Victoria's eyes narrowed—not a squint, but that subtle tightening at the corners that came just before something sharp.
She stood her ground, arms crossed lightly over her chest, her weight shifted to one leg like she was trying very hard not to seem tense.
But she was.
Damien could read it. The controlled breath. The practiced stillness. The way her gaze dipped—not far, just a flicker—toward his chest before snapping back up.
'Saw it,' he thought, the grin blooming wider.
"Why, Victoria," he said smoothly, slipping his hands into his pockets as he took a casual step forward, "were you waiting for me here?"
Her brows twitched.
He tilted his head slightly, tone honeyed with mischief. "Don't tell me you missed me already."
Victoria exhaled through her nose, sharp and quiet, her voice low with irritation. "You know why."
Damien blinked once. "Do I?" he said, smile sharpening at the edges. "Funny, I don't remember asking you to meet me here at sunrise."
