you down and make you beg for it.” He grazes my lower lip with his thumb. “But I don’t think I’ve got the control to hold out.”

I suppress a smile.

He narrows his eyes. “You’re laughing at me, angel?”

I shake my head, but a smile slips through. “I wouldn’t dare.”

His brows draw together as he gazes down at me. When he keeps looking at me, I ask, “What?”

“It’s been a long time I’ve seen you smile like that.”

My smile fades. “And whose fault is that?” Suddenly feeling depressed, I lower my lashes. “Maybe we shouldn’t…” I try to roll out from under him but he easily pins me down.

“Damian—” My breath catches as his hot mouth latches onto my pulse, which flutters wildly beneath his lips. I whimper, my eyes rolling back in pleasure, and my hands, which were supposed to push him away, now cling to him desperately.

He kisses his way up, his lips trailing a heated path to my mouth, and when he claims it with a fierce, unrestrained passion, I can’t help but surrender completely. Again.

He breaks the kiss, his breath hot and ragged against my lips as he lifts his head. “The more you run from me, the harder I chase. The more you shut me out, the more I push, breaking through every barrier you put up. You’re mine and nothing will ever change that.”

And for the next two hours he fucks me with such raw intensity that I can’t tell if he’s trying to prove his words to me or if he’s convincing himself.

When I finally wake up again, it’s well past noon and I’m alone in bed. My entire body feels like it’s been through a storm, every muscle aching and throbbing.

It’s a good thing he isn’t here. Not because I am sore, but because I know that even after being taken over and over again last night and this morning, I still wouldn’t say no to him.

Sighing, I crawl out of bed, wincing and gritting my teeth against the pain. I head to the bathroom, quickly shower, and then move to the walk-in closet.

I reach for a fitted pale pink silk shirt, pairing it with tailored, high-waisted white trousers. I layer the shirt with a light pink tweed cropped jacket. The white Valentino bag completes the look.

It’s already afternoon, later than I usually go, but I can still make it to the community center. The Mural Project event is just two days away, and they could really use all the help they can get. I have to go—besides, I love volunteering.

I apply light makeup and pull my long curls into a sleek ponytail. Dressed and ready, I step out of the bedroom, my movements a bit stiff as I walk with the soreness.

Heading downstairs, I’m halfway to the kitchen when familiar voices reach my ears. I slow down and glance down a nearby hallway leading to the staff quarters. There, just out of direct view but still visible, I spot Hal standing rigid, his arms crossed as he towers over someone.

I edge closer and crane my head to get a better look at who Hal is scolding.

My eyes widen when I see Vicky, dressed in jeans, white tee and leather jacket. Her jaw is clenched as she stares down, clearly struggling to keep her composure.

“Look at me when I speak.” Hal’s voice is hard.

Vicky lifts her head slowly.

“Do you think you can dress however you want here? Behind the boss’s back? Behind mine ?”

“I... I didn’t think it was a big deal,” Vicky says, her voice faltering slightly.

I chew my lower lip, as I hide and watch them. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have encouraged Vicky into ditching the boring black suits. I should’ve known better. Hal is just as intimidating as his boss.

“A big deal?” Hal’s tone escalates, his irritation obvious. “This isn’t just about dress code. It’s about maintaining a level of professionalism. You’re not just any staff member; you’re under my watch.” He uncrosses his arms and steps closer, cornering her against the wall. “And if you’re going to work under me, you follow the rules I set. No exceptions. Clear?”

“Crystal.” She gives him a tight-lipped smile. “Anything else, Chief ?”

Hal’s eyes narrow as he takes in her defiant smile. “Just make sure you keep it that way,” he says, his voice low. “One misstep and there’ll be consequences.”

Vicky gives him a quick, mocking salute before turning to leave. As she moves past him, Hal grabs her by the elbow, his grip firm.

“Not so fast,” he says, his tone colder. “Mocking me won’t get you anywhere. You’re to go back to your room and change into something appropriate.”

Vicky’s eyes flash with anger. “You can’t be serious!”

Hal’s grip tightens slightly as he looks at her with authority. “Oh, I’m quite serious,” he replies, his voice steely. “Now, go change before this escalates further.”

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” she demands, frowning. “I’m completely covered—no skin showing. It’s smart casual for goodness’ sake!”

Hal’s expression darkens. “Smart casual? Are you dressing this way for someone in particular? Someone who might appreciate this... look?”

She wrenches her arm away and glares at him. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I think you know exactly what I mean.”

“Are you implying I’m doing this for someone other than myself?” She laughs bitterly. “So what if I am dressing for someone?” she snaps, her voice sharp. “What’s it to you? Are you really that bothered by who I choose to impress?”

Hal steps closer, his jaw tightening. But before he can say a word, I step into the hallway. “That’s enough, Hal.” I interject. I turn to Vicky with a warm smile. “You look great, Vicky. Like always.” I shift my gaze back to him, my tone hardening again. “And as for you, Hal, I asked Vicky to dress casually while she accompanies me for volunteering. She’s doing important work with me while she protects me, and the last thing she needs is to be harassed over her clothing.”

Hal’s expression falters as he takes in my words. Now that he knows it was me who allowed Vicky to dress casually, he has no reason to blame her. He gazes at her briefly then gives me a curt nod before leaving.

Once he’s gone, I gently take her trembling hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Are you okay?”

She nods, but her movements are stiff.

“I can see why you wished to swap roles with him. Hal was a total jerk to you. Has he always treated you like this?”

Her shoulders slump. “I don’t know why he hates me so much...”

“That’s just Hal for you. Working with my husband has made him tough and insensitive. They’re both so entrenched in their own harsh standards and lack of empathy that they expect everyone else to measure up. It’s not about you—it’s just how they are.”

“You were incredible, Vicky. Standing up to him like that took serious guts. I’m really proud of you.”

After all, I know how much inner strength it takes to be brave and stand up for yourself. I’m still learning that myself.

“You really think so?” she whispers. “I was so scared... but I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

“You’re one of the toughest women I know, Vicky. The way you tackled Melissa last night without even blinking, then laid into her like that? You didn’t hesitate for a second to protect me. You’ve got nothing to be scared of—you’re the best at what you do, and I’m so grateful to have you as my bodyguard and my friend.”

Vicky’s eyes soften, and a small smile graces her lips. “Thank you,” she murmurs. “That means more to me than you know. I just… I just want to keep you safe, no matter what.”

I squeeze her hand again, my heart warming at her words. “You’ve always had my back, Vicky, and I appreciate it more than I can say. I’m really lucky to have you in my corner.”

I pause, my expression turning serious. “As for Hal... If you want, I can talk to my husband about how he’s been treating you. It’s not right, and you don’t have to deal with it on your own.”

Vicky squares her shoulders, a fierce determination in her eyes. “Thanks for offering, but being compliant with him hasn’t gotten me anywhere. It’s time I start pushing back and stop taking his crap lying down.”

I nod, impressed by her determination. “I understand. Just know I’m here if you need any support.”

Vicky gives me a firm nod, but then her expression shifts suddenly, a flash of worry crossing her face. “I must inform Mr. Montgomery about last night.”

I shake my head. “No, I’ll handle it myself. I need to speak with him personally about Melissa and her family.”

“But it’s my responsibility to inform him about any threats to your safety. And honestly, it’s not just about my job—I want to tell him about that crazy woman attacking you. He has the power to press charges and take action against her.”

She pauses for a moment before continuing, “Last night, while you were swimming, Mr. Montgomery arrived with Hal. Before I could grasp what was happening, Hal was ordering the entire staff out, including me. They even booked me along with the few others into a hotel since we live on the premises. When I came back this morning, the staff was still gone. I’m not entirely sure what it was all about.”

My face heats up. “It’s Damian’s thing. He usually prefers… privacy when he returns from a business trip.” Then I add jerkily, “But that’s going to change. I am not staying home to entertain him. We’re going to the community center. But before that, I’ll talk to him about Melissa.”

Vicky worries her lower lip. “But what if Mr. Montgomery gets angry when he hears about last night and doesn’t allow—”

I cut her off. “That won’t matter because I don’t need his permission.”

She nods silently, but her expression reveals her inner doubts. Like me, she knows all too well that Damian isn’t easily swayed, and while she’s right about his stubbornness, I’m determined not to bow to his will any longer.

◆◆◆

Damian was in his office, finishing up an important call. Hal mentioned it when I asked about his whereabouts. There was a time when knowing he’d returned to work after just one night together would’ve hurt me—especially since he used to drop everything and lose himself in bed with me for an entire week after a long business trip. But now, that old wound doesn’t hurt anymore. Today, it actually plays right into my hands as I want to go out.

After a quick breakfast, I march straight to Damian’s home office. Despite swearing I wouldn’t let him control my life any longer, I still have to inform him before I leave. Because even though I plan to conquer the devil, I know better than to provoke him when I’m not fully prepared.

Pushing the door open, I’m met with a sight that makes my breath hitch. A fitted long sleeve black t-shirt clings to his chest and dark sweats hang low on his hips. Even in sweats, he exudes that air of dominance as he stands by his desk, slightly bent over as he reads something on his laptop while simultaneously talking on the phone.

His damp hair is slightly tousled, falling loosely over his forehead. But his beard—the one that was so rough against my skin—is gone. His face is now clean-shaven. I feel a twinge of disappointment that his rugged look is gone, but it’s replaced instantly with a fierce craving to feel the smoothness of his jaw beneath my fingertips.

He’s completely engrossed in whatever’s on the screen. His dark brows are deeply furrowed as he snaps at someone and the sight makes me bite my lip.

I can’t help but feel a flush rising to my cheeks. He’s so damn hot it’s almost unfair. But I shake myself out of it. I clear my throat and call his name, “Damian…”

He doesn’t look up, his eyes still fixed on the screen. Instead, he holds up a finger, a silent command for me to wait. So I wait.

“Enough.” He straightens, his voice arctic. “I don’t want to hear excuses,” he snaps. “You had one job—just one. If you can’t manage it, I’ll find someone who can. You know how replaceable you are, don’t you?” The words are like a slap, even though they’re not directed at me. I stand there, my heart pounding, listening as he eviscerates the person on the other end of the call with that chilling tone of his.

Minutes pass, and he’s still engrossed in his call, still oblivious to my presence. I call his name again, a bit louder this time. “Damian.”

Nothing. He doesn’t even acknowledge me, his attention completely absorbed by whatever mess he’s dealing with.

I stride up to him, the top of my head barely reaching his shoulder, and without hesitation, I reach up and snatch the phone from his hand. The suddenness of my action catches him off guard. I hear the muffled voice of the person on the other end of the line before I bring the phone to my lips.

“He’ll call you back, sorry! I need my husband,” I say, before ending the call and lowering the phone.

Damian’s eyes lock onto mine, dark and intense, watching me closely. He doesn’t say a word, just stares, making me squirm. I swallow hard, feeling the need to justify myself under his penetrating gaze. “I-I was waiting for you, Damian,” I say, then add hastily, “I just... I needed to talk to you. I couldn’t wait any longer.”

Damian’s gaze shifts to my hair, and a slight frown creases his brow. Without a word, he reaches up and gently tugs the hair tie of my ponytail, letting my curls spill free. His fingers linger in my hair for a moment, smoothing it out, as if making sure it falls the way he prefers.

Satisfied, he meets my eyes again. “All right,” he says. “You have my attention now.”

A warm feeling spreads through me. Does he remember that day over a year ago, when Melissa’s mother mocked my curls so cruelly it made me want to hide them forever? I’d told him how her words left me feeling small and ashamed, how I started tying my hair back just to avoid their judgment. But he stopped me. Don’t ever hide them again, I love them, he’d said, his voice so sure it made my heart flutter. And just like that, he made me fall for him even harder.

From that moment on, I had proudly worn my hair down, letting the curls fall freely just the way he liked.

But I started tying my hair again out of practicality, not insecurity. Volunteering at the community center often required me to keep my hair out of my face, but seeing the deep frown on his face now made me realize how much he still notices small things about me.

“I’m heading to the community center,” I say softly, meeting his gaze. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

In response, Damian pulls me into his arms. I am not proud of myself because I don’t fight and let him crush my body to his. My heart races as I feel the unmistakable press of his arousal against me.

“I need to go,” I mumble against his shoulder, but my body remains limp, not even attempting to push him away. Again, instead of using words, he lifts me effortlessly and sinks down into his chair with me onto his lap.

I pull back slightly, only for him to capture my mouth with his. His kiss is fierce and demanding, his tongue exploring with a heat that leaves me gasping.

Breaking the kiss, I draw in a shaky breath. “What are you doing?”

Damian’s eyes has a dark glint of satisfaction. He trails his fingers slowly down my spine, the touch so deliberate and intense that it sends shivers through me. He then slides his hand under the hem of my blouse, his thumb brushing against the bare skin of my lower back making me tremble with the electricity of his touch. “I think you know the answer to that, angel.”

“I need to go,” I say, blushing and trying to break free from his embrace. “I have to volunteer.”

Damian’s grip tightens. “Did you forget? You’re all mine for at least a week.”

“You were the one who jumped back into work first thing this morning!”

He tucks a stray curl behind my ear. “The London branch is facing issues and I had to handle it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make up for it now.”

Without warning, he stands and lifts me effortlessly, setting me on his desk. His laptop and papers go tumbling to the floor with a swift sweep of his hand. He looks at me with a determined glint in his eyes. “I’ll rectify my mistake by fucking my wife right here.”

“No! I’m not doing this right now.” I blurt.

Damian arches an eyebrow. “Found a backbone while I was gone, wife?”

His taunt ignites a fierce anger in me. I shove him away with all my strength, successfully climbing off the desk and stepping back. Back stiff, I face him. “We had a deal. I stay with you and follow your rules so Summer is left alone. But just because I agreed not to run doesn’t mean I’m going to live like a shadow of myself, confined and stifled. I’m done existing in the margins of your life.”

He narrows his eyes. “One of the rules is to keep me satisfied.”

I meet his gaze with a defiant spark and tilt my head, my voice dripping with sweet sarcasm. “So tell me, Damian, do you want a mute, lifeless sex slave, or a living, breathing wife who actually has a voice and a life outside your bed?”

Damian’s expression remains unreadable. “Enough of the drama. If you’re finished, you know where the door is.” He turns back to his desk, clearly signaling that the conversation is over and he’s not interested in further discussion.

I feel a sharp sting in my chest. Is this really how he sees me? A mere inconvenience to be brushed aside? What else did I expect? It’s just another cruel reminder of how little I matter to him. This is how he really sees me—just a means to an end. He kisses me when it suits him, takes me to bed when it’s convenient, but when it comes to my feelings, he couldn’t care less.

I had come here to talk about Melissa’s attack last night, but now I’m not sure I can stand his presence for even a second longer. I turn away from him and head toward the door, determined to escape the stifling atmosphere.