A line in the sand.

Claire's POV

As I get into a hot bath to get ready for work and wash Damon's smell from my body. I remember the day I saw him again and how he stood up for me.

"Flashback*

It was a Saturday morning. I got a little money from working at the cafe that week, and I was going to treat myself at the farmer’s market. It was bustling, colourful, and full of fresh bread and laughter. It used to be Mark and my ritual, coffee in one hand, his palm warm in the other, a basket between us filled with apples and wildflowers. I came alone that day. I tightened my grip on her tote bag, weaving through the stalls with my chin held high. I told myself I didn’t care about the stares, about the murmurs that always seemed to follow me. I wasn’t the “poor thing” anymore. I was free. I was fine. But of course, fate had other plans.

“Well, if it isn’t Mrs Green.” I froze at the sound of that voice, sweet as syrup but sharp enough to cut. Sienna stood by the flower stall, one manicured hand resting on Mike’s arm. He looked tired, already wilting under the weight of her possessiveness, but he didn’t pull away.

"It’s Miss Johnson now, or did you forget?" I said. I forced myself to breathe. Sienna’s lips curved.

“Oh, right. Forgive me. Old habits,” She said. Her eyes swept over my plain sundress and my worn canvas tote. I did not say anything. 

“Still shopping for one, I see?” She said. The insult hit its mark. Heat burned in my chest, but I refused to give Sienna the satisfaction of flinching.

“I don’t need a man to validate me, Sienna. Some of us can function on our own," I said. Sienna’s laughter was too loud, drawing curious glances.

“Is that what you tell yourself at night?” She said sarcastically. My hands trembled. I opened my mouth to respond, but another voice cut through the tension.

“Enough, Sienna!" Damon said sternly. He stood a few feet away, his presence commanding without effort. His gaze was hard, his voice low but dangerous.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than torment people who’ve already suffered enough from your games?" Damon asks. Sienna blinked, her smirk faltering.

“Uncle Damon, I was just making conversation,” Sienna said sweetly, recovering fast. 

“Conversation doesn’t usually involve cruelty and sarcasm. And you. You should be ashamed,” Damon said, his jaw tight. His eyes flicked to Mark, who shifted uncomfortably under the weight of Daniel’s disapproval. Mark flushed, muttering something under his breath, but Sienna only tilted her head, her voice dripping with condescension. 

"So you’re defending her now? Interesting. Careful, darling. My uncle has a history of collecting strays. Did you forget about your ex-wife and what she did to you?” Sienna said sarcastically. Her eyes slid to me. My stomach lurched. But before she could speak, Damon stepped closer, his voice ice.

“Say another word, and I’ll forget you’re blood.” Damon spat the words out. The silence that followed was heavy, electric. Sienna’s eyes widened for a split second before she masked it with a brittle laugh. I knew she was pretending not to care, but I could see the waves of anger and confusion in her eyes. It was obvious she was not used to being put in her place. 

“Touchy, aren’t we? Come on. This market is getting dull.” Sienna said. She tugged on Mike’s arm.  As they disappeared into the crowd, I let out a shaky breath I hadn’t realised she was holding.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said quietly, turning to Damon.

“Yes, I did. She feeds on your silence, Claire. You give her power every time you don’t fight back,” Damon said. His tone softened as he looked at me, really looked at me as if it was the first time he saw me. I bit my lip, torn between gratitude and resentment.

“And what? I’m supposed to scream in the middle of the market? To make a scene?” I asked. His mouth twitched, almost a smile.

“You could. But it’s more effective to stand your ground. Make her feel small without saying a word,” Damon says. He gave me that crooked smile of his. That sexy damn smile!

“Easy for you to say,” I said. I frowned.

“Not as easy as you think,” Damon said. His gaze darkened, and for a moment. Then I saw it, the weariness beneath his confidence, the scars he carried from being tied to someone like Sienna, or maybe because of his past. What happened? I wanted to know, but I was too scared to ask. My heart stumbled. I didn’t want to care, didn’t want to feel the pull toward him. But damn it, it was there. Damon cleared his throat, as if sensing my conflict.

“Let me walk you home," He said. He was the wealthiest man in town and maybe even in America. I didn't know why he still stayed in this God forsaken town. I still don't know. I hesitated. I wanted to say no, to keep my distance. But the thought of walking back alone, with Sienna’s words echoing in my head, made me nod. As we strolled side by side through the winding streets, I told myself it was just a walk. Nothing more. But deep inside, I knew something had shifted. Damon Withdield wasn’t just Sienna’s uncle anymore. He was the first person in months who had stood beside me, not against Sienna, and that terrified me more than anything. I did not want this. I did not want to be pulled into their family business. I did not want to get too close to someone linked to Sienna. However, I did not want to push Damon away. I was tired of fighting alone against that bitch. 

"I know you need a job. Can you start tomorrow?" Damon asked. 

"Of course," I said. I thought it was going to be temporary.

*End of flashback*

However, here I am getting ready to go to my job. I enjoy my new job and I am happy. I smile as I think of last night. It was the first time Damon and I had sex. It was the first time he ended up in my bed.