Page 162 of The Contract

A slow, satisfied smile spreads across my lips because as soon as I see his name on my screen—see his small question—it drops like lead in my stomach. And I finally admit what I’ve been refusing to acknowledge.

I’ve fallen in love with Damien.

Last night, we threw out the rules that separated us from what we want. Every barrier was broken through, and I gave myself to him in a way I have never given myself to anyone.

Not just physically.

But emotionally.

But as my thumbs hover over the screen, ready to type back my answer, that heavy lead settles into dread.

There is one more barrier I haven’t removed yet. And I need to before things turn terrible.

I need to tell Damien about Adrian.

My pulse hikes, my heart thumping against my chest.

I didn’t keep it from him to be hurtful. At first, it was because I needed to follow Ledger protocols. I didn’t know Damien like I do now.

But when Lucian didn’t get back to me, I went to the one person I can count on—myself.

I should have trusted Damien with it, but everything I’ve experienced my whole life has taught me otherwise. To not trust. To handle things on my own.

And that’s exactly what I did.

My fingers tighten around my phone, determination settling in my chest.

Tonight.

I’ll tell him everything tonight.

ELENA: It’s a date.

Damien’s going to react.

And I have no idea how.

A slow breath pushes past my lips, but before I can let myself dwell, another message comes through.

My phone vibrates in my palm, the notification lighting up the screen.

UNKNOWN: See you in 15 minutes.

My stomach plummets.

My pulse skyrockets, my skin turning ice cold as realization slams into me.

Shit.

Today.

Adrian.

I lost track of everything still hanging over my head—so caught up in Damien, in his hands, his mouth, his body, his words, his everything—that I forgot.

I forgot about the meeting written on the back of the photos Adrian left for me.

And now, it’s too late to prepare.

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