Damien's POV
"Damien! Damien, wake up!"
Vanessa's voice cut through my dreams like a knife, sharp and insistent. I felt her hand shaking my shoulder, but my body refused to cooperate. My limbs felt like they were made of lead, my eyelids too heavy to lift. I'd finally fallen asleep around 4 AM after hours of pacing the room, reading and rereading Aria's message, trying to figure out what I was going to say to her.
Fine. It better be worth it. 8 AM, my office, before I get crazy with meetings and emails.
Just a few words. That's all she'd given me. No warmth. There was no indication that she was actually willing to help me or hear me out. Just a time and a place and a warning that this better be good.
But at least she'd responded. At least she was willing to see me.
"Mmm, let me slee
