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Chapter 53 - Post-Paris

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-24 11:21:32

Damon

“Alright, man. If you say so,” Kay says, and with that, the line goes dead.

Leaning back into the headrest, I try to still everything. Thoughts, instincts, the tension that hasn’t left my shoulders since we touched down. The inside of the car is silent except for the hum of the engine. The moment feels stretched thin, like it might snap if I breathe too loudly.

Gravel crunches under the tires. I didn’t even notice Mark turning into the driveway until we were already pulling in. The house rises into view, tall and sharp against the dull afternoon light, and just like that, reality comes barreling back.

She moves before the car comes to a full stop. The door swings open, and she steps out fast. Too fast. The door slams hard behind her.

Right. Here we go.

If I was taming a dog before Paris, I’m fighting a tiger now. And not just any tiger—one I raised with my own hands. One I fed fury and independence, and then had the audacity to expect silence from.

I step out, and my eyes land o
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