His to Consume

Let me Have Some Air

Lena's POV

As Damien and I moved toward the door to exit, a voice that was directed towards us was heard from behind, causing us to halt.

"Going already?" Grant's tone was quite pleasant but some underlying tones that were unfriendly, almost provocative.

I felt more strength in the clasp that Damien had on my hand as he turned around to reply to Grant but ignored his rudeness, saying, "Yes, Lena's not feeling well," he said in a very level tone.

I looked down in order to avoid Grant, my heartbeat slightly elevating. I didn't want to face him, I didn't want the fidgety feeling he inspired in me to show.

Grant did not talk for a few seconds and then turned in my direction. He looked at me like he was trying to decipher the expression on my face in silence. "However," he finally broke the silence, his voice still kept that unnerving level, "I wish you a speedy recovery, Lena."

The way he addressed the matter left me with the feeling as though he understood precisely how I was feeling. Shoving that thought away, I willed myself not to let him get to me.

But before either of us could make another move, Damien piped up again, gratitude pouring from every word of his address. "And thank you so much for supporting our trade fair last month, Grant. You really did help."

I almost popped out of my seat and stared at Damien in shock. Had sponsored our event? Why's that news to me? I wondered frantically if anyone had ever brought up the fact that he was helping. Still, that was not the case, and upsettingly, even that seemed to be new information.

Grant gave a small shrug as if to say it was not a big deal, still focused on me. "Anything for a good cause."

I nodded my head in acknowledgment. I was inwardly reeling, however. What on earth was he thinking? After everything that has transpired, why engage in a project that is even in the realm of my business?

"Say nothing more," Damien cut me off, gesturing for us to walk on. I complied but in the midst of that, I turned my head just in time to see a waiter moving towards me with his tray full of drinks. Except within that split second, I bumped into him, almost knocking the drinks off the glasses. I do not remember how and when I lost my balance, but I gasped and extended my arm as if looking for support, but even before Damien could take a step, an arm brushed my back and pulled me towards it.

When I looked up, my heart racing wildly, my gaze was met with Grant's, who stood opposite me. He had one arm around my waist, squeezing me tight while his face was so close to mine that I could feel his breath on my cheek. I was immobile, mesmerized by how attractive he was, utterly unprepared for his proximity.

"Try not to do that next time, Lena," he said, without removing his lips from my ear, grinning a little.

I cleared my throat, my voice barely audible. "Thanks... I'm OK."

But the grip he had on me did not go away immediately. His hand was kept on my waist, as if he wanted to keep his hold on me for a little while longer, and then all other sounds began to disappear. It was as if we were the only ones left, even the memories of our past fighting to resurface. The past, with its cramped dreams, half-fulfilled expectations, and emotions that refused to die but had also ceased to be active. Writ large in the images and contrasts of forgotten conversations and their forgotten pledges.

That look reminded me that I had Damien to thank, giving me the power to break out of Grant's unexpected embrace. I pushed at his chest, stepping back as I created distance between us.

"I appreciate it very much. It's simply that I ... was, err, daydreaming," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

The hardness in Grant's eyes melted away, and at last, he withdrew, allowing me to be. "Anytime Lena," he said, his tone low, almost like a vow.

I hastily turned back to Damien and offered him an encouraging grin. But, I knew that he was not pleased. His jaw was tense, and his eyes were slightly narrowed, watching Grant with a mix of frustration and what else. Protectiveness, perhaps? Or simply annoyance at Grant being around, especially in my life.

Damien's palm nestled mine, again, but I could sense the tension oozing out of him. "Let's go Lena," he said, still relatively soft, but his voice was a command, and I was thankful that he did not say anything else.

I also felt Grant watching. I think even Grant's gaze was boring to me, and it took all of me to look away, to not look back at him, to not look back at him again and again.

But I didn't. I kept walking with Damien, staring only at his hand clutching mine and his unwavering self. I did not want Grant in my life. I did not want to be stuck in the middle of the past and the future I was working to create.

By the time we got to the vehicle, Damien kindly pulled the door for me, however, his seriousness did not change. He shut the door only after I had settled in, and made his way to the front seat where I was still seated.

There was a moment when we were both quiet, before he looked at me. "Are you okay?" he spoke gently, yet with concern.

I nodded, although inside, I felt as though all my feelings were in one big knot. "Yes," I said, trying to smile. "It was... it was just unexpected, that's all."

Damien leaned back, studying me briefly and nodded. "You know Lena, please don't get me wrong and sound too possessive, but it is important for me to understand your position in relation to Grant."

I gulped, bearing the brunt of his question. "I don't have a position with him, Damien. That's done with. I am with you."

He looked at me for what felt like a long time and then the hard look on his face melted. "Good. Because I don't want the feeling of having to wrestle with your past."

I reached out, grasping his hand. "You're not. All that is, Major Damien, is in the past. You are my one today."

He grinned and tightened the grip on my hand. "I merely wished to listen to those very words."

I also grinned, a flush of heat warming me from the inside. And as we started to drive away, I also felt relieved. Whatever it was that took place tonight, whatever feelings or memories triggered by Grant, I knew, did not matter. At least not anymore.

I was sort of seeing Damien, and I had not even told him if I would go out with him. For the first time, I had felt like I was finally in the position of shutting that door and moving on without looking back. I was ready to embrace change and this new journey I was determined to pursue.

And as I looked out and the city lights became a blur, I felt soothed. The kind of soothing feeling that comes from knowing that one is right where they should be.