CHAPTER 4

“Do you think this is fair to me Diana?” Damien asked, shifting a little closer to the edge of his chair. “Oh my goodness, what are on about?” This wasn’t how she’d planned to spend her day off from work. It was a hot Wednesday afternoon and having her mood match the temperature wasn’t in her bingo cards. She stared at Damien with a hand to the side of her head. “What am I on about?” he paused in disbelief. Diana adjusted her sitting position on her living room couch. Taking multiple breaths in and out she tried to center herself. She had to play her cards right. If Damien suspected anything, he wouldn’t hesitate to clamp down on her. She had to be stupid in love. Just the way he liked her. Even if it meant apologizing when she clearly didn’t want to. “I’m sorry.” She started. “That came out wrong. I shouldn’t have said that.” “Obviously not, you’re making me look stupid. I don’t like that.” She bit back a comment. “Sorry.” She murmured. “I’m not just here because of anything you know, I love you.” He reiterated. “And I care. That’s why you need to talk to me. I know the pitch event got to you but others will come along. I can set ‘em up if you want.” “You don’t need to do that, I’m fine.” “You’re clearly not.” He pressed. “If it means helping me through this time, which you refuse to talk to me about then I’m here for you. I’ll help you the best way I can.” “I’m really okay Damien, you’re stressing a bit too much.” “Am I?” he leaned forward a fraction. Unconsciously Diana leaned back. Something about that statement wasn’t friendly. It held no fondness. It almost resembled a brimming pot of water. “Yes, you are.” She said. “I know I’ve been distant, and I agree, the pitch event got to me just a little. But, I’m not a kid that you need to worry about twenty-four seven, I can take care of myself.” He opened his mouth to speak but she continued. “I know you care. I know you’re doing your best by being here for me but I’m really fine.” I just don’t like the sight of you in my living room. “Okay I hear you.” He scooted closer to the edge of his chair again. This wasn’t over. Something worse was coming. She braced herself. “Then where were you on Saturday?” “I’m sorry?” Damien licked his bottom lip, tonguing his cheek for a brief moment. Diana knew that face. It was one she’d failed to avoid in her previous life. His scheming face. He had set a trap, and he was about to pull the carpet from under her. “I ask the questions Diana.” He didn’t blink. “You didn’t answer my calls. I even had Lucy contact you and nothing. It’s almost like you intentionally ignored me.” “I wasn’t ignoring you. I was busy with work.” She lied. She’d been baited. She just knew it. He was bidding his time while she pranced about in his trap. She wanted to see where he took it. “Work?” he asked. “Yeah, work.” “Work.” He repeated. “Does your work involve Kasper Hayes?” Ah, there it was. Diana almost laughed. “Okay, so it wasn’t work.” “What do you think you gain when you lie to me Diana?” she didn’t reply. “Of all the people to hang around, it’s Kasper. That bastard that had his brother toss me out for no good reason a few months back. That same jerk is who you’re hanging out with.” “I didn’t go to hang out with him. I attended the gala and he was performing there. We bumped into each other and had a little chat, that’s all.” “That’s all? What do you think I am, a complete moron?” “What are you trying to say Damien?” “You’re blatantly cheating on me and lying to my face.” “I’m cheating on you?” she flared, sitting up straighter than before. He was the one going around with Lucy behind her back and he had the audacity to call her cheater. “What else does it look like? You’re having your pitch breakdown or something and since your emotions were all mixed up you decide to sleep around with Kasper just to get my attention.” “Are you listening to yourself? Does that make any common sense to you?” “If it doesn’t then what does.” “Oh, I don’t know, what I’m telling you?” “That’s not plausible.” “To hell with plausibility.” She stood on her feet now ready to pummel him with her fists. “After all we’ve been through together, you have the bloody nerve to accuse me of cheating?” He stood up and she slapped him almost instantly. He hadn’t seen it coming. That’s for cheating on me with Lucy. He faced her again and she gave him another one. And that’s for having the nerve to gaslight me. He faced her again and just as she was about to land another one he grabbed her arm pulling her close to him. “If you hit me again—” “Then what?” she sneered. She shoved herself off of him but he still held unto her arm. “Get out of my house, now.” His predatory face morphed into another familiar one. The one he had used to make her fall in love with him. He pulled her close to him again, this time gentler. “I’m sorry.” He murmured into her ears. “I overreacted.” She tried to get out his grip but he kept her there. “I was just worried. I know what kind of guy Kasper is and you don’t. I'm just trying to protect you.” Now she had him. “I was only at the gala because I was interested in the charity event. That’s it.” She said softly looking into his eyes. Damien didn’t say it but the flash of concern through his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He didn't like that.