Whatever hurt had crossed Damien’s face disappeared beneath something softer and far more pained.
He knew he had no right to compete with Jaime, nor would he ever want to. He understood exactly where Maya’s words had come from. But knowing that didn’t make it hurt any less—not because she would choose her brother, but because she was hurting enough to willingly give up her own life.
And beneath that pain was a fear he couldn’t escape.
Because just as Maya couldn’t imagine a future without Jaime, Damien couldn’t imagine one without her.
He released a slow breath before moving toward her again.
“I will not allow it,” he said, his voice lower now as he reached for her trembling hands. “Selfish as it may sound, I can’t imagine a future without you in it either. So don’t ever say that agai
