Chapter 20
Ariana gently pushed him away, trying to steady her breathing. “I have to go now.”
Before she could move, Damien pulled her back instantly, his fingers wrapping around her wrist gently but firmly. “Dinner tomorrow by 9 p.m.,” he said quietly. “I’ll come pick you up. Agreed?”
Ariana stared at him for a second before smiling softly. “Sure.”
Damien drove her home afterward, and the ride felt strangely peaceful. Neither of them spoke much, but the silence between them no longer felt awkward. It felt warm.
When they arrived outside her apartment, Damien stepped out first and opened the car door for her. Ariana climbed out slowly, still smiling to herself.
“Goodnight, Ariana.”
“Goodnight, Damien.”
She turned around and walked toward the building entrance, but she
