Maya's POV
The months following my birthday lunch with Owen had flown by in a whirlwind of changes. Finally, Julian had been arrested by my detective, who seemed to grow more handsome with each passing day. My relationship with Damon had developed naturally, without the usual complications I feared. The only persistent thorn in my side was my mother, who continued her relentless campaign to control my life.
Time had slipped through my fingers like sand. Between work and spending time with Damon, I'd started screening my mother's calls more carefully. When I did speak with her, she invariably ruined my day with threats that if I didn't return home voluntarily, she would come and drag me back herself. Despite repeatedly telling her she had no power over me anymore, a lingering fear kept me nestled in the safety of Damon's home, unconcerned about how long I'd been staying there.
