Rain drummed against the window that night ,soft but relented .The city below glimmered through the storm as sienna stood by the glass ,are thought tangled . It as been days since the dinner,and shale couldn't shake the way Damien words lingered_ "until it stops feeling like pretending".He hadn't said much since.He buried himself in meetings and phone calls, always controlled , always distant yet everytime he past her in the hallway,their eyes met for a second too long
When she entered the kitchen that night,he was already there - sleeves rolled up ,tie gone , pouring himself a drink .The air felt charged ,like static before lighting . "You are awake",he said , without turning . "I couldn't sleep"',she replied softly ."To many thoughts"',to many questions."
He finally faced her ,leaning after the counter,"Ask one ".
She hesitated,then; why did you agree to this?"fake relationship",the protection. "Everything ".He studied her quietly,the kind of look that made her feel exposed ."Because you remind me of what I used to be , before everything turned to ashes ".Her throat tightened"what was that "
"Human"
The word hit her like a bruise.she stepped closer uncertain ,drawn to the pain behind us calm ."you make it sound like feeling is a weakness .
He gave a faint, humorless smile "it is .
Especially when it for some one you shouldn't want".
The space between them vanished- too close ,breath tangled .The storm outside roared , matching the thunder in her chest .
Damien......she whispered ".
His name on her list cracked something open.His hand bruise a strand of hair from her face , fingers lingering,she didn't pull away, couldn't.
But then,just as fast ,he stepped back ,he jaw was tightened,his control snapping back into place."Go back to bed , sienna before you make me forget what real .
She turned, heart racing , retreating towards her room ,but has she reached the hallway ,she heard his glass shattered behind her_and she knew he was fighting the same war burning inside her.