Chapter 102

••• Victoria’s POV ••• Damien’s eyes didn’t waver as he stood before me. That unreadable gaze—like a storm barely restrained behind frost-tinted glass—would have once made my breath catch. Now it only made my guard rise. He stepped closer, and the familiar heat of his presence tightened something in my chest. It was unbearable and comforting all at once. His brows were drawn together, jaw clenched, like he was holding back a thousand words, but I refused to be the one who started talking, who would ask him what was wrong. “We need to talk,” he said again, softer this time. I tilted my head. “We’re already talking.” He frowned. “Victoria—” “Is this about the contract?” I interrupted, letting my voice cut sharper than necessary. “Because if it is, we can discuss it later. I have more important matters right now.” “Victoria,” he said, voice low, “You disappeared. You didn't come home." Home... Hearing the word filled me with bitterness. He made it feel like it belonged to the two of us...