The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 17: Heart To Heart

Damien and I finally make it back to my apartment after dinner with Veronica. As I unlock the door, I can feel the tension crackling between us, the air thick with unspoken desire.

I turn to face him, my heart racing in my chest. "Well, this is me," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "Guess you should probably go..."

Damien pouts at me, his lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated display of sadness. "Aww, do I have to?" he whines, his voice dripping with mock disappointment. "I was hoping we could... continue where we left off last time."

I roll my eyes, but I can't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "In your dreams, buster," I scoff, turning to head inside. "I have work to do tomorrow, and I'm not in the mood for a late night."

But before I can take another step, Damien is behind me, his arms snaking around my waist and pulling me close. I gasp as he spins me around, his lips crashing against mine in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless.

I melt into his embrace, my arms winding around his neck as I deepen the kiss. His hands roam over my body, igniting fires wherever they touch, and I can feel the heat building between us, threatening to consume us both.

But just as things are getting serious, just as Damien is starting to push me towards the bedroom, I remember one crucial detail.

"Wait," I gasp, pulling back from the kiss with a sheepish grin. "I'm still on my period."

Damien blinks, his brow furrowing in confusion. "So?" he asks, his voice thick with lust. "What's that got to do with anything?"

I sigh, shaking my head in exasperation. "So, I don't think you want to deal with that right now," I explain, gesturing vaguely towards my crotch. "Trust me, it's not pretty."

Damien grimaces, his nose wrinkling in distaste. "Oh," he says, his voice deflating like a punctured balloon. "Right. Never mind then."

I laugh, patting his cheek affectionately. "Exactly," I say, my voice filled with amusement. "Rain check on it, okay? Maybe next week?"

Damien groans, burying his face in my shoulder. "Fine," he grumbles, his voice muffled by my skin. "But you owe me for this, Nova. Big time."

I grin, kissing the top of his head. "I'll make it up to you," I promise, my voice low and sultry. "Just you wait and see."

Despite my protestations, Damien insists on staying the night. "Come on, just for a little cuddle," he wheedles, his eyes pleading and puppy-like. "I miss you, Nova. I just want to hold you."

I sigh, my resolve crumbling under his adorable expression. "Fine," I relent, rolling my eyes. "But no funny business, got it? I'm not in the mood."

Damien grins, scooping me up in his arms and carrying me to the bedroom like a bride over the threshold. "Would I ever?" he teases, depositing me gently on the bed and climbing in beside me.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close to his warm, solid chest. I nestle into his embrace, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood and musk. It's comfortable, safe, and I can feel myself relaxing into his touch.

But then, suddenly, his hands are on my belly, rubbing slow, gentle circles over the fabric of my dress. "How are the cramps?" he asks, his voice soft and concerned. "Do you need anything? Some tea, maybe? Or I could run out and get you some Midol..."

I burst out laughing, pushing his hands away with a mock glare. "Dude, I'm fine," I insist, my voice laced with exasperation. "No cramps, no pain, nothing. I'm perfectly okay, period or no period."

Damien looks up at me, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure?" he asks doubtfully, his hands hovering uncertainly over my stomach. "I just want to make sure you're comfortable, babe."