Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT DAMIAN LOWERED HIS GUARD
Damian found Naomi in the restoration shop after midnight.
She was sanding the edge of an antique desk.
The radio played softly.
Rain tapped against the windows.
He stood in the doorway.
“You should be home.”
Naomi smiled faintly.
“You sound like my father.”
Damian looked at the desk.
“Working helps?”
She nodded.
“When I'm scared.”
He entered.
Then sat on a stool beside her.
For a while, neither spoke.
Finally, Naomi asked, “Why did you choose me?”
Damian looked at her.
“For the engagement?”
She nodded.
He hesitated.
Then answered.
“Because you didn't pretend to like me.”
Naomi laughed.
“What?”
“Everyone else wanted something.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“I wanted money.”
He smiled.
“You were honest about it.”
Naomi looked down.
Then asked quietly, “Did you ever want a real marriage?”
Damian's expression changed.
“Once.”
“What happened?”
He looked toward the window.
“I learned that people can use love as leverage.”
Naomi swallowed.
“Who?”
He hesitated.
Then said, “Someone I trusted.”
For the first time, Damian Russo looked less like a powerful man and more like someone who had been hurt.
Naomi set down the sandpaper.
“Damian.”
He looked at her.
“You don't have to tell me everything tonight.”
His eyes softened.
May you like
“Thank you.”
And when he reached for her hand, she let him.
