Lila's POVHaving relaxed enough from the long day I had, I thought of what I could do next. After I pondered the few ideas that reeled back and forth in my head, I finally resorted to reading a book. I sat quietly on the couch, busying myself with a novel when Damian left my side and slouched tiredly into the bathroom to get a shower. Mostly engrossed in the novel I was reading, I didn't pay him much attention until I heard the bathroom door slam shut and the shower started running. My gaze was on the bathroom door and with my diverted attention, memories from this morning suddenly flooded my head. Damian had seen me bare, and didn't even stop at that. He played around with my towel, allowing me to chase him round the room in my naked state for some time before he gave me back my clothes. I remembered that I had promised to do my own payback. He had laughed it off, completely sure that I could never bring myself to do it.Just then, the idea struck me—if I had intended to get
Lila's POV I woke up to a dull ache spreading across my body, a gentle soreness that came with an odd sense of satisfaction. My eyes fluttered open, and I stretched lazily under the covers, feeling the unfamiliar weight of my muscles protesting with every movement. That’s when it all came rushing back—last night.I had sex with Damian!My first sex ever.My hands flew to my mouth to stifle a gasp but it was too late.My cheeks flushed as the memories flooded in. His hands, his touch, his voice. It wasn’t just sex; it was something more, something intense and soul-consuming. I had never experienced anything like it before, and though my body now bore the evidence of my inexperience, I couldn’t deny how amazing it felt.As I lay there, the scent of something utterly delicious teased my senses. Pancakes? Bacon? The smell grew stronger, and I blinked in confusion. The kitchen was far from the bedroom, so why could I smell breakfast this clearly?Curious, I pushed myself upright, winc
Damian's POVThe soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated the documents spread across my workspace. I was deeply engrossed in reviewing quarterly reports, my pen scratching against the paper as I made notes. My phone binged, the screen lighting up with a notification. Without looking, I reached out and tossed it aside, determined to focus. Distractions could wait; work couldn’t.Minutes turned into hours as I buried myself in the numbers, analyzing every detail. But then I realized I needed the folder containing the new project details. "Damn," I muttered under my breath, remembering it was in the bedroom. Pushing my chair back, I stretched and headed there.The house was quiet as I strode down the hallway. The air carried a peaceful stillness, but it broke as I pushed open the bedroom door.“Lila?” I called, expecting her to be nestled in bed with her ever-present novel. The bed was empty. I glanced at the bedside table where her book usually lay—nothing.Frowning, I called out agai
Damian's POVA dull ache pounded through my skull as my senses slowly returned, pulling me from the darkness. My body felt heavy, and an uncomfortable tightness bound my arms and legs. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, everything was a blur—the dim lighting, the cold, damp air. Then reality dawned on me.I was tied to a chair.Panic surged through me as I tested the ropes that held me in place. They bit into my skin, unyielding. The sharp throbbing in my head intensified, and I winced, memories of the blow I’d received flashing through my mind.I turned my head, and my breath caught when I saw her.“Lila,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. She was tied to a chair beside me too, her head tilted slightly as if she were trying to conserve her strength. Her eyes, red-rimmed and weary, met mine.For a moment, we just stared at each other, a thousand unspoken words passing between us. Her lips trembled as if she wanted to speak, but no sound came out. I felt a pang in my chest, a deep
Damian's POVNicholas took a step closer, his expression triumphant. “That’s right,” he said, his voice quieter now but no less cutting. “You don’t have a single drop of my blood in you. So it’s no wonder, really. You’ve never been like me, and you never will be.”The room seemed to tilt, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. I had despised him for as long as I could remember, but this... this revelation shook me to my core.Nicholas stood there, his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched me struggle with the weight of his words. The room felt smaller, the air thicker, as the gravity of what he was saying sunk in. I wanted to believe it was a sick joke, some twisted game he was playing to throw me off balance.“You’re lying,” I spat, my voice hoarse but defiant. “You’re trying to manipulate me.”His smirk widened, and he shook his head slowly. “Oh, Damian,” he said, almost pityingly. “Do you think I’d waste my time on a lie? You can feel it, can’
Lila's POVNicholas pulled a gun from his pocket, the cold glint of metal catching my eye. My breath hitched, but I refused to show fear. He sauntered toward me with a sickening smirk, his gaze full of condescension and malice. When he stopped directly in front of me, I felt the bile rise in my throat.“Such a brave little bird,” he mocked, crouching so that we were at eye level. His fingers reached out, trailing along my cheek like a predator savoring its prey.My stomach churned. His touch was repulsive, vile. I clenched my fists against the ropes binding me to the chair, my nails digging into my palms. The disgust inside me bubbled over, and without thinking, I leaned forward and spat directly in his face.“Get your grubby hands off me!” I snapped, my voice trembling with fury.Nicholas froze, stunned by my defiance. His smirk faltered for the briefest moment, replaced by a flicker of surprise.Even I was taken aback by my reaction. There was a man with a gun in front of me, someo
Lila's POV The room felt suffocating, every word Nicholas spoke laced with venom. Damian had stopped struggling for a moment, his chest heaving as if he were holding back the storm brewing inside him. Beside him, I remained frozen, barely able to process the revelation Nicholas had just dropped on us like a bomb.Nicholas’s smirk widened as he noticed our silence. “Ah, you’re quiet now, aren’t you? Finally sinking in, Damian? Your precious mother isn’t the only casualty in my pursuit of control.”My heart pounded against my ribs. I didn’t want to hear more—I couldn’t. But Nicholas leaned closer, his voice a sinister whisper that seemed to echo off the walls.“Your beloved Diana,” he drawled, drawing out her name as if savoring it. “Such a sweet girl, wasn’t she? So curious, so eager to uncover the truth. But curiosity,” he said with a wicked smile, “comes at a price.”My breath hitched, and I saw Damian stiffen, his head snapping toward Nicholas.Nicholas straightened, his tone shif
Lila's POVThe soft beeping of the heart monitor was a constant backdrop as I sat by Damian's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over his pale but peaceful face. His strong features, though slightly softened by his current state, still held that captivating strength that made my heart ache.It had been a long night, and now an even longer day. Watching him fight for his life had been agony. The doctors had assured me this morning that he was out of danger after they removed the bullet. And when his eyes fluttered open earlier, I had cried tears of relief. He had slipped back into sleep in the afternoon, and I spent those quiet hours keeping watch, unable to leave his side.The doctor’s words replayed in my head: It will take time for him to recover fully. I sighed, resting my head on the chair’s back, exhausted but determined. Seeing him like this made me realize how deeply I loved him.Suddenly, Damian stirre
Lila's POVMy heart thudded violently against my chest as Connor’s words sank in. A surprise? What could he possibly mean? I barely had time to process it when he motioned to his armed men to fetch something.“No... please, no...” I whispered, dread creeping into my voice.But before I could dwell further on his intentions, my attention snapped to Valerie. Connor’s slap had sent her sprawling onto the cold floor, and my stomach churned as I saw the dark, unmistakable stain of blood pooling beneath her. My breath caught in my throat.“Valerie!” I screamed, my voice trembling with horror.Her lips moved faintly, but no sound came. My heart ached for her—even after all she had done, no one deserved this.“Let her suffer,” Connor sneered, his grip on my arm like a vice.But then my eyes darted to Damian, crumpled on the floor, his chest rising and falling weakly. Panic surged through me as I called his name. “Damian! Damian, wake up!”There was no response. His eyes were shut, his face pa
Damian's POVConnor’s laughter echoed in my ears, a cruel sound that grated against the raw edges of my resolve. The pain from his blows radiated through my body, but I refused to let him see how much it affected me. The two men holding me tightened their grip as Connor swung the metal rod again, slamming it against my ribs.“You know what’s funny, Damian?” he said, his voice dripping with mockery as he paced in front of me. “It’s that you thought you were such a hero that night. Beating me to a pulp for trying to have a little fun with your precious Lila.”He leaned closer, his breath hot against my face as his smirk widened. “But here’s the kicker—you remember Valerie, don’t you?”I didn’t respond, my jaw clenched tightly against the wave of anger and shame threatening to bubble over.Connor laughed again, a dark, sinister sound. “Of course, you do. You two had a real cozy night together at that bar, didn’t you?” He turned to Lila, his grin widening. “Oh, you didn’t know, did you?
Damian's POVThe night was heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves as I moved closer to Connor’s house. My body protested every step, the dull ache in my abdomen a constant reminder of my unhealed wound. But the pain was insignificant compared to the anger surging through me.The dim light spilling from a window guided my path as I crouched behind a low hedge. My heart hammered in my chest, each beat echoing like a drum in the stillness. Finally, I saw her. Valerie.After she and Connor had a little argument and he left, She stood alone near the back door, her posture casual, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. That sight only fueled my rage. She looked calm now, unbothered—like she hadn’t been the one to lie, to extort, to string me along for months with the weight of a secret child.My vision blurred with fury. Before I even realized what I was doing, I stepped out of the shadows and grabbed her. My hand wrapped tightly around her neck, not enough
Lila's POVThe sound of the car door slamming jolted me slightly in the cramped, dark space of the trunk. I held my breath for a moment, listening carefully for any sign that Damian might have realized I was here.Nothing. Just the low hum of the car’s engine as it roared to life.I adjusted myself slightly, making sure the trunk wasn’t fully closed so air could filter through. The space was stifling, and every bump in the road sent a dull ache through my body as I shifted uncomfortably against the hard interior. But this discomfort was nothing compared to the swirling storm of thoughts raging in my mind.Damian’s face flashed before me—those fiery eyes, sharp with fury and something else I couldn’t quite place. His reaction earlier felt... different. It was more than just his usual protective instinct flaring up because of Connor. It was deeper.Rage radiated off him like heat waves in the desert. Even in his weakened state, he seemed utterly consumed by it.I swallowed hard, tryin
Damian's POVThe moment I heard the faint hum of Lila’s car fading away, I exhaled deeply, my resolve hardening. The doctor had been insufferable, his protests grating on my nerves as if I didn’t already know my own limits. My body was screaming for rest, the pain in my abdomen a constant, gnawing reminder of my injury, but I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered now was to track Connor and Valerie—especially Valerie.“I’ll need painkillers,” I told the doctor curtly.He hesitated again, clearly torn between his professional duty and the icy glare I shot his way. “Sir, I—”“Now.” My voice left no room for negotiation, and he finally relented, fetching the medication and handing it to me with a resigned sigh.As soon as I swallowed the pill, I stood, my knees wobbling slightly. The painkillers wouldn’t kick in immediately, but I’d endure. I always did. I managed to make my way to the parking lot, each step a sharp reminder of what I’d just been through. Yet, my focus was laser-s
Lila's POVThe soft beeping of the heart monitor was a constant backdrop as I sat by Damian's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over his pale but peaceful face. His strong features, though slightly softened by his current state, still held that captivating strength that made my heart ache.It had been a long night, and now an even longer day. Watching him fight for his life had been agony. The doctors had assured me this morning that he was out of danger after they removed the bullet. And when his eyes fluttered open earlier, I had cried tears of relief. He had slipped back into sleep in the afternoon, and I spent those quiet hours keeping watch, unable to leave his side.The doctor’s words replayed in my head: It will take time for him to recover fully. I sighed, resting my head on the chair’s back, exhausted but determined. Seeing him like this made me realize how deeply I loved him.Suddenly, Damian stirre
Lila's POV The room felt suffocating, every word Nicholas spoke laced with venom. Damian had stopped struggling for a moment, his chest heaving as if he were holding back the storm brewing inside him. Beside him, I remained frozen, barely able to process the revelation Nicholas had just dropped on us like a bomb.Nicholas’s smirk widened as he noticed our silence. “Ah, you’re quiet now, aren’t you? Finally sinking in, Damian? Your precious mother isn’t the only casualty in my pursuit of control.”My heart pounded against my ribs. I didn’t want to hear more—I couldn’t. But Nicholas leaned closer, his voice a sinister whisper that seemed to echo off the walls.“Your beloved Diana,” he drawled, drawing out her name as if savoring it. “Such a sweet girl, wasn’t she? So curious, so eager to uncover the truth. But curiosity,” he said with a wicked smile, “comes at a price.”My breath hitched, and I saw Damian stiffen, his head snapping toward Nicholas.Nicholas straightened, his tone shif
Lila's POVNicholas pulled a gun from his pocket, the cold glint of metal catching my eye. My breath hitched, but I refused to show fear. He sauntered toward me with a sickening smirk, his gaze full of condescension and malice. When he stopped directly in front of me, I felt the bile rise in my throat.“Such a brave little bird,” he mocked, crouching so that we were at eye level. His fingers reached out, trailing along my cheek like a predator savoring its prey.My stomach churned. His touch was repulsive, vile. I clenched my fists against the ropes binding me to the chair, my nails digging into my palms. The disgust inside me bubbled over, and without thinking, I leaned forward and spat directly in his face.“Get your grubby hands off me!” I snapped, my voice trembling with fury.Nicholas froze, stunned by my defiance. His smirk faltered for the briefest moment, replaced by a flicker of surprise.Even I was taken aback by my reaction. There was a man with a gun in front of me, someo
Damian's POVNicholas took a step closer, his expression triumphant. “That’s right,” he said, his voice quieter now but no less cutting. “You don’t have a single drop of my blood in you. So it’s no wonder, really. You’ve never been like me, and you never will be.”The room seemed to tilt, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. I had despised him for as long as I could remember, but this... this revelation shook me to my core.Nicholas stood there, his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched me struggle with the weight of his words. The room felt smaller, the air thicker, as the gravity of what he was saying sunk in. I wanted to believe it was a sick joke, some twisted game he was playing to throw me off balance.“You’re lying,” I spat, my voice hoarse but defiant. “You’re trying to manipulate me.”His smirk widened, and he shook his head slowly. “Oh, Damian,” he said, almost pityingly. “Do you think I’d waste my time on a lie? You can feel it, can’