CHAPTER 27

Damian whispered her name, his voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. And then, without a second thought, he crashed his lips against hers.

She didn't push him away—not because she welcomed it, but because she froze. Her mind screamed at her to stop him, to put distance between them, but her body betrayed her, stiff with uncertainty. Before she could react, he pulled her in, his grip firm yet desperate, and kicked the door shut behind him.

In one swift movement, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the living room. He laid her down on the couch, his body hovering over hers, his hands mapping the familiar curves of her body as if to reclaim what he had lost. His lips devoured hers with a hunger that made her head spin, like a man starved of oxygen, taking his last breath.

His hands slid to the hem of her T-shirt, but she quickly grabbed his wrists, stopping him.

"Damian, please… don't," she whispered, breathless.