(Nova POV)
I stormed out of the library like the whole mansion was on fire behind me.
My heart was still slamming against my ribs, cheeks hot, wrists tingling where Damien had pinned them. His voice echoed in my head—"There's nothing to explain"—like a slap I couldn't shake off. The almost-kiss still burned on my lips, even though it never happened. I hated him for it. Hated myself more for wanting it anyway.
I took the stairs two at a time, hoodie pulled tight, bag bouncing against my hip. I just needed out. Needed air. Needed to get away from him and this stupid house and the way he made everything feel too big and too small at the same time.
I hit the foyer and went straight for the front doors.
The rain hadn't stopped.
It had gotten worse.
Wind howled outside, rattling the tall windows. Water lashed the glass in angry waves. Lightning cracked so bright it turned the marble floor white for a second.
I stopped, hand on the doorknob.
