Page 130 of Off-Limits

I crane my neck so I can glare at him.

“Would you stop it? I’m nervous as hell already without you telling me how you’re going to paint my inner walls withyour cum.” I hiss, glancing at Adam and Arrie to make sure they didn’t hear.

Damon chuckles. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you?” I scold, looking over my shoulder to see his puppy dog face.

Cute asshole.

He gives me a toothy smile, and I can’t help but smile back. I’m about to lean up and kiss him when a throat clears, and my neck snaps to the glass doors to find Mr Hargrove with a disappointing look on his old, weathered face.

Pushing his glasses up, he steps to the side and opens the door, ushering us in with a disapproving look on his face. Why in the hell did my old high-school principal have to be the director of this damn art gallery?

With Damon’s hand on the small of my back, I give Mr Hargrove a small smile and walk through the door, hearing Arrie greet him behind me, causing me to stifle a laugh.

“Mr H, you haven’t aged a bit, you old devil!” she croons, and Damon laughs beside me.

“Your daughter.”

“Hey, she’s your cousin and best-friend.”

“Yeah, yeah she is.”

“You good, Blossom?”

“Nervous.” I admit.

He stops us, pulling me off to the side of the red carpet that rolls into the ballroom filled with artwork, artists, potential buyers and art enthusiasts. Taking a deep breath, I turn to look at him.

“Your work is fucking amazing, baby, why would you doubt that?”

“I don’t doubt my ability…”

“You’re anxious about showcasing that piece?”

“Yeah…” I say, sighing when I see the caged little girl in my head and the darkness surrounding her.

Softening, he cups my face with his free hand.

“You don’t have to show it.”

Drawing my cheek into my mouth, I bite down on it a little, until I feel the pain I’m searching for. After a few seconds, I lean into Damon’s hand and smile up at him.

“I do, though. I need to let go of that part of me.”

“She’ll always be there, Dottie. In here.” He says, removing his hand and tapping my chest where my heart is.

A lone tear slides free, and Damon catches it with his thumb.

“That’s the only tear you’re giving her tonight, alright? That little girl inside of you will always be a part of you, but she doesn’t get to define you any longer. The transformation you’ve undertaken over the past few months is profound, baby. Your mum would be so fucking proud of you.”

I swallow the sob lodged in my throat and give him a small nod because I don’t trust myself to talk, scared I’ll start bawling as soon as I open my mouth. Stepping back, I link my hand in his and we walk into the ballroom.

Here goes nothing.

Three hours later,I’m at the point of removing these damn heels because my feet are in agony.

A hand snakes around my wrist lightly and I turn to find Paige standing with her husband, Levi who is holding their daughter, Sawyer. My heart melts instantly because she is so damn perfect.