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This is not exactly breaking news, but I still take a et that," I say "He hasn’t exactly earned your trust But I’ve known him forever, and he’s one of my closest friends"

"He’s seen you naked, Nikki He’s touched your scars"

I blink at him Surely he’s not--"Are you jealous?" The possibility shocks ether It was never like that between us

"Hell, yes, I’m jealous I’m jealous of anyone who coo away"

"I didn’t even know you back then," I whisper

"And I’m jealous of the ti fair"

"I’e the facts You’re not just friends You haven’t been for a long tih the hell with that asshole Kurt" I close o that I’d needed Ollie to help me pick up the pieces "Ollie’s in love with you, Nikki It’s the one thing I do respect him for," Damien continues "He has excellent taste in wos that I want to hear Ollie has only ever been my friend, albeit an extremely close one, at least until recently I don’t like the way things are changing, and I don’t want to hear what Da

Mostly, I don’t want to suddenly realize that I’ve been foolishly, stupidly blind

I think of Courtney and feel a little sick "He’s engaged, Damien," I say, but the words are weak, and I cannot help but see Ja suits

"I know he is," Damien says "And maybe he loves his fiancée, I don’t know But I do know that he loves you And one of these days, that’s going to cause a very big probleo all Wild West on uess it would be unfight But be careful, Daood shot"

"I’ht teasing in his voice

"I really aood to hold you This entire day has been challenging"

I wince, thinking of the paparazzi that accosted ations of corporate espionage "Sorry"

He gently strokes s" He sighs, and I am surprised at the exasperation I hear "Tapestries that I’ve woven carefully over the years are starting to unravel I don’t like it when things don’t go as I plan or expect" He aims a small smile at me "You may not have noticed it about me, but I am most comfortable when I am in control"

"I’nores my sarcasm, and when he speaks, his voice is low and even "Actually, I suppose you do fall within those parameters I wanted you at home You said no I didn’t like it"

I step close to him and slide my hands around his waist "I suppose if it bothers you that much, you can simply tie me up and keep me permanently at your side"

I can feel the way his body stiffens againston to him My own knees are weak How simple it is to slip into passion with Damien Even e quarrel, we’re never far away froration