Damon was caught off guard. Not just by the girl's sudden, bold move, but by the unexpected warmth of it. The way her lips felt against his, certain and unhurried, like something that had been decided long before this moment.
Instinctively, he kissed her back.
Just for a moment.
Then she pulled away, her crimson eyes steady on his, close enough that he could see the careful composure she'd rebuilt in the half second since she'd broken it.
"You left," she said. "Again."
"I didn't expect it to take this long."
"It never does." Something heavy settled beneath the words, patient and old. "Next time you go on some adventure, I want to be the one at your side."
Damon looked at her.
