Save Me - Chapter 10: Chapter 11

Damien
It had been just over a week since Dahlia had moved in, and every time I saw her, it was almost physically impossible to look away. If keeping my eyes off her was a challenge, stopping myself from touching her was torture. I desperately wanted to wrap those glorious, messy curls around my hand, pull her close, and kiss her until she begged for more.
But despite these powerful urges, I had managed to keep my distance. I only saw her during breakfast and dinner, always making sure there was a good five feet between us. I had seen how panicked and anxious she was when she first arrived. My lips twitched at the memory of her rambling about sex—it was endearing, really. But to truly have her, I needed to move at her pace, not scare her away. I was not a patient man by nature, but Dahlia was worth the wait.
For now, merely being in her presence, like this morning during breakfast, was enough.
"I have questions," she said, breaking the silence.
I glanced up from the orange juice I was pouring into her glass, meeting her warm brown eyes. I nodded, encouraging her to continue.
Until now, our conversations had been light, mostly about the city or my library, which she adored—something that pleased me more than it should have. The library was one of the main reasons I had bought this apartment building; it was the only room I hadn't changed since moving in, save for some books on the shelves.
But as I observed her during every meal, I knew there had been more on her mind. She rarely voiced out her true thoughts, but her expressive face gave her away every time. I was eager for her to open up, to let me in.
She fidgeted in her seat and bit her upper lip—a habit that always made my cock twitch, drawing attention to those full, tempting lips. The things I could do to her on this dining table...
"Why did you agree to this?" she asked, pulling me out of my reverie.
"This?" I repeated, distracted by the way the morning sunlight highlighted the copper and gold streaks in her curls. It made her skin glow like something out of a dream. Even in an old, oversized t-shirt and worn floral pajama pants, she looked like she belonged in the heavens.
I could not believe I had compared her to other women when I first saw her. Dahlia's beauty was beyond comparison.
"Marrying a complete stranger," she clarified. "You're clearly a man who could find a wife the normal way. I mean... look at you."
I almost snorted at that. If only she knew that, before her, I would have sooner chewed off my own hand than willingly enter the shackles of marriage.
"Look at me?" I teased, smirking when I saw her cheeks redden. Making Dahlia blush was fast becoming one of my favorite pastimes.
"I just mean... you, um, look like a Greek god," she stammered, her blush deepening. "Oh crap, I didn't mean—why can't I form proper sentences around you?" She covered her face in frustration, muttering to herself.
Smiling, I reached across the table, gently pulling her hands away from her face. I kissed the back of one, feeling that tidal wave of attraction and possessiveness hit me again. My body screamed at me to do more than kiss her knuckles, but I somehow restrained myself, shifting in my seat to adjust my growing erection.
"I had a business arrangement with your uncle," I replied, my voice raspier than I intended.
"Does that mean I'm your property?" she asked, sitting up straighter, her eyes narrowing slightly as if daring me to say the wrong thing.
I found her unfiltered honesty refreshing, even thrilling.
"I do not own you, Dahlia," I reassured her. "You are not my slave... unless you ask to be."
She paused, her brow furrowing. "Who would ask to be a slave?"
Her innocence stirred something dark in me—it should not have aroused me as much as it did.
"Well," I said with a slow smile, "in the right setting, some people find it pleasurable."
I smiled at her continued bewilderment. The thought of being the one to corrupt her purity was thrilling. I was a twisted son-of-a-bitch.
We ate in silence for a few moments, but it was clear from her fidgeting that she was not done.
"What is it, angel?" I asked, breaking the quiet.
"I want to go outside and explore the city," she said. "As much as I love your balconies and amazing library, spending the whole week indoors has been driving me a little crazy."
"You can go outside whenever you like. My apologies for being too busy with work to show you around." I frowned, the words sounding foreign. I had never apologized for working before. "Tom, my driver, could take you anywhere you'd like."
"No, that won't be necessary. I can find my own way around."
"You are new to the city. You need someone to help you navigate, as to not get lost."
Her chin rose in defiance. "I've been navigating new places on my own since I was a child. I'll be fine."
She held my gaze, unwavering. Not many people dared to look me in the eye for long, but Dahlia was not like anyone else. Her determination only made me more attracted to her.
I sighed, realizing that controlling her was not going to win me any points. If I wanted her to truly be mine, I had to bend—at least for now. Besides, I could always have Tom discreetly follow her to ensure her safety.
"Very well," I conceded.
She seemed satisfied with the small victory.
"So... um, do you have a map I could borrow?"