DAMIEN'S POV
The basement was colder than usual. Just him—standing in the center of the room like he'd been waiting forever.
I walked in without a word. He didn't turn at first but then came his voice.
"Ah, there you are," he said casually.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice low, controlled.
He turned, hands clasped behind his back. "To give you a break."
I frowned.
"You've done enough, Damien," Victor said. "You can move on from taking care of her now."
I didn't flinch, of course I expected this, after knowing Victor for so many years, he gets jealous, yes. But he doesn't overreact on it, he just simply clears the obstacles in his way.
"I won't."
His smile didn't waver, but I could feel the shift in the air, I could feel that flicker of heat behind his calm eyes.
"I'm going to stay by her side," I added, louder this time. "Whether you like it or not."
He chuckled in a dry, humorless sound.
