“Because what you call ‘not important’ was very obviously important to her. She was broken, Damon. I can’t let myself get hurt like that. It could be me in her place, next time, and I’d be the hurt one but it would be unimportant to you.” His thumbs wipe away my falling tears as he stares into my eyes.
“It really means that much to you?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. I hold my breath as I wait for his reply. He sighs. I know that he’s going to let me go. He’s not going to tell me. His jaw clenches tight.
“I’ll tell you. Just... just give me time. I don’t want my past tainting what we have. I want to keep you, beauty. I need to know I have you before there’s a chance I could lose you.”
“It won’t. You won’t.” Even as I say the words I’m not sure if they’re true. What if it’s all a game to him? What if that broken woman is another one of Damon’s victims? I need to sleep on all this. “I can give you time.”
Damon’s body visibly relaxes. He buries his nose in my hair. Inhaling deep. “Fuck, beauty.” He peppers my face with soft kisses, caressing every inch of skin. “We good?” he asks before finally pressing his lips to mine.
“For now,” I mumble against his mouth. He chuckles before pulling away.
“Ella Knight, it’s been a pleasure. I will bid you a goodnight.” He places a chaste kiss to my lips once more before spinning on his heel and walking towards the door.
“You’re just going?” I ask, confused. He stops and pivots around to face me, a grin teasing his kissable lips.
“I told you when I asked you on a date that I want to deserve you. I need to earn that, beauty. We might have started off the wrong way but I sure as shit am gonna try my best to keep you. That means showing you your worth. Until the next date.” He winks and leaves, leaving me speechless.
The small smile playing on my lips stays there even as I crawl into bed after a shower. Can I really let go of the past and just live for me? Can I live a life with Damon? Exhaustion pulls me under before I can think too much about it.
CHAPTER TWENTY
May 27th 2014
Damon’s lips upon mine cause me to moan. My body yields to his as he presses into me from behind. His hard shaft is filling me to capacity. It feels amazing. The weight of him pressing into my back is enough to make me feel consumed. He’s surrounding every inch of me. His arm bands around my waist, pulling me back against his thrusting, steely, cock. Each slap of skin echoes around the room. I cry out as I feel his fingers connect with my clit. My pleasure peeks before it turns to pain. I feel too full, the pressure is too much.
I shoot up in bed bursting for the toilet. My bladder feels like it’s going to pop. I stumble to my feet, trying to get to the toilet before I wet myself. I make it just in time. It feels so nice. A whimper slips past my lips. My clit is swollen from my dream, relieving my bladder almost feels like an orgasm.
I make my way back to bed, lying flat on top of the covers. It’s warm in the room but I’m boiling up. I heave myself up to go open the window, the breeze that hits my skin immediately feeling heavenly, I crawl onto the bed and pass out straight away.
****
I wake feeling groggy. I have no energy and I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years. I roll over and try to snuggle back to a comfortable position so I can sleep longer. I shift after a minute, feeling too hot. I spread out to touch cold spots in the sheets, cooling my skin. I let out a sigh. It feels nice. I push a leg out the covers to let the air hit my overheated skin.
I feel restless. My body needs to move but my mind needs to rest. I shift positions when I become hot again. The bed feels hard. I don’t know why because usually it’s a dream to sleep in but I feel like I’m on a wooden plank.
I sit up and rub my palms over my eyes, trying to shake off the sleepy daze, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the billowing curtains. I feel like shit. I can’t remember the last time I felt so unwell. My stomach feels off, my head hurts and body aches. My mouth feels like I’ve been sucking cotton balls all night.
I stand up and my head spins. I clutch my head, letting the dizziness pass before standing up right. I need a drink ASAP. I wobble down to the kitchen, my stupefied zombie state causes me to bump into the odd wall along the way but I don’t care. I just need a drink.
I bump straight in to Damon as I step into the kitchen with my eyes half closed. I grunt an apology before stepping around him, grabbing a glass of water, and drinking it down in one go before filling it back up again.
“You look like shit.”
“Thanks. I feel it. Too much wine and Tiramisu. Over indulgence on my part.” I take slower sips of my water whilst running my hand through my hair. I can’t even imagine what a mess I must look. “I’m going back to bed.” Damon’s chuckle follows me up the stairs.
****
May 28th 2014
It’s mid afternoon when Damon gently shakes me awake with a bowl of soup. The smell instantly churns my stomach. I dive out of bed and dash to the bathroom and collapse to the floor, no energy to hold me up.
Damon comes over with a damp washcloth to wipe my face. I lean back against his legs and shut my eyes. “Thanks.” I whisper.
“You need to see a doctor.”
“I’m okay, I’ll be fine. It’s just a head cold.” I start to nod off again. Damon scoops me up and carries me to bed. “It’s so warm in here,” I mumble as I settle in on the bed. Damon brushes the hair back from my face, pressing his palm against my head, checking my temperature.
“I’ll bring you a fan up. Just rest, beauty.” He lips press gently to my forehead before I fall into a deep sleep.
****
May 29th 2014
Damon finds me cooking his breakfast, with my head in the sink, throwing up. I felt fine when I woke up. I wanted to thank Damon for his care yesterday. He kept waking me up, making me stay hydrated.
“What the fuck, Ella? What the hell are you doing out of bed if you’re still ill?” he rushes over to softly rub my back. “You need to see a doctor.”
“I don’t. I feel fine now,” I tell him. I don’t. I feel terrible but I’m not going to tell him that. I plate up his breakfast and make an excuse of needing a shower. I crawl back into bed and sleep the day away.
****
May 30th 2014
Damon has invited me to his parent’s house for dinner tomorrow. I’m a little dubious but after a lot of persuasive tongue action he finally got me to agree. I’m a little excited but a lot nervous.
Today is the best I’ve felt all week. My illness seems to have passed and my energy levels are full to the brim. I settle in to watch some Friday night TV with him, trying not to think about the upcoming meet the parents day. It doesn’t take long before I’ve fallen to sleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
May 31st 2014
March 30th 2011
I met Damon’s parents today. They are ace. Totally loved me! I’m sick of waiting around for Damon to sort his shit out and introduce me. I took it upon myself to go to their house and get to know them.
Mrs Hunt will be a fab mother in law. I know she will push Damon to propose soon. He’s just been worried about what people will think of me for sleeping with my boss. Now I know his mum and dad I know they won’t mind.
Damon was furious with me when he found out I’d been to his parents. Asking loads of stupid questions. He’s just mad because he’s worried that I might not like his mum and dad and if they’ll like me.
We hit it off. He has nothing to worry about.
Signing out: soon to be Mrs Hunt <3 <3
I put Lydia’s diary down and let out a sigh. Today is the day I’m going to meet Damon's parents. I have spent all morning trying to figure out what to wear and trying not to throw up. My nerves are shot. I settle on a pair of black skinny jeans and a hot pink shirt. I leave my hair down in curls, adding volume to it to make it big, as if I’ll be able to hide myself in it.
I’m just applying the last of m
y makeup when there’s a knock on my door. Damon enters, and even in jeans and a polo shirt he is breathtaking. He looks casual but still put together well. I take him in through the mirror as I finish with a swipe of extra gloss.
His hair is damp from his shower, the thick dark strands arranged messy. His dark stubble graces his strong jawline, making my mouth water. I know what that stubble feels like rubbing against my thighs. I squeeze my legs together as a slow throb begins to make itself known. Everything about this man turns me on. I turn to him and smile.
“Are you ready?” he holds his hand out waiting for me to place my hand in his. The gesture throws me a little as it’s something couples do. I’m not quite sure what the label on our relationship is.
Throwing down my lip-gloss I take one more glance in the mirror, before slipping my hand into Damon's. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I let out a sigh, my nerves getting the better of me again. Damon pulls me into his arms and holds me.
“They’ll love you, beauty,” he mumbles into my hair. I smile at his words and pull back to look up at him. He hands comes up to brush his fingers along my lips, his eyes searching mine. “So fucking beautiful,” he whispers. I smile and place a chaste kiss on his lips.
Damon grips me to deepen the kiss but I manage to get out his clutches. I turn and run out of the room, giggling at his shocked expression. I hear his feet slapping against the floor as he takes off after me.
The thrill of being chased sends me into a childish mess of nervous excitement. I squeal and run as fast as I can down the stairs, hoping to make it down before Damon catches me.
I don’t. His arms band around me, lifting me off my feet before I’m even half way down. Panting with excitement, I shut my eyes and giggle.
“Someone’s feeling playful,” Damon says as he turns me around to face him. “Now let’s get that right. Kiss me,” he demands. I comply instantly, wanting a kiss as much as he. The kiss ends far too soon for my liking. Damon quickly gathers his phone and keys from the side table and we’re out the door.
When we get to the car, Damon holds the door open for me and assists me in getting in, adding a kiss to my forehead. He shuts the door and makes his way around to his side. I can’t help the smile that plays on my lips at how gentlemanly he is being.
****
The drive to Damon’s parent’s house is quiet and easy. They live in Chiswick, which is about thirty minutes outside London, so Damon says. Conversation is minimal most of the way and I entertain myself singing along to the tunes on the radio. He hasn’t let go of my hand the whole time, instead choosing to drive one handed.
I’m starting to feel nervous about meeting his parents and start fussing with my hair. I pull down the mirror to reapply my lip-gloss. I hear Damon chuckle at the side of me. I turn my head to look at him. Amusement lights up his dark gaze as he looks at me.
“Relax, Ella, they are gonna love you. I promise.” He turns his head back to watch the road. I sit back in my seat trying to get my nerves under control. I have done this so many times over the past three years, meeting the parents, not caring if they liked me or not, occasionally making sure they don’t like me. So why was tonight different? Why did I want them to like me?
Pulling up to Damon's parents house thirty minutes later I’m in full panic mode. I know Spence will be here but Damon didn’t give me much to go on. From the amount of cars parked in the driveway I’m going to go out on a limb here and say there is a lot more people here than the small family dinner I had envisioned.
Not realizing Damon is out of the car, I get out when he opens my door and take his proffered hand. I look up at the home in front of me and am in awe at how beautiful it is. It’s more like a stately home than a house, with a long driveway that circles out at the front. A beautiful flower garden sits in the middle of the circle, bursting with colour and fragrance. Elegant steps lead up to the double heavy ornate wooden doors at the front of the house and I can see a separate path that leads to the rear of the property.
Standing at the top of the steps, at the threshold of the door, is an older looking version of Damon. I know him to be Damon and Spencer’s dad, George. I have seen him at events and also in photos but never up close. It’s easy to see where Damon and Spencer get their good looks.
George Hunt is a man who ages gracefully. His salt and pepper hair is styled to perfection, he’s wearing a fitted, black t-shirt and jeans and it’s obvious he takes care of his body. A large, friendly smile graces his lips as he waits our approach.
When we reach George, he takes my hand in his and pulls me into a hug. The move startles me, the over affectionate gesture throws me off balance and I stumble backwards. Having affectionate moments with Damon is one thing but for his father to be this way makes me realise just how much I’ve missed a fatherly hug. I feel hands wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me back so I’m steady on my feet. Lifting my head I give Damon a smile as a show of gratitude. He leaves his arms wrapped around me and leans his chin on my shoulder.
“Dad, I’d like you to meet, Ella. Ella, this is my father, George.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hunt. You have a beautiful home,” I smile.
“Thank you, sweetie. Please call me George, Ella. None of this Mr. Hunt nonsense,” he replies with a wink.
He leads us inside, giving Damon a hug when he releases me to clasp my hand. Upon entering the house, Damon ushers me through into the lounge. It’s already filled with people, including Spencer. There is another man and woman standing close to him and they look in deep discussion about something.
The room is just as beautiful as the outside of the house. Golds and creams add lightness, but the trinkets and pictures displayed around the room give it a lived in feeling. It’s homey. I take in my surroundings and my nerves flare again. There are so many people here.
Damon stands close behind me, so close I can feel his breath on my neck and a shiver runs down my spine when I feel him drop a kiss on my shoulder. It instantly sets my skin on fire.
“You alright, beautiful?”
“Yes.” I give him a reassuring smile. “There are a lot more people here than I expected,” I say nervously. Damon frowns, looking around.
“Yes, there are. A lot more than I expected too.” He catches Spencer’s eye and gives him a nod. Spencer excuses himself from his company before crossing the room to greet us. He gives Damon a brotherly hug before dropping a kiss on my cheek.
“Ella, you look beautiful. Why don’t you come and meet some family friends? They are very keen to meet Damon's girlfriend.” The way he emphasises the word makes me cringe. Is that what I even am?
Spencer pulls me across the room, I notice Damon exit the lounge, leaving me alone with Spencer. I look up to see the woman, who Spencer was with when we arrived, eyeing me curiously, instantly making me feel defensive. I can feel myself slipping back into manipulative me as I eye the man at her side, whom I presume is her husband. She takes a step in front of him holding out her hand towards me.
“You must be, Ella?” at my nod of confirmation she continues, “we have heard so much about you, I’m Sandra.” I don’t know this lady but she seems awfully familiar. When she pulls me close in a warm hug I’m completely thrown. I feel off balance, maybe I’m completely judging these people wrong. Sandra gestures to the man at her side, looking at him with eyes filled with adoration, “And this is my husband, Steen.”
Steen reaches forward and shakes my hand, giving me a warm smile. I feel arms creep around my waist as I’m pulled up close to Damon. I relax back into him as he says hello before jumping straight into a conversation about business. Damon, Spencer and Steen talk animatedly for several minutes before Damon pulls me away. I feel myself relaxing into my surroundings, no longer nervous.
We move to the couches and just as I’m about to take a seat, Damon pulls me down onto his lap, his arms securing me in place. The move is completely unexpected and a blush creeps up my face as I realise his action has just gained t
he attention of the entire room.
Damon chuckles before addressing the whole room, “Have you never seen a woman sit in the lap of her partner before?” A few chuckles spread around the room before Spencer’s voice rings out.
“We’ve never seen a woman in your lap, Damon. That’s the difference.” Spencer gives me a wink and comes to join us. George seats himself next to us, speaking with Damon about Spencer’s hotel idea, wanting to know if Damon thinks it will work. Damon quickly involves me in the conversation, asking my opinions on the party planning side. The atmosphere is so calming, nothing feels forced, as conversations flow around us.
I’m yet to meet Damon’s mother so I’m still feeling a little on edge, but I feel like I’m where I belong. I feel myself becoming more comfortable, settling in with Damon’s family.
We are all laughing away when we hear someone clear her throat. It’s a delicate female sound so I turn my head and see Damon’s mother standing in the doorway. Spencer stands and goes to give her a hug, saying loving words into her ear as he holds her. Damon moves so quickly, standing with me in his arms still, that I feel lightheaded and sway on my feet. I stumble forward but I’m caught before I fall. Spencer’s concerned gaze pops into my vision as Damon supports my weight.
“Are you ok?” I look up at Damon’s concerned expression, the worry in his eyes etched in the frown lines on his face. He releases me once I’ve regained my balance and cups my face in his hand, using the other one to feel my forehead.
“I’m fine Damon, just a head rush. You stood too quickly,” I try to reassure him. I realise that people have gathered around us. Damon’s mother pushes him out of the way and leads me to the kitchen to sit me down, fussing over me, shouting orders to get me some water, and turn up the air-conditioning.
Damon’s mum is a beautiful woman. She is very elegant for her age, with luscious blonde locks ending at her shoulders. She has a heart shaped face, with striking blue eyes and high cheeks bones. She’s a petite lady, smaller than me. She has a very motherly air about her and a warm smile.
Corrupted (Manipulation Trilogy #1) Page 11
