Page 91 of Damon

“Annie is happy,” I challenge. “All kids need is love, and oodles of it. We both have that to give. Both to her and each other. I never wanted to replace her mother.”

He steps forward once more, his hand lifting to my cheek. The tenderness I have come to love shows momentarily.

“You and I both know that isn’t true. Deep down, you see her as yours. And I understand why, Emma, because biologically she is. You birthed her, and for that I will always be grateful. This should never have happened, though; you should have moved on as planned after her birth and not returned here. I wish I had acted differently.” His fingers drop away. “It would be too easy to allow this change to happen and permit Connie to be forgotten. This was her dream; I need to honor it.”

“And honoring her means destroying me.”

He grinds his teeth, then takes a deep breath. “It’s over, Emma,” he says simply. “As of now, there is no more future between us. Later we can discuss how things will go from here, but you’re welcome to stay here for a few days until we sort alternative accommodations for you. I’ll be caring for my daughter.” He emphasizes the word my, making it clear where the boundary is. “Your help will no longer be required.”

“What about your work?”

“I resigned this morning. As I said, don’t concern yourself with my future—worry about your own.”

***

I sit on my bed, my small case packed at my feet. Damon hasn’t come near me since our conversation in the kitchen this morning. After he walked away, I called the only person I thought could help me, who I was comfortable speaking to about the detonation of my life.

Harrison had been stunned when he answered my call. I explained what had happened, and that I needed somewhere to go for now. When he asked where, I told him as far from London as possible. I needed time and fresh air to clear my head and to find some sort of direction in my future.

“He’s being an idiot,” he said firmly. “He’s scared.”

“I know that.”

“I’m going to make sure he fucking knows it,” he muttered. “Emma, please don’t give up on him. He loves you.”

“I know he does, but I can’t stay somewhere I’m not wanted. Or with someone who doesn’t see me as his new beginning.” The truth in my words stung. Damon was struggling to see “now” as it was so different from “then.” Part of me wondered if his inability to move on had to do with guilt. Part of me thought, perhaps, he couldn’t accept he was still here while Connie was gone. Then there was the part I wanted to ignore, that it was possible he just didn’t love me and we were the result of insane events.

Harrison answered my questions about the rooftop. He confirmed that Damon, in fact, didn’t kill Brenton. With regards to Moreno, the man desperate to seek revenge, he had survived my knitting needle attack. I smiled sadly to myself, recollecting that my defense technique was one that Damon had taught me on our evening in the gym when sex had become intertwined with our workout routine.

Moreno is currently in the hospital due to the injuries I inflicted on him. Both he and Brenton are being investigated for money laundering and other crimes. Harrison assured me it’s unlikely Moreno will breathe air outside prison walls in his lifetime. In a matter of hours, men had been coming forward to provide evidence against him in exchange for immunity.

With Brenton dead, and Moreno incarcerated, the top of the tree has fallen so the men below will jostle for position. The world of gangs is dog-eat-dog, and every man is truly in it for himself. Harrison is confident that, for now, I’m safe. Moreno’s issue with me is personal; there is no financial advantage to anyone else pursuing me.

When I glance at my watch, the time shows 3:45 p.m. My taxi will be arriving in fifteen minutes to take me to the train station before I start my journey north. Harrison has arranged a rental of a small cottage nestled somewhere in the Scottish Highlands via a friend. He assures me it has an excellent internet connection, and I will be able to work and study easily from there.

“Fresh air, rain, and space. It’s exactly what you need. The owner is ex-military. My friend assures me they’re good people who will help you if you need it. Other than that, it’s a warm bed and time to heal. I’ve rented it for six months for you.”

“Six months?” I stammered.

“Yes, no arguments. Six months.”

“I’ll pay you back,” I told him. “Every penny.”

“Of course you will. After this time to regain yourself, you’ll come back to London and get back to work. I told you, I’m investing in my business by investing in you. I truly believe you will be an amazing lawyer, and I look forward to working with you for years to come. Enjoy your time to breathe.”

“I will, and thank you again,” I say before we disconnect the call.

My mobile phone pings in my palm. It’s a message from the taxi service advising they’re fifteen minutes from my pick-up time. I stand, collect the case at my feet, and make my way out into the hallway. The house is silent. I panic that perhaps Damon has left for the day and I won’t be able to see Annie before I leave.

My concerns ease when I hear music coming from the kitchen. I follow the notes to find Damon with her sitting on his knee at the counter. After leaving my case at the front door, I walk up behind him, but he doesn’t turn around. Annie peeps at me over his shoulder.

“Ma-ma,” she says, and the wall of confidence I built to have this conversation cracks. Her father keeps his eyes firmly to the front. She smiles, a wide toothy grin, and the walls begin to crumble. I reach for her hand, and she wraps little grubby fingers around my larger one.

“I love you, Annie,” I whisper. The tears I so desperately wanted to keep at bay coat my eyes. I catch a sob in my throat before it escapes. “I’ll miss you so, so much. I’m proud to have been part of your life.”

My focus moves to her father sitting deathly still. I will him to turn around and speak to me, but he doesn’t move. His large frame merely sits holding his daughter, who continues to look at me. She’s completely oblivious to what is happening.

“Thank you,” I say to the back of his head. “For loving me, and for giving me a taste of what it can be like when someone wants you. I hope you find what you’re looking for, Damon, I really do. I’m sorry I wasn’t her.” I pause, leaving time for him to say something, but he doesn’t. It’s obvious everything he wants to say has been said. “I know you love me. And if you ever want to investigate the possibility of happiness, no doubt you will be able to find me, but I won’t wait forever. I deserve my happy ending too.”

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