BONUS DAMIEN I woke up to the sound of running water. I frowned and blinked to make my corneas adapt to the light. The sound of the water filled my ears again and I realized that I must have left a tap in the bathroom wasting water when I used it earlier. I quickly got out of bed cursing my inattention and walked towards the bathroom without bothering to put my shirt on. I pushed open the door and entered the bathroom, but tripped over my own steps when I realized that the noise wasn't coming from the toilet, but from the shower. But how could there be someone in there? I approached the shower stall while trying to remember how much whisky I had drunk by the time I got home that night, but my thoughts were shattered when I saw the woman through the glass. Her skin was tanned and she ran her hands through her hair, washing it gently. Her curves were perfect and I ran my eyes down her back, appreciating every inch of exposed skin. It was then that she turned around, catching me red-h

BONUS DAMIEN It was my muscles that woke me up to the sun's rays streaming through the window. For a moment I wondered where I was, but then last night filled my mind and my muscle memory made a point of emphasizing reality. I groaned as I felt the spasm in the back of my neck denouncing my bad posture during the night. A whole night on the sofa in a woman's house. Perhaps Nicholas was right. I'd been collecting too many absurdities since I met Ellen. My phone clamored for my attention and I lifted my hand to reach it on the arm of the armchair. A reminder glowed on the screen. The meeting where I was to decide what to do or not do for the Álvares' company. Oh, shit. I'd completely forgotten about the appointment and didn't feel like going anywhere other than my soft bed. I lifted my torso off the sofa and ran my left hand through my hair. My shirt was folded over the arm of the armchair. I ignored it and I got up and looked for the bathroom first. It was next to the room where I ha

BONUS DAMIEN I rested my phone on the table and closed my laptop while I waited for the man who would enter my meeting room in a few minutes. Gregório Álvares was coming in person to negotiate his company's situation. I wasn't in the mood for negotiations, but I had promised the meeting. I had left Ellen at my house and told the employees to be attentive to her orders while I was away. She didn't seem very comfortable with my orders, but she didn't argue. I knew she didn't like it all that much, but that was the way things were supposed to work. The sooner she understood, the better. Sharp knocks woke me from my reverie and echoed through the spacious meeting room. - Come in. - I ordered. The double door opened and a well-dressed man, looking well into his forties, entered the room. He was getting on in years, but had an elegant bearing similar to that of great businessmen. - Mr. Mason. - He held out his hand and I stood up to respond. - Mr. Álvares. - I nodded to the chair next

Absolutely not what I expected.When Damien parked the car and handed the keys over to a valet valet, I momentarily forgot the latest events. The gallery, whose French name I couldn't even pronounce, was surrounded by photographers and the press. The entrance reminded me of the premiere of an American movie and I was instantly intimidated by the magnitude of the event.My hands felt cold and I wrapped my fingers in the soft fabric of my dress. I wasn't prepared. This wasn't going to be like the golf match and I didn't feel confident facing all those people who werecame in richly dressed.- Ulysses is a bit of an exaggeration. - Damien's hand grabbed mine, making me loosen my dress.Damien, I don't think it's a good idea. I mean, I didn't imagine it would be like this and your friends, the people you know will be in there.inside. - I looked away from his face. - I'm sorry. I'm not suitable for this. Someone like me isn't suited to places like this.- Not suitable for an exhibition in

The event was a great success for Ulisses. Several and some of the paintings were sold for several million dollars. Damien was one of those who paid for the works at the auction organized later. He bought the wood-carved painting that we had enjoyed together at the beginning of the exhibition.I didn't see Estevão's family again, but I did meet some Swiss businessmen, an Argentinian entrepreneur and the owner of a Brazilian airline. airline. And although the event was made up of many wealthy people, I noticed that most of them seemed intimidated by the presence of Damien. This put me in an unpleasant position, because I was constantly being scrutinized. Not only by the men, but also by the women. It was as if they wanted to make sure that I agreed with the man next to me. That I was compatible.I thanked myself several times during the evening for my good intuition when it came to choosing a dress. Damien was right when he said it was all image. People weren't interested in your chara