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“That’s a lot of trust you’re putting in him,” Maxine points out.

“I know,” I sigh. “It sucks so bad. But he genuinely cares about me. That’s a pro. He hasn’t faked anything with me from the first moment I met him. He’s been completely real and honest about his feelings. That’s another pro, Damien’s always honest.”

“You never know though. He could switch up on you at any moment. If you allow yourself to fall for him completely, you’ll have no defenses.”

And we’re back to the crux of the matter. The biggest conundrum. Maxine and Chloe understand, that at the end of the day, it’s not just going back to Damien that’s the problem. It’s giving him complete power over me that scares me.

And it’s not just about him. Some part of me has always been scared to love someone completely. To give all of myself.

“I say we take a break, eat and reconvene in thirty minutes?” Chloe suggests making me laugh.

“Okay,” I agree.

She stands, heading to her happy place, the kitchen. I should introduce her to Renata sometime, I’m sure they’ll bond. Maxine stays seated, watching me with a critical expression.

“What is it, Maxy?” I ask, looking over the list Chloe put down.

“Nothing,” she shakes her head. “It’s just amusing watching you continue to be in denial when we both know you’ve already made a decision in your heart.”

I avoid her gaze so she won’t know she’s clocked me. And I’m saved from having to say anything further when my phone starts to ring. I get to my feet to grab it from the dining table, surprised to see Sofia’s name flashing across the screen.

She’s the last person I’d been expecting a call from. Sure we’ve developed some sort of camaraderie, but we’re not besties yet and I doubt she’s been missing me.

“Sofia?” I say upon answering the call. “Is something wrong?”

Her agitated voice, fills my ear immediately causing my heartbeat to skyrocket, “Cassie, oh God. you need to get over here. Damien he’s… he’s-”

My heart skips a beat, “He’s what?” I question terrified. “What happened to Damien?”

“He was stabbed. He’s bleeding all over. You need to get here, please,” she says hysterically.

“Oh my God. I-I’m on my way,” I tell her, rushing to my feet.

I look around wildly for a second. I think I’m in shock. My nerve endings are wired and all I can think about is Damien and how our last conversation went. If he dies….

The thought makes me want to throw up.

Maxine stands in front of me, placing her hand on my shoulders.

“Cassie, breathe. Tell me what’s wrong,” she prompts.

I look into her eyes, my pulse racing, “Damien was stabbed. He’s in danger. I need to get over there,” I say in a rush.

“Okay. I’ll go and inform the bodyguard with the ponytail. Get your jacket and I’m sure he can get you to the house. Just calm down, okay?”

I inhale and exhale a soft breath in a bid to do that, but I can’t. I’m too riled up. Still, I listen to Maxine, I grab my jacket and by the time I step out of the building, the car’s already waiting and ready to take me home.

“Rafael, what have you heard?”

He’s clearly worried if the look in his eyes is any inclination.

“Nothing ma’am. I’ve been trying to reach Luca but he’s not picking up.”

“Damien isn’t’ picking up either,” I breathe.

He doesn’t say anything else. Just opens the car door for me and then we’re off. I practically count down the minutes until we get to the compound. The car’s barely stopped before I’m rushing out and running into the house.

I’m sure I must have a crazed look on my face as I look around wildly, spotting Lila.