The afternoon sun filtered gently through the trees as Damien led Emma back to his car. He opened the door for her, his hand brushing lightly against the small of her back— so casual, yet so possessive it sent a shiver through her.
She turned to thank him, but his fingers tipped her chin up, steady and gentle.
“You look sad, Bella. Is everything okay?” His voice was low, almost tender.
Emma forced a smile. “Yeah… all good.”
Damien studied her for a moment, then nodded and rounded the hood to slide into the driver’s seat.
Say it now. Just tell him, Emma. Tell him it has to stop. Tell him you can’t pay anymore. He’s only doing his job, and you… you can’t keep him around just because—
Her chest ached. Because I like him. And if I keep dragging this, I wil fall for him. I won’t be able t
