Chapter 39
Conflicted Hearts
Elena
"Wait, you mean he actually did that?" Jenna's voice was filled with disbelief at my words.
"He cut off ties with the guy? That's huge," Jenna's surprise mirrored mine.
"I know," I said, my mind still at a standstill since I'd seen the news all over TV.
"Are you okay, Elena?" Jenna asked, lowering her voice. "Like are you really okay? How do you feel?"
"I…" I hesitated, instantly pressing down some memories that threatened to rear their ugly head. "I'm better," I finally said, sinking into the couch.
Jenna's silence didn't feel believable, "I was really worried, Elena," she whispered. "And what's going on between you and your boss?" Jenna asked. "He's doing an awful lot for you, it's crazy."
"Dami— I mean, he's like that," I said. An image of Damien beating the shit out of Mike appeared in my head.
"Is something going on between you two?" Jenna asked carefully.
"I—" the words I'd been about to say lodged in my throat and I paused. Memories of Damien, old dusty memories of him swirled in my head.
I'd never really thought Damien could be like this—strong, kind, caring, humourous in his own way. The past few weeks had opened my eyes to a different side of Damien, a part I hadn't been aware existed.
I could see nothing of the old Damien I knew, the Damien I'd been married off to, had fled his home and ran away to evade. Fast forward six months later he'd rushed in to save me. The irony of the situation brought a small smile to my face.
"Earth to Elena," Jenna's raised voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I chuckled, trying to arrange my train of thoughts. "I don't know what's going on," I sighed. "I really don't."
I meant it. Things had developed and spiraled way beyond my expectations. Just months ago I'd fled away from him, and now?
I was working on a project with him, he'd saved me and now I was in his house.
Before Jenna could press further I heard the door open and some footsteps.
Damien. Had to be him.
The thought had barely crossed my mind when he appeared in the doorway, his gaze sweeping across me.
"I'll call you Jenna," I mumbled and ended the call before she could respond.
"You look better," Damien paused in the doorway, his eyes scanning across me. "Don't strain yourself," he said.
And there it was, those little questions about my well-being, the little flash of concern in his eyes. Despite myself a warm fuzzy feeling filled my chest with warmth.
"I won't," I whispered, meeting his gaze.
He looked calm, quiet. Like he hadn't just walked off and caused a huge scene in the business world on my account. The weight of his actions weighed on me and for a moment I couldn't speak.
I felt uneasy under Damien's gaze and yet my curiosity wouldn't let me sit still, the question was on the tip of my tongue.
"Why did you do it?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. Damien frowned in confusion.
"I mean, why did you cut ties with Mike's company?" I hesitated, "Was it because of me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Damien remained silent, his eyes flashing with emotions I couldn't see through. I was already thinking he wouldn't answer but he sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Yes," his answer was simple, brief.
My breath hitched. I hadn't expected Damien to admit to it.
"I wanted to do more," Damien said, his tone sharper. "I wanted to sue him," his eyes met mine. "I still do, but it'll unsettle a can of worms and the company would be affected. Project Houston could be affected."
"You've done more than enough," I whispered. I meant it.
I sighed, the mention of the project made me feel a pang of guilt. "How about the project?" I asked hesitantly.
"It's a critical period, but I can't go back to work like this," I glanced at my arms which were riddled with bruises. I also had a small concussion from hitting my head when Mike had shoved me against the wall.
"You're not going back," Damien said sharply, his tone final. "Not until you've recovered. I have a better idea."
A better idea? My brows shot up and I wondered what it was.
"You'll stay here," Damien dropped a bombshell. "I'll bring the project here and we'll work on it, while you recover.
"Wait what!" I blinked, disbelief filling me. "Stay here? With you?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing, surely Damien couldn't be serious about this.
"Yes," Damien held my gaze steadily.
I shook my head, the idea too overwhelming. "I can't. Damien, I—"
"Listen to me," Damien cut me off, coming to sit opposite me. "You aren't recovered and you're in no state to be seen by your daughter. If you don't stay here, where will you stay?"
"I—" I was about to speak when I froze, his words re-echoing in my head. There was something about his question.
I'd lost my memory, I couldn't mention any of my old acquaintances and who knew if Damien had already looked into my situation.
His question suddenly felt like a trap, one wrong action and I'd give myself away.
I didn't dare imagine Damien's reaction if he discovered I was lying about my lost memory.
But deep down I knew he was right, I'd frighten Lily if she saw me in this state.
"Okay," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Damien nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. I'll make the arrangements."
My heart thudded in my chest as thoughts filled my head. I'd really done myself in.
Staying under the same roof as Damien? A few months ago I'd never have imagined such a scenario but it was my present situation.
I didn't have a choice.
And that terrified me more than anything else.