Chapter 5
Alter making noise all morning, Giselle offered to treat everyone to a meal.
Damon shot her down in an instant. “No, it’s the You’ve caused enough trouble. Time to go.”
Giselle acted like she didn’t hear him and grabbed his hand, dragging him straight out the door. A few of Isis friends, who were worried he wouldn’t come along, pulled Clara with them
They all pilled into cars and headed to a hot spring resort.
Clara didn’t usually hang out with this group and had no interest in trying to fit in. Sitting off to the side, she watched them toast and lose themselves in the lively atmosphere.
Damon saw her sitting by herself, so he walked over, ready to hand her a glass of juice. But just as she reached for it, he suddenly got up and disappeared back into the crowd.
Giselle was about to take a sip of whiskey when Damon snatched it right out of her hand.
His sharp reprimand cut through the noise. “You’re allergic to alcohol, and you’re still drinking? What? Are you trying to get yourself killed?
Giselle blinked and put on an innocent act. “I thought it was juice. I must’ve grabbed the wrong glass. Why are you so worked up?”
Then, without a care, she plucked the juice from Damon’s right hand and flashed him a sweet smile. “Thanks.”
His grip tightened for a split second, but he didn’t say anything and went back to his seat while absentmindedly holding out the glass to Clara.
Noticing the amber liquid and the distracted look on his face, Clara didn’t take it.
Instead, she got up, grabbed her bag, and said softly, “I don’t drink. I’m going to the hot springs.”
That was when it hit Damon. He’d handed her the wrong glass. Still caught up in his thoughts abour Giselle, he hadn’t realized he’d mixed up the liquor and the juice.
He wanted to explain, but Clara was already gone before the could get a word out.
Sinking into the warm, soothing water, Clara felt her exhaustion melt away, Leaning back against the wall, she watched the steam swirl and rise, and before she knew it, sleep crept up on her.
The knocking at the door went unnoticed, probably because she’d gotten so used to the noise outside. Damon called her name a few times, but she didn’t respond.
His chest tightened, and without thinking, he shoved the door open. The sight of her dozing off in the hot spring made his heart skip a beat. Without hesitation, he jumped in and pulled her into his arms.
Clara’s eyes fluttered open. She was still dazed. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his shoulders as he lifted her. Between the rising steam and the warmth of their bodies pressed together, the air between them shifted.
Damon found himself leaning in. Their breaths had barely mingled when footsteps suddenly echoed through the space
A second later, Giselle stepped in. The moment she saw them, her smile froze. She bit her lip hard. Shock and disappointment showed on her face. Then, without a word, she turned and bolted
Dumon stood frozen for a moment. His first instinct was to set Clara down and go after Giselle
Before he left, he muttered, “She’s got i
got it wrong.
וויד.
explain it to her.”
Got it wrong? They were legally married. Even if they were caught kissing, what was there to explain?
But Damon was still stuck in the past. He was always slipping back into the role of Giselle’s boyfriend, which was why he felt compelled to explain himself all the time.
He was the kind of guy who had once given everything for love. It was hard for him to shake the habit of always needing to justify himself.
Watching him rush off, Clara chuckded, but tears welled up soon after. She wrapped a towel around herself and cracked open the window for some air.
Just then, she spotted Giselle storming outside. Giselle yanked the car door open, but Damon grabbed her hand before she could get Their tense argument echoed loud and clear.
“Clara was asleep. I just didn’t want her to catch a cold. Do you really have to blow this out of proportion?”
absolutely. She’s your wife, and I have no right to be upset! Why don’t you go back to her and stop explaining everything to your ex?” Giselle, do you really have to put it that way?”
“What? I’m just stating facts!”
With that, their argument hit a dead end. Eyes red from tears, Giselle yanked her arm free, jumped into her car, and sped off. Damon hesitated for seconds before getting into his car and taking off after her.
Once the dust settled and the road went quiet again, Clara turned and headed to the changing room.
When she was done getting dressed and stepped out, Damon’s friends pulled her aside. They looked panicled and desperate “Clara, something bad
Chapter 5
