They lingered on the call a little longer before finally parting ways. Once it ended, Damien set the phone aside and turned back to her. His hands rose slowly, gently cradling her face between his palms. She went rigid beneath his touch, but he said nothing only brushed away the tears clinging to her skin with the soft pad of his thumb.
"Jacq…" he murmured, her name leaving his lips like a quiet melody, tender and careful.
She gave him nothing in return. No words. No reaction. Only the faintest shift as she closed her eyes, retreating into stillness, pretending to sleep.
Damien noticed it immediately the distance, the quiet withdrawal but he didn't push. Instead, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her temple.
The moment his lips touched her skin, a spark ignited.
She gasped, the reaction instinctive, and his eyes darkened slightly. He felt it too.
But he pulled back without a word, allowing her the silence she clung to. Moving away, he sank into the chair nearby.
