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Damon did not react to her words. He could hear her thundering heartbeat. His gleaming gaze stared down at her silently before bending down and putting his lips on her cheek and asking in a low voice, 

"Is it hurting too much?"

Bella was confused immediately and shocked at his words. The way he said those words, it seemed like even though there was no regret in him for his actions, but there was a definite hint of concern for her. The words faded after a fraction of a second before he masked himself again and his lips slid to hers to kiss deeply. When he pulled back, his face had returned to the usual emotionless one as he ordered, "Go to sleep, otherwise I am not going to be able to control myself."

Bella could only stare at him with a stunned gaze as tears slipped out of the