I bit my tongue. Part of me wanted to argue, to yell that I wasn't a symbol or a tool. But another part knew he wasn't saying this to hurt me. He was saying it because this world was brutal, and affection often meant weakness.
"You care about me. Don't you?" I asked, voice softer now. My fingers dug into my thigh as I awaited his response, bracing myself for the worst. I just wanted to know if he cared about me or if all of these were just in my head. My heart pounded in anticipation.
His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes. "I don't waste time on things I don't value."
My heart stopped beating for a moment before it began to beat again. That was the closest thing to the affection I'd ever get from him… and somehow, it meant more than any sweet words could have.
'Am I delusional?'
The tension in the room began to ease. Damon remained by the fire, watching the crackling of the burning flames.
