Saving Nicole

Chapter 20: Damian

Nicole's POV
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"D-Dad!" Dallas's eyes seem to light up from happiness until he remembers the state he's in. This brings him a step closer to me, making me feel protected.

The man smiles, and a sudden movement catches my eye. Carly runs past us and wraps her arms around the man's waist. This makes the father grin and bend down to place a kiss on her head. His fingers lace over her back, thumbs gently massaging.

They stare at each other for a few minutes, and I realize how perfect they are together. They are each a beautiful person, and together, they must make others jealous with their beautiful connection.

The man turns his silver eyes to me, eyeing me with plain curiosity, and it makes me wonder if Dallas didn't just get his eyes' intensity from his mom.

And then the father's eyes flicker to his son, causing Dal to flinch. The intense silver eyes rake over Dallas's scarred eyes, maimed hands, and scarred stomach and chest. His eyes rake over the blood still matted in his hair. Dallas may not have any broken bones(anymore) nor any minor cuts, but he still has the major ones. Worry flies through the eyes and then understanding as he reads the words on his son's stomach. Pain floods him, making his posture stiff, and he gently pulls away from his wife before he walks towards Dallas and I with meaningful strides. Dallas flinches again.

"Dal...." The man's voice is beautiful, melodious. Rich. Smooth. Beautiful. Just wow.

He grips his son's shoulders gently, earning a wince from Dallas because of the pain of the bullet hole. "Dal.... What.... What happened?" His voice cracks.

"I'm fine, dad. Just tired." He mumbles, his eyes drooping for effect. "I just want to sleep."

"Tell me, son." His father commands. "You can sleep in a few minutes." He adds as an afterthought more gently. This is a man who cares for his son, greatly.

Dallas hesitates and then sighs, seeming to receive the weight of the world on his shoulders. "It happened again.. "

His father lets out a startled sob, and pulls his son to him. His face buried in his son's blond hair. When he pushes his son away gently, he examines Dallas's stomach, the scars fresh on his sensitive skin. Then the silver eyed man looks at Dallas's eyes and throat, looking at his fingers. An animalistic growl echoes through the room, the father being the source. Growling? What the heck?

"I told you not to go scouting by yourself, Dal!" Desperation leaks from the man's words. It seems as if he should be angry, but pain and sorrow fill up that gap. Did I mention that EVERYone in this room EXCEPT ME has an accent?

"I'm sorry... I wasn't scouting. I was in our land. But they found me and said they were taking that land back. " His father curses, looking at Dallas's hands.

"Part of your fingers are missing." His voice is hoarse. "Your eyes are scarred. Your stomach is scarred. And I have a feeling that there's a reason your voice is so crackly. " Dallas flinches again.

"Thank the goddess you're alright."

"Damian.... Let the boy be. He's dealt with so much trauma.." Carly says quietly behind him, soothing her husband. Damian turns, walking back to her to envelop her in his arms.

And then he notices me. Again.

"Hi... I'm Nicole...Dallas's friend." I say, my voice coming out high-pitched and nervous.

Damian grins. "I know exactly who you are. I'm Damian Amicus, but you can call me Damian." Dallas's cheeks flush at the first part. "Alright.. We can talk more in the morning, Dal."