For the first time, he was certain Demian wasn't merely captivated.He was in love with Valerie.
Valerie, still dazed, could only clutch weakly at Demian's chest, trying to make sense of what had happened…and why the man who was always so cold was holding her as if the world would crumble if she slipped away again.
Valerie was still standing in a daze, her body light but her mind in complete disarray. The massive flames that had raged moments before were now extinguished as if swallowed by the air itself. Every gaze was fixed on her, but the first to move was Demian.
Without a single second of hesitation, he pulled Valerie into his arms tight, desperate, as though the fear of losing her still clung to every breath he took. Those around them exchanged glances; this was the second time they had seen Demian lose control over a single woman.
