Page 51 of The Contract

A single second.

But Ifeelit.

Like a brand.

And suddenly, I can’t breathe.

I open my mouth—to say something, to force distance, tofixthis?—

But his fingers tighten, just slightly, his grip shifting at my waist.

His thumb brushes against my ribs, the contact featherlight but devastating.

My stomach clenches.

Awarningflares in my brain, sharp and insistent.

This is too close.

Toodangerous.

I should break away.

But his hold isanchoring, like he’s waiting for something.

Like he’s testing how long I’ll stayright here.

Too close. Too deep. Too much.

A sharp exhale leaves my lips, and that’s all it takes.

Damien blinks, then releases me.

Abrupt. Controlled.

Like the moment never happened at all.

I stumble a half step back, my breath uneven.

His expression is unreadable.

And then—he walks away.

Just turns, grabs his jacket, and leaves the room without another glance.

Without hesitation.

Without giving me a chance to catch up.

The only sign that something just happened—the tension still crackling in the air.

The way my bodyachesfrom the ghost of his touch.

I don’t move for a long time.

Not until I hear the door to his bedroom shut with a quietclick.

Not until I realize my fingers are still curled into the fabric of my dress, gripping it like an anchor.

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