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I'm Damian fucking Leeds.

I don't do scared. Except, apparently, I do now.

“She's innocent,” I say.

“I know.”

“She has no idea what's happening to me.”

“So tell her.”

“No.”

“Why?”

Because she'll look at me differently.

Because she might leave.

Because she might stay.

I don't know which terrifies me more.

“She deserves better.”

Owen sighs.

“They all do. But you know what Megan taught me?”

I glance at him.

“That deciding what someone else deserves without asking them is usually bullshit.”

I grunt.

“Very profound.”

“Yeah, she's smarter than me.”

“Not difficult.”

“Asshole.”

I almost smile.

Owen reaches for another fry. This time, I let him take it.

“Just ask her out, Damian.”

“I'd rather you shoot me.”

“Not happening.”

I growl.

My phone vibrates.

Another message from Grandmother.