Ever since Damien and I told each other we love each other, things between us have been amazing. He has not been pulled away for work for the rest of the week, leading us to spend every minute together. Yesterday I accompanied Damien to his usual tattoo artist so he could get his tattoos touched up. I surprised myself and him by getting another tattoo. In honor of my father's Irish heritage, I got the Claddagh symbol tattooed on my upper inner arm. The Claddagh symbol stands for love, loyalty, and friendship. I have found all of those things during these last few months. Not only does it represent this time of my life, but it also represents my Irish heritage.
I am in the bathroom finishing performing the aftercare on the tattoo and am looking for the ointment to put on top but cannot find it in the bathroom. I again look over the marble countertop of the bathroom, making sure I didn't miss it. When my search comes up empty, I search through the drawers and under the sink, still unsuccessful.
I leave the bathroom and go on a hunt for Damien, to see if he knows where the ointment it. I hear his voice coming from his office, the door closed. I walk up to the door and raise my knuckle, prepared to knock. Just as my knuckles are about to touch the wood, they stop as yelling echoes into the hallway.
"You haven't paid up, give me my money. Do you want to end up like your partner? Do not fuck with me." I hear Damien ask, venom laced in his voice. "Trust me when I say I will make you suffer. You know what I'm capable of. No one crosses me."
Who is he talking to and what happened to his partner? I have never heard Damien speak like this before, but his words chill me to the bone. I am briefly reminded of what I first thought of him. Lethal. Dangerous. In our time together, I have seen a different side of him, forgetting the danger radiating from him. His words and tone just now quickly remind me of the other side of him. My mind briefly goes back to that day in the shower, the blood washing off of him. I quickly forget the task I came here for and scurry off, fixating on the threat I heard Damien say.
****
We are laying together on our sides on the couch in the living room watching a movie, but I cannot concentrate as the words I heard earlier are on reply in my brain. I have been fixated on them all day and they still give me the chills as I still hear the malice in his voice.
"Krastoka. You okay my love?" His whisper skims over my ear, breaking me from my bubble. I lean my head back against him, curiosity escaping me.
"Is your job dangerous?" I continue looking at the tv as I speak, not wanting to look into his eyes and risk him reading me. He chuckles softly.
"Not really, baby. You worried about me?" His arms wrap tighter around my waist, causing my back to press closer into his chest. He nuzzles my neck, pressing kisses to the side.
"Have you ever hurt anyone?" I close my eyes at my words, regretting them as soon as they are out of my mouth. He stills momentarily at my words but pulls me around, causing me to flip over so he can stare at me.
"Why do you ask baby?" His face appears guarded as he avoids my question.
I look away and drag my fingers up and down his arm, suddenly nervous as I remember how angry and dangerous he sounded earlier.
"I walked passed your office earlier and you seemed angry." I purposely leave out the threat that I heard.
He presses a kiss to my forehead, slightly relaxing me. "I'm sorry you heard that. It was one of my international investments. He is late on a few payments."
I debate about continuing to question him, wondering what he meant when he asked if the person he was dealing with wanted to end up like his partner.
"Do you have to threaten people to get that done?" I still avoid Damien's eyes as I wait for a response to my question. My fingers have traveled up and I am now tracing the rose on his neck as I wait for his answer.
Damien brings his hand up to my face, lightly pushing the hair behind my ear. "Unfortunately I do sometimes. I had to remind him that his partner didn't make his payments, and now he is out of the business and bankrupt. Basically ruined."
The knot in my stomach resolves at Damien's words, relieved that he was able to explain the threat I heard earlier today, especially without me asking. He brings his lips to mine and kisses me passionately, reminding me of what's between us.
"Don't worry baby. I would never let anything happen to you."
