Page 78 of Aine

“I like to,” he responds, throwing me halfway over his shoulder. “You hate it, which pleases my beast.”

I shriek as my face is slammed into his back, and I frantically reach around to grab the bottom of my dress so my butt doesn’t show. Damien seems to take pity and helps hold the fabric against my thighs, but he refuses to put me down until we’re on the first floor.

My cheeks puff up as I straighten out my clothing and accept his outstretched hand. He’s such a dick. Damien’s cocky smile only grows as I follow him outside and breathe in the fresh outdoor air.

People stop and gawk at us, but I pointedly avoid meeting any of their stares. A group of young kids wearing backpacks cluster together to gossip, and one of the older girls screams as one of the boys pushes her in Damien’s direction.

Damien looks over, and I watch her cheeks turn beet-red as she notices she’s captured his attention. Her wide eyes slide to mine moments later, and I offer her a small smile in an attempt to seem friendly.

My smile grows when she turns back to her group and hides behind them. Damien lets out a quiet laugh at the interaction, clearly amused, but otherwise remains silent.

“Why do the beasts visit and enjoy this village but kill the people in mine?” I ask, unable to hold back my questions any longer.

I face Damien as I wait for his response, watching his lips turn down at the corners as he avoids my gaze. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to answer me, but I refuse to give in and drop the subject.

His chest falls as he lets out a deep sigh. “This city is bigger and offers us entertainment. Yours was small, and the humans generally unfriendly. The beasts enjoy a good hunt and, unfortunately, your village got the short end of the stick.”

My shoulders slouch. I figured he’d say something similar to this, but it’s still disheartening to hear.

“Do these humans actually like beasts, or are they just too scared of you to do anything?”

Damien releases an abrupt laugh at my question, apparently finding my desire to learn funny. I try not to be offended by it as he squeezes my hand and pulls me down the street to the right.

“Both, I suppose,” he says. “Humans find us attractive, which leads to them desiring our approval, but they’re also pretty terrified of us.”

“How often do you usually come here?”

Damien’s pace slows as he leads us in the direction of a small pastry shop. He glances at me with a frown before opening the door and ushering me inside.

“Is this your way of asking how often I visit the brothels?”

I wince, shocked he thinks that’s what I’m trying to get at. I wasn’t thinking at all about the brothels when I asked, but now that it’s been brought up, Iama bit curious.

“No,” I respond honestly. “But how often did you go?”

Damien sucks in a deep breath. I wait silently for his answer, surprised when he chooses instead to bend and press a kiss to my lips. His movements are quick, and before I can react, he’s pulling away and moving to wait in line.

I glare at his back before glancing around the interior of the shop. It’s designed to be a grab-and-go type of establishment, but there are a few two-person tables inside for those who want to linger. It’s pretty cute, and if Damien weren’t annoying me so much, I’d ask to sit inside and eat with him.

Why won’t he tell me how often he went to the brothels? My anger grows the more I think about it, and I clench my hands into fists before moving to stand next to him. It’s probably because he was here all the time.

Damien huffs when I refuse to let him take hold of my hand again.

“Aine,” he whispers, bending to place his lips by my ear. “I came here frequently, and I don’t like talking with you about it. I don’t ask aboutyourpast.”

I gulp, unhappy with how reasonable his request is. There isn’t much in my past he doesn’t already know about, but he doesn’t know that.

“I haven’t been here since we met, I promise. You’re the only female I want to be with.” He snatches my hand before I can reject him again.

The bell above the door dings, and I turn to watch a small group enter. They seem confused as they spot Damien at the counter and hesitate by the door before getting in line behind him.

It’s a bit cramped in here, and I capture Damien’s attention before jerking my head toward the door. He doesn’t look pleased, but he doesn’t try stopping me as I head to it and step outside. I’m sure he’ll have no issues sniffing me out after getting his food.

I feel more natural without Damien by my side, and I take advantage of being able to blend in as I wander aimlessly down the street. The humans no longer give me sideways glances as they pass, and some even bump shoulders with me when I accidentally get in their way.

A soft smile spreads over my lips as I wander around, overjoyed with the comfort and familiarity being here brings.

Would Damien let me stay if I asked?

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