Damon's POV
I raced to Maya's workplace, my heart pounding against my ribcage. I'd made it there well before her shift began, desperate to explain before rumors could take flight.
The surprise in her eyes when she spotted me quickly morphed into something else as she approached. She wrapped her arms around me briefly before pulling back abruptly, her nose wrinkling.
"This perfume," she said, her voice tight. "It's not yours, Damon, but I recognize it."
The worry that had been festering inside me bloomed into full-blown panic as I watched her expression darken. "Yes, you recognize it. That's exactly why I came early. I was with Sasha, but please, let me explain."
"I'm listening," she replied, sinking into her chair. Her eyes never left mine as she added, "But I want every detail about why her scent is all over you."
"Well, I—" Just as I began my explanation, Damian emerged from his office looking distracted, his gaze unfocused.
