[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-294":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},294,80,"Chapter 80: The Ash-Stained Silence","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">On the drive back, Damian Spencer couldn't shake the unease coiled in his chest, terrified that Remi would start digging for answers. Fortunately, she simply leaned against his shoulder, eyes closed, appearing as if she’d drifted off to sleep.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi?\" he whispered, testing the waters.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Quiet. I need a nap.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Understood.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian pulled her tighter into his chest, adjusting her until she was perfectly cradled. When they reached the apartment, he carried her from the car with steady, rhythmic strides, careful not to disturb her rest. Once she was settled, he slipped out of the bedroom.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In the middle of the night, Remi reflexively reached for the man beside her, only to grasp at empty sheets. She sat up, dazed, blinking into the dark. She was still wearing the dress from earlier. After a quick, sluggish shower, she left her hair damp and wandered out to find him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The living room was cast in shadows, illuminated only by the intermittent, rhythmic glow of a cigarette. Remi crept up behind him, looping her arms around his neck and burying her face in the crook of his shoulder.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What are you thinking about?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian shook his head, leaning in to kiss her hair, but his brow furrowed at the cold, damp texture. \"Why didn't you dry your hair?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His voice was rasping, scorched by nicotine. Remi glanced at the coffee table. The glass ashtray was overflowing with spent filters.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian, what is actually wrong with you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is my Remi concerned for me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi circled around to face him, settling naturally into his lap. She hooked a finger under his chin, forcing him to meet her gaze. \"Why the sudden, pathetic act?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hah, you little menace.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't you love it when I'm a menace?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian lifted his chin, baring the sharp, masculine line of his throat. With a lazy, deliberate motion, he flicked open the top two buttons of his shirt. \"I want you to be even worse, Remi.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His throat bobbed as he spoke, his voice low and vibrating with a raw, gravelly intensity. He looked so effortlessly tempting, so open for the taking, that a shiver of heat raced down Remi’s spine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Who could resist such a view? Since you’re extending the invitation, Damian, it would be rude to refuse.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi smiled, her fingers tracing the path from his throat to his collarbone. She shifted, straddling his lap, their noses brushing as their breath began to tangle. \"Damian, you look lethal.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, just finish me already. Any more teasing and—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His words were swallowed by her kiss. Her tongue, soft and slick, danced against his, igniting an itch deep within his chest. Remi’s fingers moved with expert intent, unfastening the remaining buttons of his shirt and trailing light, fiery patterns across his abdomen.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">To Damian, every point of contact felt like a live wire, turning his blood into liquid fire. The hunger became unbearable. He gripped the back of her neck with a heavy hand, pulling her in to deepen the collision.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">That night, Remi pulled out every stop, catering to him until the first light of dawn began to bleed through the curtains.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">By morning, the sun pooled over Damian as he reclined against the headboard, his expression one of pure, satiated indulgence. He leaned down, his thumb stroking the curve of Remi’s shoulder, admiring the map of mottled red marks he’d left on her pale skin like a brand. Only when he had memorized every inch did he pull her into his arms, finally drifting off to sleep.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi didn't wake until noon. She rolled over, colliding with a solid, warm chest.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You're still here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her voice was raw, her throat dry and aching. She clutched her neck, wincing. Damian was already reaching for a glass of water, his reflexes sharp.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi drained the glass and handed it back, fixing him with a mocking stare. \"Done with the brooding, then?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you laughing at me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No. I’m just saying, if you have something on your mind, you can just say it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian pulled her into his side, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. \"I just wanted my Remi to spoil me a little.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And? Did I spoil you enough?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You were perfect, Remi. I’m very satisfied.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You are so cheesy!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi rubbed her arms, shuddering with feigned disgust. The tender atmosphere lasted all of three minutes before Damian let out a soft, amused sigh.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If you're still tired, stay in bed. I'm going to make lunch.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You? Cooking?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Obviously.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He gave her a self-assured wink and headed for the kitchen. Remi, curiosity piqued, trailed after him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"When did you even organize the kitchen?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A few days ago. I couldn't have you leaving the house on an empty stomach every day.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow, Damian. You're so thoughtful.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Everything I do is to win your favor.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi stood in the doorway, watching him work. Her playful smile softened, and tears welled in her eyes, unbidden and sharp. She watched him in silence as he seared the steak and fried eggs. The room filled with the sizzle of butter and the rich, savory scent of a home-cooked meal.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Minutes later, a plate featuring a perfectly cooked steak was set on the table. Remi expectantly cut a piece and took a bite, chewing slowly as she met Damian’s expectant gaze.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It's juicy and tender. Damian, this is incredible!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian visibly relaxed, a weight lifting from his shoulders. \"If you like it, I'll keep practicing. I'll cook for you every day.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As he spoke, he poured her a glass of orange juice. A strange, unfamiliar emotion flickered in Remi’s chest. She looked up at him with a beaming, genuine smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It tastes like a home.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian didn't answer, only bowed his head to continue his meal, but the words echoed in his mind, fueling him with a dangerous, soaring hope.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Damian’s thought: Persistency pays off. If I keep doing this, if I’m just good enough, one day she’ll finally trust me enough to give me her hand in marriage.*\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914424]