Unwanted Bride Of Atticus Fawn

Clarissa's POV

I walk out of the living room and into the hallway. He’s already heading in my direction when he spots me. His steps falter as he closes the distance, his face betraying uncertainty. I can almost see the thoughts racing through his mind, his hands clenching into fists, battling for control.

I know what he’s thinking. His concern for me, the reason he showed up even though he knew it would be just the two of us in the house, is palpable. He had to confirm that I was okay, even though he suspected I might have lied about being sick. That’s how much Damon cares about me.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed resting?” he asks, his voice tinged with suspicion as he approaches.

His steps remain slow, as if he’s trying to keep as much distance between us as possible.

“No,” I answered. “I’m feeling better. Well enough to be out of my bed.”

He nods, his gaze falling to my exposed stomach. Can he tell that I’ve been preparing for him?

His body tenses, and I suspect he’s aware that I’ve been getting ready just for him to see. He knows now that I’m up to something he wouldn’t like.

He exhales loudly, glancing behind him as if searching for an escape route. “I’m going to my room then,” he says. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. If you need anything, call me. Don’t come to my room.”

My jaw tightens at his words, but I quickly mask my reaction. I can’t let him leave like this. I have to act fast.

I place a hand to my forehead, pretending to get a headache. “Ow.”

The sound makes him turn back around. I can’t see his reaction, but I hear his sharp intake of breath. He rushes to my side, his concern evident. It’s amazing how quickly he always jumps to protect me. He’s someone I can always count on.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, lightly touching my forehead.

“I feel dizzy,” I whisper, another lie. I’ve been lying to him lately just to have some time alone with him.

I start to sway on my feet, and Damon wastes no time picking me up into his arms. He carries me back into the living room and gently places me on the couch. I’m thrilled to be this close to him again. Damon doesn’t realize how much I need his closeness. It’s almost as if his body heat feeds my energy. I’m always happiest around him.

He kneels beside me, his eyes full of concern. I’ve managed to scare him and convince him all at once.

“Should I call you a doctor?” he asks, his voice laced with panic. I don’t want him to worry about me when there’s nothing wrong. I just need him to stay. It’s working, so now’s my chance.

I lean into him, burying my face against his neck. He stops all movement at my touch. It feels so good to be this close to him. I turn my face to inhale his scent, and he freezes, his hands lightly gripping my waist.

“Clarissa,” he whispers. “What are you doing?”

“Why do you always smell so good?” I ask.

He sighs, “Did you lie to me about feeling dizzy? Was this another one of your tricks to get closer to me?”

I don’t answer. Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tightly. He moves his hands to my arms, “Clarissa, did you lie to me?” he repeats.

Of course, I did. It’s obvious. I don’t need to spell it out for him.

“Does it matter?” I whisper against his warm skin.

My lips brush against his neck, making him shiver. My heart skips a beat at the thought of kissing him again. I desperately want to touch my lips to his, to taste him once more.