The moment Damian reads the message about Adrian, something hardens in his expression. The vulnerability from a few minutes ago vanishes beneath a colder, sharper focus. It is like watching a curtain fall over him, sealing away whatever softness he allowed himself to show. His eyes shift from warm amber to something darker, something that reminds me of the man who once terrified me.
But now that look does not feel threatening. It feels protective.
It feels dangerous in a different way, a way that makes my heart beat too fast.
He rises from the floor with a fluid, intentional movement. The tension rolling off him fills the room, pressing into the air until it almost hums.
“I need to make some calls,” he says quietly. “Stay here. Do not open the door for anyone.”
I nod, unable to speak.
