Chapter 4 DAMIEN

Kassidy's POV:

I just did that. I just kissed my best friend, even while I was a married woman. His hand gripped my head, while he opened my mouth with his tongue so he could get more access. Why wasn't I stopping him? My lips moved in sync with his. Then his lips moved to my lower lip, biting it a little before kissing my jaw, slowly going down to my neck. I inhaled, but the moment his hands began to unbutton my dress, I pulled away from him.

"We shouldn't be doing this," I said. His eyes lingered on mine, but he nodded, respecting my boundary. "I... I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. There's no reason for you to apologize." He stated, stroking my hair. "I guess I've just liked you for a long time and hate to see you hurt. I should be the one apologizing because I lost it for a moment." He said while I lowered my gaze. "No, look at me." He said, and I slowly raised my head, looking into his eyes. "That son of bitch." He studied my face and I knew it was the bruises he was checking. " I have always cared about you. I know I shouldn't have done that but...I just didn't want to see you hurting, and yes, I missed you too, I've missed you so much, I must confess."

I looked at him, studying his face. He looked earnest as if he truly cared about my feelings. And in that moment, I felt something shift inside me. I didn't feel scared or anxious anymore, I just felt safe and cared for.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm not saying that because you told me to stop. I mean it." He said and I nodded. Then he stroked my hair again. "And that mother fucker hurting you like this without giving a fuck? Leaving you the fuck out in the cold? I'm going to fucking ruin him."

"No... please. I don't want any more trouble. I'm married to him now. If you get involved, I'm going to be in serious trouble. He's not nice." I said with my head down.

"Then stay with me for the night. You can stay for as long as you like." He said, but I said nothing, my head still down. Then, he raised my chin.

"There's nothing wrong with you. I know you haven't heard this well enough but you're the most beautiful girl I've ever encountered."

"I can't stay, I have to leave by tomorrow," I said and he rose.

"What? That man fucking hits you? Only an animal raises his hand on a woman."

"I have no choice. If he doesn't find me, he'll certainly track me down here. He's not a gentleman at all and the thought that he's going to hurt you if he finds me here scares me even more." I said.

"We both run tech companies, we're rivals. He doesn't even stand a chance with me. I know he murdered someone without blinking twice, well I'm not scared of him, I'm his match." He said, tone darkening forebodingly.

I swallowed, not knowing what to say, but it was really strange how the calm Damien I knew had changed so much over the years. I could see the anger in his eyes, it showed how much he wanted to fight for me. I felt safe around him- He respected me even when I didn't respect myself, he loved me even when I hated myself, and he was there for me even when I had abandoned myself. Friends like him are so rare to find. He cared about me so much that it scared me. I looked up at him, conveying my sincerity. And yes, the chemistry between us was so hard to miss. Our eyes lingered for way too long but this time, he rose from where he was and turned to head out.

"I have to go back tomorrow, thank you for allowing me to stay for the night. I appreciate it."

"Kassidy," he called, and my heart skipped a beat the moment he said that. My name rolled off his lips perfectly.

"What is it?" I asked, ready to listen to what he had to say. I couldn't deny the pang I felt in my chest. I did care about him. Over the years, our friendship had gone way beyond just being friends. It was so hard to deny it. Seeing him for the first time after eight years...

"I just want to say that if you need me, I'll be in the other room," He said, and I nodded before he headed out.

"Wait." I blurted out and he slowly turned. My eyes lingered on his and stayed there for seconds. He got the message and didn't waste time heading towards me before smashing his lips on mine.

Yes, I was in love with Damien, the man I truly wanted to marry. But what could I have done?

I had no choice, my properties had been taken away from me and I had been forced to marry a monster, against my will. I wanted him just as bad as he wanted me.

He didn't resist; there was no hesitation as he gently pulled my clothes off me. With our lips still connected.

He gently pushed me towards the bed, kissing my neck and chest, and then my belly button.

Then he went ahead to open my bra from behind, before removing it, his eyes observing my exposed breasts for a bit too long to the point where I had to cover myself up. I already had insecurities because of the scars I sustained on my body.

He gently brushed my hands off.

"You're so beautiful, it's crazy." He said and my eyes slightly widened at his words. Me? Beautiful? He kissed both of my sensitive nipples, causing them to erect. He treated my body like he was worshipping it and yes, I had never felt this special to someone. His hands traced my body, as though he was measuring the width of my waist. Then he looked up at me as though he was searching for assurance. "Do you want to do this? You don't have to if you don't want to." He said slowly.

For someone who has always been there for me? Of course, and I wouldn't regret it the moment I give up my virginity, knowing I gave it willingly and to someone I truly loved. "Yes," I whispered. Gently, he pulled down my panties before kissing the skin above my V-line. I shuddered a little as he went lower and lower, slowly spreading my legs apart. My toes curled because I had never been exposed like that to any man. He kissed my vulvar, making my walls clench unintentionally.

I looked down, wanting to close my legs but he kept them apart, still kissing a little above my pubic lines, when a phone ringing was suddenly heard. He turned to me and continued when he realized it was his phone, it kept ringing.

"It might be important," I whispered, even though I was aching really bad down there. He sighed and rose to take his phone.

"What is it? What? What do you mean bankrupt?"