The city lights glimmered softly as Damian drove, his hand resting securely over Amara's on the console. Neither of them spoke much during the ride, but the silence was thick with unspoken words, a pull between them that needed no explanation. Every time he glanced at her, the tiredness of his long day seemed to fade, replaced by the quiet calm that only she could bring.
When they finally arrived at her apartment, Damian cut the engine and turned to her. "I'll walk you in," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Amara smiled faintly, touched by his protectiveness. She didn't protest, simply nodded and led the way up the familiar stairs. The hallway was dimly lit, the soft echo of their footsteps filling the silence.
Inside, Amara flicked on the light and stepped aside to let him in. Damian followed, his sharp gaze sweeping across the small apartment. What he saw made him pause.
Her bag sat neatly by the couch, zipped and ready. A small suitcase stood beside it, along with a folded stack of clothes and a few personal items-her makeup case, her sketchbook, even a framed photo.
Damian's brows lifted slightly, and for a moment, his usually composed expression softened into something else-surprise, then something warmer.
"You were already packed," he murmured, his voice low, almost disbelieving.
Amara lowered her gaze, suddenly self-conscious, but a smile tugged at her lips. "I started last night. I thought... maybe I should be ready. Just in case."
Damian stepped closer, his hand lifting to tilt her chin up so their eyes met. The look in his eyes made her breath catch-intense, tender, filled with a depth that words could barely hold.
"You have no idea what this means to me," he said softly, his thumb brushing along her jawline. "After the day I've had... coming here, finding this... Amara, you've just given me everything."
Her chest tightened, her heart racing as he leaned down to kiss her. It wasn't rushed-it was slow, deliberate, filled with gratitude and longing. She melted into him, her arms sliding around his neck as if she had been waiting for this exact moment all along.
When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers. "Let's go home," he whispered.
Together, they gathered her things. Damian insisted on carrying the heavier bag, brushing off her protests with a smirk. "You're not lifting a finger. That's my job now."
They locked up her apartment, leaving behind the small, familiar space. As they walked back down the hallway, Amara felt an odd mix of nervousness and excitement. This was real now-she wasn't just spending the night. She was stepping into his world, fully, openly.
---
The drive to Damian's estate was different from before. Amara sat closer, her hand entwined with his, the suitcase safely tucked in the backseat. Damian glanced at her from time to time, and each time his lips curved into a faint smile.
"You've just made today bearable," he said quietly as the city lights blurred past them. "I thought I'd lost the day to endless problems, but ending it with you like this... it's all I needed."
Amara's heart warmed, her cheeks tinged pink. "You really do say the most impossible things, Damian."
He chuckled, low and genuine. "And yet, you love hearing them."
She laughed softly, resting her head against his shoulder, letting the rhythm of the car and the steadiness of his heartbeat ease her nerves.
For the first time in a long time, Damian Knight felt something he wasn't used to-peace. And for Amara, the thought of stepping into his world no longer frightened her. She was ready.
Together, they drove into the night, leaving behind her old life and carrying forward something new-something that belonged to both of them.
The drive from Amara's house to Damian's estate was calm. Amara sat quietly beside him, glancing at the bags in the backseat. Her whole life was packed inside them, and now she was moving into his world.
When they reached the estate, the gates opened wide, and Damian's mansion came into view. Lights glowed softly along the driveway, making the place look warm and welcoming.
Damian parked the car and came around to open Amara's door. He held out his hand.
"Ready?" he asked gently.
Amara smiled and placed her hand in his. "With you? Yes."
He gave her hand a squeeze before walking to the trunk. Damian pulled out her bags, refusing to let her carry anything.
"I've got this," he said firmly, his lips curving into a small smile.
Amara only laughed and followed him inside.
The house was bright and beautiful, but what caught her attention most was the care Damian had taken. Upstairs, he set her bags down in a room that already looked prepared for her. The wardrobe was half empty, waiting for her clothes. On the nightstand sat fresh flowers-her favorite kind.
Amara's eyes softened. "You did all this?"
Damian nodded. "I wasn't just bringing you here as a guest, Amara. This is your home now."
Her heart melted at his words. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. He held her tight, his hand stroking her hair slowly.
"You don't know how much this means to me," she whispered.
"I do," he replied quietly. "And I'll make sure you never regret being with me."
Later, after unpacking a few things together-laughing as Damian struggled to fold one of her dresses-they sat by the large window. Amara leaned against him, and he pulled her onto his lap.
"Tonight," Damian murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder, "I feel like the luckiest man alive. You're here, with me."
Amara closed her eyes, smiling softly. For the first time in a long while, she truly felt at home.
After unpacking some of Amara's things, Damian insisted they eat dinner together. The table was set with warm dishes he had asked the chef to prepare-grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and a light salad. Amara couldn't help but smile at how thoughtful he was.
"You planned all this too?" she teased.
Damian smirked. "Of course. You think I'd let my woman move in without making her feel special?"
Her cheeks warmed at his words. They ate slowly, talking about their day, laughing about little things at the office. Every now and then, Damian reached across the table just to hold her hand, as if he couldn't bear to go too long without touching her.
When dinner was done, Damian walked her upstairs. "Go and freshen up," he said softly. "I'll be in my room for a bit."
Amara nodded and slipped into her bathroom. She took a warm bath, letting the water relax her, then changed into something comfortable. Afterward, she tied her hair up and applied a gentle face mask, humming quietly to herself.
She was just adjusting the mask in front of the mirror when the door suddenly opened. Damian stepped inside without knocking.
Her eyes widened. "What are you doing here?" she asked, turning to face him.
Damian leaned against the doorframe, his shirt half undone, his hair slightly damp from his bath. His eyes held a playful glint.
"I'm sleeping here tonight," he said simply, his voice low and sure.
Amara's heart skipped. "In my room?"
"In our room," he corrected, walking closer. He stopped right in front of her, his gaze fixed on her face. "You look beautiful... even with this mask on."
She laughed, a little embarrassed. "Don't make fun of me."
"I'm not." He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "I've never seen anyone make something so simple look this perfect."
Amara's chest warmed at his words. Damian leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead, careful not to touch the mask. Then he guided her toward the bed.
"Come," he said gently. "Let's sleep. I just want to hold you."
And when she lay down beside him, wrapped in his strong arms, Amara realized how safe and loved she felt. It was more than just moving into his home-it was moving into his heart.
---
---
Amara settled against the pillows while Damian stretched beside her, one arm behind his head as he looked at her. For a moment, they just talked-about little things, about the office, about how different it felt now that they were finally living together. Amara found herself laughing softly, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
After a while, Damian's eyes went to her face. "It's time to take this off," he said with a playful smile.
Amara chuckled. "You really want to help me with everything, don't you?"
"Of course," he murmured. He gently reached for a soft towel and, with careful hands, helped her peel the mask away. His touch was slow, tender, as if he enjoyed every second of being so close.
"All done," he whispered, his thumb brushing her cheek.
Amara's eyes met his, and before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and kissed him softly. Damian responded instantly, his lips moving over hers with hunger that melted into sweetness. What started as her gentle kiss quickly turned into his-deep, commanding, filled with all the emotions he'd been holding back.
Her breath caught, her fingers curling into his shirt, but just when it felt like she might lose herself completely, Damian pulled back slightly, pressing his forehead against hers. His breathing was heavy, but his smile was warm.
"If we continue," he teased, his voice rough, "neither of us will sleep tonight."
Amara laughed shyly, her cheeks warm. Damian tucked her into his arms, and with a final kiss on her hair, he whispered, "Goodnight, my love."
Wrapped in his embrace, Amara drifted off to sleep, her heart full.