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The truth rips through ame is his net

And once that net is in place, doesn’t it then the e a justification, but there’s no denying that I hat he’s offering That desire, however, doesn’t quell the lingering fear that still bubbles inside me

Damien must see my hesitation, because he reaches for my hand Only then do I realize that I have been unconsciously twisting er of ently

I s and try to will the words to come "I’m scared," I confess

"Of what?"

"Of you," I say, then iret the words when I see confusion and hurt flash in his eyes "No, no, not like that" I ainst his cheeks "You are the best thing that has ever happened to rateful to hiyou" I pause, waiting for him to make a joke about hoould be very happy for me to use him any way that I like But he remains silent, watchful, and I realize that he understands how hard this is for me "Like a crutch, Iwrapped tight around ht of a knife inwhen the blade slices through skin

Most of all, I think of how s, and of the scars I now bear as testa to meet the eyes of this man who already sees so much inside me "I’m afraid that you’re a replacement for the pain"

"I see," he says, but there is no e

And then there is silence

I draw a breath, but I don’t look up I’m too afraid of what I will see on his face

Only seconds pass, but they are heavy, full of the weight of unsaid things Then he tucks his fingertip under my chin and tilts my head so that I must either close my eyes or look at him

I look and ier or hurt or pity that I see It is adoration, and possibly even a little bit of respect

"Damien?"

"Oh, baby" He takes a step toward me, and I see the force of will that pulls hiive th "Tell me--tell me what the pain does for you"

"You know," I say I’ve told hirounds me," I say, as a tear rolls down th"