Damien's POV
"Wait—what happened to her?"
My voice came out sharper than I intended as I stepped out of the house, my gaze immediately locking onto the scene in front of me.
Celeste was barely standing, Her body swayed unsteadily as the lady who brought her in struggled to hold her upright, one arm wrapped tightly around her waist.
"I'm sorry to call you this late," her friend said quickly, slightly out of breath.
"It's fine," I replied, already closing the distance between us. My eyes scanned Celeste's flushed face her cheeks tinted red, her lips slightly parted as incoherent words spilled from her mouth.
"What's your name?" I asked, shifting my attention briefly.
"Sofia."
"Thank you, Sofia."
I stepped forward and took Celeste from her, my hands steady as I supported her weight. The moment she leaned into me, her body relaxed completely as if she had been waiting for something solid to hold onto.
"She drank too much at the event," Sofia explained.
"I can see that," I muttered, my jaw tightening slightly as Celeste mumbled something unintelligible against my chest.
She felt… light and completely out of control.
"Thank you for bringing her home," I said again, my tone softer now.
"It's fine. Please… just take care of her for me, okay?"
I nodded. "I will."
A brief silence passed before I asked, "How are you getting home?"
"My husband is outside. He brought us," she replied.
"Alright."
She turned to leave, then paused suddenly, as if remembering something.
"Her car is still at the event," she said. "I'll have someone drive it back tomorrow morning."
A faint smile touched my lips. "Thank you. I appreciate it."
With that, she left.
I stood there for a moment, watching as her car disappeared beyond the estate gates… then slowly lowered my gaze to the woman in my arms
I exhaled. "What made you drink like this…" I murmured.
"You look so handsome, Mr. Damien…" she slurred softly, her fingers lifting weakly to touch my face.
I froze for a second. Her touch was light… careless… but it sent a subtle tension through my body.
"And guess what…" she continued, her voice dipping into a lazy whisper. "You look so much like my husband…"
My expression shifted just slightly, Her hand moved again, this time brushing against my chest… lingering.
"Wow… look at your chest…"
My breath hitched barely noticeable.
I felt that reaction. I clenched my jaw, forcing the thought away as something darker tried to creep in.
I tightened my hold on her and carried her inside. Her room was dimly lit, soft shadows stretching across the walls as I gently lay her on the bed.
"You need to sleep," I said firmly, pulling the duvet over her.
She frowned immediately, her hands pushing it away.
"I need to pull this off…" she mumbled, struggling to sit up. "Help me… unzip this…"
She turned slightly, her back facing me, her fingers gesturing vaguely.
I hesitated for a second. Before I reached forward towards her
Slowly, my fingers found the zipper, and I pulled it down carefully.
The soft sound of it sliding echoed louder than it should have.
Her smooth, bare skin caught the light. For a brief moment, I forgot to breathe.
She was… beautiful.
Not in the loud, obvious way, but in a quiet, dangerous way that pulled you in before you realized it.
The dress loosened, slipping down her shoulders.
She turned slightly and my eyes betrayed me. Tracing and observing her, taking in the natural curve of her body, the softness of her frame.
"What?" she murmured lazily, catching my gaze. "You like it… huh?"
I exhaled sharply, forcing my eyes away.
"Come on. Sleep, Celeste," I said, my voice lower now.
I lifted her again, placing her properly on the bed. But as I leaned in, my body shifted forward, and suddenly I was on top of her.
Time went still.. My eyes locked with hers.
Then it dropped to her lips…. Smooth, soft, slightly parted, and inviting.
The air between us changed. It became thick and heavy. Before I could think or restrain myself, I kissed her.
Lightly at first, and she responded.
Her lips moved against mine slowly, unguarded, completely unaware of the consequences.
The kiss deepened, and heat spread through my chest, sharp and consuming.
And then I pulled back abruptly.
"Celeste… you need to rest," I said, my voice strained.
I forced myself off her, stepping away quickly as if distance alone could fix what just happened. I began to leave.
"Why don't you want me?" she suddenly asked, her voice louder now.
I stopped. My back was still facing her.
Then slowly… I turned.
Her eyes were glossy, unfocused but her words were clear.
"I've been… sex-starved for three years," she said, her voice cracking slightly. "Sometimes I feel like nobody can fit into the kind of desire I want…"
I frowned slightly, my chest tightening.
"The kind of dominance Carlos built in me…" she continued, her words slower now, heavier. "The kind that makes me beg… the kind where he worships my body as much as I want…"
Her voice softened. "I want to feel alive again… but not with just anyone…"
Her eyes glistened.
"I wish I could bring Carlos back… I wish I could…"
Her voice broke.
And I felt my chest shift with pain and envy. She really loved him.
"I'm sorry, Celeste," I said quietly.
She sighed, turning away from me, curling slightly into herself.
"It's fine… I shouldn't have said anything."
A pause. "Goodnight."
I stood there for a few seconds, watching her back rise and fall slowly as she settled into silence.
Then I exhaled, walking out of her room.
Later that night— I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Restless.
My body was still tense, my mind replaying everything.
Her touch, her voice, and then the kiss.
I ran a hand through my hair, sitting up abruptly.
"Damn it…"
I got up and walked toward my wine shelf, pouring myself a drink.
The glass trembled slightly in my hand not from weakness. From restraint.
"I wish she knew…" I muttered under my breath.
How much I wanted her.
How much I wanted to hear her say my name.
Not his but mine. I took a slow sip.
Then another… The burn did nothing to calm the fire building inside me.
"I'll fill that space," I said quietly, my voice firm now.
My eyes hardened slightly, "I'll make her want me."
Another sip.
"I'll make her forget him…" My grip tightened around the glass.
"I'll make her choose me."
I downed the rest of the drink in one go, setting the glass down with a soft but decisive sound.
"And that…" I exhaled slowly.
"…is a promise."