The hospital room had quieted, but the tension between them vibrated like electricity in the air. Bella’s body was still weak from the rooftop incident, but her mind was a tempest of fear, relief, and lingering desire. Damien paced slowly beside her bed, dark eyes ablaze with rage and protectiveness, his jaw tight as he replayed every second of her near-fall. Each flicker of emotion on his face pulled at her heart, making her simultaneously terrified and hopelessly drawn to him.
“You think you can hurt her and walk away?” Damien’s voice was low, dangerous, a predator on the hunt. He slammed his fist lightly against the bedside table, rattling the medical equipment but never touching her. Bella flinched at the sound, but the fear that clawed at her heart mingled with something else—a stirr
