Chapter 37: Tides & Shadows
(Nova POV)
The sun was already low when I finally left the mansion, legs aching from another endless round of Damien's "duties." I'd spent the afternoon reorganizing his entire bookshelf while he sat there pretending to work, occasionally throwing out cold, unnecessary comments like "That one goes higher" or "You missed a spot." Every word felt like a little jab, and I'd answered each one with the same flat, sarcastic "Yes, Blackwood" until my jaw hurt from clenching it.
I was tired. Bone-deep tired.
Not just from the physical labor. Tired of pretending the club night never happened. Tired of pretending the debate room never happened. Tired of pretending I didn't feel the pull every time he got too close, every time his eyes lingered a second too long before he remembered to look away.
What exactly did he mean by that question the previous day- You'll kiss someone else in front of me again?"
