It’s an easy concession when it costs him nothing.
Amber slips her arm through Meron’s. “We’ll leave you two to your evening.” There’s no venom left in her tone. They walk away together, Meron leaning down to say something that makes Amber roll her eyes and laugh softly.
I watch them go. The drive is nearly empty now. Guests must have drifted back inside. The night feels cooler. For the first time today, I feel like the ground beneath my feet is steady.
Damian remains beside me, hands in his pockets, gaze steady on the dark road where the car disappeared. “You handled that well.”
“So did you.”
He gives a small shrug, but there’s pride in the way he holds himself now. “I meant what I said. I’m not going back to the hospital.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve rarely been more sure of anything.”
“What are you going to do?” I ask.
He looks at me then, really looks at me. “I’m going to be a father. And a partner. If you’ll let me.”
I step closer without thinking. I have to know. “You don’t feel trapped?”
He almost laughs. “If this is a trap, it’s a very poorly constructed one. Too many escape routes.”
I laugh, and he pulls me in for a sudden kiss.
30
DAMIAN
The reception has thinnedto something softer now. Low lights, tables being cleared. Signs the staff wants us to leave for our rooms. The older guests have left. The younger ones cluster near the bar, volume rising with every refill. The band has shifted into something slower, more indulgent.
Perry stands beside me at the edge of the terrace doors, watching the dance floor with a faint, unreadable expression.
I study her profile. The dress fits her like it was engineered for tension. The fabric hugs her waist and skims her hips. She looks like control dressed as temptation.
“Do you ever see yourself going down the aisle?” I ask. The question slips out without warning.
She turns her head slowly, eyes narrowing slightly as she gauges my tone. “Maybe. For the right person.”
There’s no coyness in it. No bait. Just possibility.
“And what does that person look like?” I press lightly.
She hums, pretending to consider. “Patient. Wears the hell out of this suit.”
I almost smile. She gave me her yes without saying it. How perfectly Perry of her. “That sounds reasonable.”
“Is it?” She tilts her head slightly. “It’s like I said before. I’ve made some…impulsive choices. I don’t want my life to be built on adrenaline. So, if I ever get married, it will be to someone who understands me.”
The air between us shifts. I take her hand without thinking. “Then I’ll try to be understanding.”
She arches a brow. “Try?”
“Understanding has never been my defining trait.”
“I don’t know about that. You’ve been very understanding tonight. I wonder whether it will continue.”
“How’s that?”
