Page 81 of Sticks & Serpents

“I will.” Another lie echoed through me as the uncertainty settled back in place like an old coat I'd worn too long—uncomfortable yet familiar all at once.

Logan walked away, but the weight of his words clung to me like a fog I couldn't shake off.

Damien’s losing it.

The thought rattled around in my head, an unwelcome echo of doubt that I struggled to ignore.

People are talking.

The whispers felt louder now, taunting me with the fear of what I might not want to see.

I don’t want you to get hurt.

His concern washed over me in waves, but as much as I appreciated it, it twisted something inside. I exhaled shakily, leaning against the wall for support. My heart raced as I replayed our conversation. Damien wouldn’t hurt me. That was what I wanted to believe.

But what if I was wrong?

The question hung heavily in the air, gnawing at my resolve. Just the other night had proven how chaotic he could be; the way he’d kissed me like a storm had unleashed itself between us was both intoxicating and terrifying. A shiver ran down my spine as flashes of that intensity crossed my mind—his eyes dark and wild with an emotion I didn’t quite understand.

My phone vibrated against my thigh, startling me out of my thoughts. Fumbling for it, I glanced at the screen, heart racing again when I saw it wasn’t from Damien or Logan but from one of the committee members.

Hey Holly! Just a reminder about the donor’s dinner this Saturday! Can’t wait to see you there!

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as reality crashed back in like a wave against the shore. The dinner was happening—ready or not. And so was Damien.

I straightened up from where I'd been leaning against the wall and tried to push away the chaos swirling inside me. The laughter and chatter outside faded into background noise as determination flickered within me like a flame refusing to go out. If this was going to happen—if Damien was going to be there—I needed to prepare myself for whatever storm lay ahead.

Chapter24

Damien

Istormed through the halls of Crestwood, fury burning in my veins. Word had reached me that Holly had been seen talking to Logan on Ring Road. The image of that prick's cocky grin made my blood boil. I should’ve taken the time to send him back to the hospital, but instead, I found myself heading toward the rink.

She had another meeting, and that was where I’d find her.

As I approached the entrance, I spotted her just as she stepped out of the conference room. Her hair fell over her shoulders in disarray, a testament to the long hours she’d spent there. She looked exhausted but determined, like a soldier ready for battle.

The moment she caught sight of me, her posture shifted—she stopped and crossed her arms defensively. I could practically see her bracing for a fight.

I closed the distance between us, my voice sharp and cutting through the air like ice. “You went to Logan.”

Her eyes flared with frustration, and she exhaled sharply as if trying to release all that pent-up tension. “You’ve been missing for two days, Damien. What was I supposed to do?”

My jaw clenched tight at her words. She had a point; I hadn’t exactly been around. But it didn’t change how much I hated seeing her with him.

“Not go to him,” I replied, my tone harsher than intended.

She stepped closer, fire igniting in her gaze as if she could pierce right through me. “Then where were you?”

Silence stretched between us like a chasm too wide to cross.

Because she was right.

I had run again—my instinct kicking in when things got too real between us—and now it felt like everything was unraveling again just when I thought we might be starting over.

She shook her head, her voice softer now, and it cut through the tension like a knife. “Every time I get close, you push me away.”

I exhaled harshly, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration boiling inside me. “You don’t get it, little lamb.”

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