Chapter 10

Melissa's eyes flickered between Damien and the huddled figure on the sofa.

Her instinct urged her to turn around and flee, to escape the intensity of the room and the piercing gaze of Damien Ashford.

But her escape path was blocked by the imposing presence of the four burly bodyguards in the hallway.

Reluctantly, she took a deep breath and stepped into the room, her eyes meeting Damien's.

Damien's gaze fell upon her face, his penetrating eyes seemingly drawn to her lips.

Melissa could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as her mind involuntarily replayed the memory of their earlier kiss.

The urge to shield her lips from his intense scrutiny surge within her, but she resisted the impulse.

With new found courage, she locked eyes with him, refusing to back down.

In that moment, Melissa's eyes was drawn to his lips—thin, yet undeniably masculine.

The lighting in the room accentuated their vivid shade, akin to the colour of ripe roses.

She turn her gaze away, feeling her cheeks burn with a