MACEY It took every ounce of strength I had to finally drag myself out of Damien’s arms the next morning. My body was a soggy mess of exhaustion and satisfaction, every muscle still humming from the intensity of the night. The bed felt like it had betrayed me, leaving me weak in ways I hadn’t thought possible. Fridays were my off days, and after everything, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been so grateful for one. I made sure Damien missed the so-called “7 p.m. appointment” he’d promised that model. Honestly, I didn’t want to picture him charming someone else, not after… everything. He had tried his usual persuasive charm, that infuriating smirk tugging at the corners of his lips, begging me to stay over until he returned home. But I’d been firm. I had things to do, erra

