Page 40 of Buried in Blood
Brooke practically bounces out of the back seat, shopping bags swinging in her arms like prizes. “This was the best day ever! I can’t wait to show—”
“Brooke,” I cut her off gently. “Go put everything in your room, okay?”
She blinks at my tone, then nods. “Okay.”
As she disappears through the front door, I steel myself. It’s time.
I walk inside slowly, shutting the door behind me.
Damien is waiting in the living room, sitting in his leather chair like a king on a throne. One leg is crossed over the other. A glass of whiskey in his hand.
He looks up at me.
Then, he smiles.
Fuck.
“You took her shopping,” he says, voice calm.
“Yes,” I answer, carefully. “I made sure she got enough. She’ll look the part.”
He tilts his head. “And you?”
“What about me?”
“Did you have fun?”
It’s a trap. It has to be.
I nod once. “I did.”
He stands slowly, setting the glass down on the side table. He closes the space between us in five slow steps. I hold my breath.
He brushes a strand of hair off my face, fingers lingering against my cheek. “You did well today.”
My eyes widen. “I… did?”
He nods. “You kept her safe. You got her what she needed. You came back when I asked.”
I can’t speak. This isn’t the version of him I was prepared for. This isn’t the monster I braced myself to fight.
“I wasn’t sure I could trust you,” he admits, thumb grazing the line of my jaw. “But I think… maybe I can.”
A chill runs down my spine. He means it.
God help me—he fucking means it.
He leans in, lips brushing my ear. “Don’t give me a reason to change my mind.”
I nod slowly. “I won’t.”
“Good girl.” His praise slides down my neck like oil.
And just like that, he steps away. Walks off toward the hallway like he didn’t just pin my soul to the wall with nothing but his approval.
I stand there in silence, heart pounding like a war drum.
Because being trusted by Damien?
