“I didn’t forget you,” I say defensively. “I just forgot your face.”

He gives me a look asking how that’s much better and I sigh.

“I’m not the bad guy here. You’re the crazy one for deciding I was going to be your wife after one night.”

“Sometimes you just know, sweetheart. There is no other woman worthy of being my bride. I knew you were the one for me, and I walked away that night, intending on making it happen.”

My eyes meet his blue ones and I feel something pulse in my chest. It takes a minute before I speak again.

“Does this mean you’re like in love with me or something?”

Damien smirks, “What’s the answer to that question going to achieve? Do you want me to be in love with you, Cassandra?”

I shrug, feeling awkward. How is that an answer to the question? All I needed was a yes or no.

“I don’t know,” I say after a couple of seconds. “Frankly, I’m not sure you’re capable of love. This all feels like a weird obsession. Who knows, in a couple of months, maybe you’ll grow tired of me, toss me aside.”

His eyes grow alight, burning me with their intensity.

“My feelings are not that fickle,” he grits out. “I’ve waited for you for years,bella. And now I’ll have you for the rest of my life.”

I feel a pit in my stomach. I don’t know if I want to feel touched by those words or terrified.

Through it all though, I manage to ask quietly, “So you do have feelings for me?”

“Of course, I do,” he states, his eyes growing softer.

I have no idea what to say to that. I could tell him I feel the same, but that would simply be digging myself into a further hole. Instead, I say nothing and he seems okay with that. He serves the fettuccine aflredo, which he got ready in record time, mainly because the alfredo sauce was already prepared. stare at the food on my plate for a moment, hesitant. It looks good but the taste…

Damien chuckles, “If you can’t trust me to make a delicious meal, we’re never getting anywhere in our relationship.”

“Our.. relationship?”

“Cassie, we’re married,” he points out.

“So you keep saying,” I murmur. “Well, excuse me if I’m having a hard time keeping up with all of this. Normal relationships don’t start with weddings.”

“This isn’t a normal relationship. And we’re not normal people,” he states. “Now.. eat.”

I huff out a breath before taking a bite of the food which ends up being really good. I look up at him in surprise.

“You could give Renata a run for her money.”

He smiles, “I would hope so, considering she taught me how to cook.”

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you, Luciano?” I ask, taking another bite.

It’s probably the best fettuccine alfredo I’ve ever eaten in my life. Although I’m not sure if it’s because I’m pleasantly surprised or due to the man serving it to me. Damien seems content to watch me eat. His arms are crossed as his eyes remain focused on my face. It doesn’t bother me though. A part of me is used to his intense gaze. I like it even.

“Now that you’re getting food in you, we should probably talk about where you’re going to sleep tonight.”

I nearly choke on the food which triggers a short laugh from him. He offers me a glass of water which I gratefully accept, taking a gulp before talking.

“What do you mean where am I sleeping? In my room, on my bed.”

He cocks his head to the side, “It’s our wedding night,mi vida.”

“It’s not happening, old man.”