Chapter 12: A Debt Paid

[3rd POV—Damon]

It wasn’t supposed to happen, though he doesn’t regret a thing either. All of his defenses crumbled into dust when Cara kissed him. She opened up herself to him like a bottle of irresistible whiskey, pouring liquid of fire into his tongue.

All he could think was to make her feel better, and now she was curled in his arms, sleeping tightly and soundly. The soft snore coming from her mouth was like a melody he couldn’t get enough of, and the way her lashes fluttered, touching her cheeks told him whatever dream she was having, it wasn’t a nightmare.

Which is a good thing after everything she’s been through. He feels terrible for deceiving her, for having Cara think that he and her phantom are two different people, but he has to hide his identity until she’s ready to embrace his dark side.

Damon slid off his mask, having no need for it, and stared at Cara’s sleeping countenance. He traces his thumb over the fine bridge of her nose, down to her pouty lips before a static r