The silence in the kitchen was heavy—thick with want, tension, and all the words they hadn’t said in years.
Cara’s back hit the fridge with a gentle thud, her breath catching as Damon stepped into her space, the closeness burning hotter than any flame. He didn’t touch her yet—not really—but his presence invaded every inch of her skin.
“You want to pretend nothing’s happening here?” Damon asked, voice low, dangerous. “Because I don’t.”
Her chest heaved, her body already betraying her. “This… this is a mistake.”
“No,” he murmured, brushing a knuckle down her jaw. “You regretted your last mistake. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at me like I’m the man you shouldn’t want—but do anyway.”
She hated how right he was.
His mouth found the side of her neck, not kissing yet—just b
