Page 57 of Abundance of Obsession

I don’t know how he’ll react. I’m constantly torn between being a submissive, soft woman who makes him feel like a big man, and my true self, glimpses of which he can catch through the cracks in my armor. But I have my answer when his eyes show a flicker.

“I like that too, but I like you more, Lily. Not just physically. Don’t get me wrong, because you’re a gorgeous woman. I also like what I observe in you. You told me you like me, and that’s why you’re nervous. Let me simply say you’re not alone in this. We’re on the same page.”

A blush creeps up my neck and pools on my face. Heat ignites my cheeks. “I don’t know what to say,” I say honestly.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Damien shrugs. “I just wanted you to know.”

How is it possible for this devil incarnate to be such a sweet guy? Either he’s a great actor or he has a split personality.

“Do you need help to find bigger gigs than the ones you have now? Let me know. I’ll ask the right people.”

“Thank you, Damien. I appreciate that.”

Regardless of whether it’s appropriate, he places a hand on my cheek and leans in, and his lips meet mine. The kiss is slow, and I’m responsive. His lips are soft and warm, with a faint taste of the wine he’d been sipping lingering on them.

But… Nothing.

No feelings.

Zero spark. Zero reactions.

After our first kiss, I thought it was just a fluke. But no. If I ever had any doubts, I know for sure now. I could never be in a long-term relationship with this man. Still, this whole charade has to go on.

Damien retakes his seat, smug and proud. He gives me a smoky look, showing he feels otherwise.

“Do you want to make me fall in love with you?” I tease him with a mysterious smile.

He has a ready answer, but first he winks. “That’s the plan.”

I intentionally fuel the fire within him. Eli will be furious when he hears this, but I don’t hold back. My voice drops so that only he can hear me. “And you don’t just plan to fuck me?”

Damien erupts in loud, booming laughter, his head snapping back. I glimpse his perfect white teeth. Once he calms down, that possessive gaze lands on my face. Goosebumps break out all over my body.

“Just fuck you? You have no idea how full my head is with ideas for giving you pleasure. Don’t be under any illusions. I’m a man. Flesh and blood. Interested in you to the very core. But I don’t want to just fuck you. I’m playing the long game here, my sweet Lily. I’m playing to win, not to score a goal.”

For a moment, silence settles between us. We gaze into each other’s eyes as though we desire to uncover every secret hidden in our souls. I already know many of his secrets, but I have no intention of revealing any of mine.

Damien takes my silence as a source of pride. He smiles with satisfaction. “Don’t look at me in such a way, or we won’t eat this dinner after all. Eat, Lily.”

His words sink in, and I grab my fork. Picking up some pasta, I shove it into my mouth. Indeed, our meal is already lukewarm, yet it tastes delicious. Finally, he grabs his fork too.

As we eat, the conversation turns to lighter topics. Once again, my mind wanders to the thought that if he weren’t who he is, I would consider this a successful evening.

“Excuse me for a moment. I need to use the restroom,” I say, getting up.

A few minutes later, I return to my seat, but before I reach Damien, his sharp tone reaches me. He’s talking on the phone. I duck behind the partition, the one that gives guests a little privacy.

“What is it? I can’t talk right now. I’m not alone,” he says firmly.

He’s silent, then mumbles something under his breath. “She’s not the type to get lost in the house. Keep an eye on her. If she disappears even once, I’ll have your heads. From now on, I want someone on her tail twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Do we understand each other?”

Aisling?

Could it be about Aisling?

To be safe, I wait an extra minute before emerging from my hiding spot. With a charming smile, I apologize for taking my time.

Damien pays for dinner without glancing at the bill, and then we get ready to leave.