Chapter 27: The Line They Just Crossed

Phoebe didn't move.

She couldn't.

Not with the warmth of Damon's body still pressed against hers, his breath ghosting over her lips like a silent plea.

Don't pull away.

Don't ruin this.

But reality crashed into her like a cold wave, and she sucked in a sharp breath as she forced herself to take a step back.

Damon's hands didn't drop immediately. His fingers lingered at her waist, as if waiting for her to change her mind.

She almost did.

But then her thoughts caught up with her body, and panic sank its claws deep into her chest.

What the hell did they just do?

This was wrong.

It was reckless.

It was everything she swore she wouldn't let happen again.

Phoebe shook her head, taking another step back—putting space between them before she did something stupid, like kiss him again.

"This… This was a mistake."

The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but she forced them out anyway.

Damon's expression didn't change. He just watched her, unreadable, as if he knew she was lying.

She hated that.

"Phoebe," he murmured, his voice softer now. "Don't do that."

"Do what?" she snapped, hugging her arms to her chest.

"Pretend like that didn't mean anything."

A sharp pang shot through her ribs, but she ignored it.

"It didn't," she said. Too fast. Too defensive.

Damon's jaw ticked.

"Right," he said coolly, shoving a hand through his hair. "Because you always kiss people like that, huh?"

She clenched her teeth. "It was—"

"Don't say it."

His voice was low, dangerous.

Phoebe's nails dug into her palms.

Why was he making this so damn hard?

She wanted to run. To put as much distance between them as possible before she did something reckless, like let him convince her that this was okay.

But Damon wasn't letting her go that easily.

He stepped closer again, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I don't regret it."

Phoebe swallowed hard.

"I won't regret it," he said firmly. "And neither should you."

Her throat tightened.

"Damon…"

"I meant what I said," he cut in. "I won't walk away this time."

She wanted to believe him.

God, she wanted to.

But she wasn't sure she could survive another heartbreak.

So she did the only thing she could do.

She walked away first.