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A big thank you to "Eedi Nigro".
The sun filtered through the cream curtains.
Damian sat in the same chair, a mug of black coffee beside him, his shirt sleeves rolled up, his eyes fixed on Elena.
He hadn't slept.
Her fingers twitched first.
Then she stirred, her head turning slightly on the pillow. A small sound left her lips, and finally, her lashes fluttered open.
She blinked, confused, her voice barely a whisper.
"Where…?"
Before she could panic, she heard him — that deep voice, calm but rough, like gravel and silk.
"You're finally awake."
Her eyes widened. "Damian?"
He gave a short nod. "Yeah, it's me."
Her gaze darted around the room — the soft cream walls, the wide windows, the faint scent of coffee.
Then her eyes returned to him, still unsure. "How… how did I get here?"
"I brought you here"
For a second, silence filled the air between them. Then he asked softly,
"Are you hungry?"
Her stomach growled in answer. She smiled faintly. "Yes."
He tilted his head, a hint of amusement crossing his face.
"What do you want to eat?" He asked as he walked to her.
She looked at him, half smiling,.She mentioned what she wanted to have.
Damian raised a brow and leaned closer, his voice low.
"I'll make it."
Before he could say more, she suddenly moved forward and wrapped her arms around him.
The hug was tight — desperate, trembling.
Damian froze for a heartbeat, his chest tightening.
"I was so scared," she whispered.
"In that place. I thought… I thought I'd never get out."
He exhaled slowly, his voice softer than ever.
You're fine now, cupcake."
When she tried to get up, her legs shook. He caught her instantly.
"You're too weak to walk," he said firmly.
"I can try—"
"No," he interrupted, sliding one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back.
"You've done enough. Let me."
Her cheeks flushed as he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bathroom.
The room was dim, steam rising from the filled tub.
He set her down gently, helping her in with careful hands.
He took off their clothes their bare body close to each other in the tub as her body leaned on him.
He helped her in scrubbing her body never crossing the line this time, but close enough that his breath brushed her skin.
He stayed focused, washing away the dirt that clung to her.
When they were done, he helped her out, wrapping her in a soft towel, his hands steady but his eyes softer.
He picked a dress from the wardrobe — a light white one with tiny blue flowers.
"Here," he said.
She blinked, surprised. "You picked this?"
He gave a faint smirk. "You like flowers. I pay attention."
When she was dressed, he guided her downstairs.
The villa was wide, modern, sunlit far from the dark mansions she'd seen before.
"Is this place yours?" She asked as he led her to the kitchen with his hands on her waist.
"Yes" he replied gently.
She sat on a stool in the kitchen, still dazed.
He rolled up his sleeves again and opened the fridge.
"What do you want?" She asked.
"I can help—"
"No," he said without turning around. "Sit."
She giggled softly, watching him as he started moving around the kitchen cracking eggs, slicing bread, flipping pancakes with quiet precision.
The smell filled the air quickly, warm and sweet.
Her heart fluttered unexpectedly.
Damian Volkov, the man who'd once terrified her, was now cooking breakfast like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Minutes later, he was done with the food he set in a plate.
He glanced at her over his shoulder. "You're staring."
She blushed, looking away. "I'm just… surprised."
He smirked faintly. "Get used to it."
He said walking to her, his hands rested on her cheek, she stared into his eyes.
Viktor pushed the door open with his usual grin, his hands in his pockets.
He froze for a second when he saw Damian and Elena — their faces were close, almost touching.
Damian's hand was still resting gently against her cheek.
Viktor raised a brow.
"Sorry to interrupt your little moment," he said, grinning. "But I'm starving."
Damian sighed, clearly trying not to smile.
"I thought I told you to get out."
"Yes, you did, brother," Viktor said, stepping further into the room.
"But my stomach didn't get the memo."
Elena giggled softly. "Hi, Viktor."
He turned to her with a bright smile.
"Hey, Elena. I'm glad you're okay — you almost gave my brother here a heart attack."
"I'm not your brother," Damian said coolly, sitting back on the chair like he wasn't just seconds away from kissing her.
Viktor winked. "Yes, you are, dude. You just don't like to admit you love me."
Elena laughed again, shaking her head.
"There's some food in the fridge," she said. "You can heat it up."
Viktor's eyes lit up. "Now that's the best thing I've heard all day!"
He went straight to the fridge, rummaging loudly until he found something to eat.
A few minutes later, he came back with a plate in hand, chewing already.
He looked at Damian, then at Elena, and smirked.
"Dude, she just woke up, and you already made her cook breakfast for you?"
Elena's eyes widened. "No, he—"
Before she could finish, Damian cut in smoothly, not even looking at Viktor.
"Andrei called a maid."
Viktor chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure he did," he teased.
"Next thing I'll hear, you're taking cooking classes for her."
Damian shot him a glare, but Elena's quiet laugh broke the tension, her cheeks turning pink.
Viktor only grinned wider. "Aww, look at that. My cold-hearted brother's melting."
Damian groaned, standing up. "Get out, Viktor."
Viktor raised his hands in surrender, still smiling.
"Alright, alright. I'll leave you lovebirds to your pancakes."
As he walked away, Elena hid her smile behind her hand.
Damian looked at her, trying to keep a straight face but when she met his eyes, they both couldn't help but laugh softly.
Hours later. Evening reached.
The house was calm, the sound of the sea nearby blending with the chirping of crickets.
Elena wandered through the long hallways, her bare feet brushing the cold marble floor.
She admired the place the clean lines, the art pieces, the smell of expensive cologne that always reminded her of him.
Eventually, she stepped outside and stopped when she reached the poolside.
She stood there for a moment, letting the cool breeze touch her face, lost in thought.
Then she heard his voice from behind her.
"Let's swim together," Damian said, his deep tone breaking the quiet.
She turned quickly, startled.
"No," she said softly, shaking her head.
"Besides, I don't have a swimsuit."
Damian smirked. "I can get you one right now."
Before she could say anything, he had already taken out his phone. She heard him speaking quietly to someone, giving instructions.
Within minutes, a man arrived at the door holding a small black box. Damian took it, dismissed the man, and walked to her.
"Here," he said, handing her the box.
Elena frowned. "No, I'm not wearing it."
"Please, cupcake," he said, his voice low, almost teasing.
She looked at him, hesitant.
"Fine," she muttered, taking the box and walking toward the guest changing room near the pool.
His deep voice loud enough for her to hear. "You could just change here"
She ignored his words, entered the room and locked it.