Chapter 19: Clara

Damon was so confusing. He was hot one minute, cold the next. I couldn't predict him, but I knew he was just acting possessive to make our relationship seem more convincing. He was very good at it. "Where to now? Or are we done?" I asked. He cleared his throat and moved away. "We have to make an announcement in human territory as well. Is the car ready, Luca?" Luca nodded. We said goodbye to the family. Alicia was nowhere to be found—probably sulking.

As soon as we were in the car, I turned to Damon. "Are we going into human territory? Why?" He sighed. "Because I'm popular there and have several businesses. Leave me alone," he muttered, opening a magazine and ignoring me. I scowled. The magazine featured him! That was a new level of narcissism. I rolled my eyes and turned away. I was nervous about human territory; I'd never been there before. Liam had said there were no differences between our world and theirs.

After a while, I fell asleep. Someone poked me. I opened my eyes to Damon's face. I screamed, and he jumped back. "Oh my God, that wasn't a nightmare. I'm really married to you," I muttered. He frowned, scoffed, and got out of the car. I giggled and followed.

We were in front of a building that seemed exclusive. Men and women flashed cameras and lights, asking numerous questions. Damon ignored them, took my hand, and led me inside. We passed a mirror. I shrieked at my reflection. "Why didn't you tell me I looked like a mess?" I exclaimed. He scoffed. "Isn't this how you look every day?" he retorted, rolling his eyes and walking away with Luca. I sighed, cursed him mentally, and fixed myself up before following.

Damon wasn't joking about being popular. Everyone in the hall knew and respected him, even older men.

He introduced me as his wife. I saw envy and anger in the women's eyes. He then went to the podium and made the announcement, while I stood beside him and smiled. Afterward, we were congratulated and sat down for lunch. The men at the table bragged about their achievements and wealth. I understood Damon's friendships.

"Your wife is beautiful, Damon. A trophy wife, right? She doesn't look smart," one said. I clenched my fist but remained silent. "Yeah, she looks like she'll be good in bed, I bet she is," another added. I looked at Damon, wondering why he was silent. He just sipped his wine. What did I expect? I scoffed and pushed back my chair. "I need to use the restroom," I muttered. A fat man grabbed my wrist. "Where do you think you're going, beautiful? Aren't you going to share her with us, Damon? I'd like a taste," he said. Bile rose in my throat. Before I could react, Damon stabbed the man's hand with a fork. The man screamed. Damon stood, pulled out his handkerchief, and wiped my hand, as if removing the man's touch. Everyone murmured, but no one spoke to Damon. The man was led away. I yanked my hand free and walked away.

"What's your deal now?" Damon asked, following me. I ignored him and hurried to the car. He grabbed my wrist. "I asked you a question," he muttered. I struggled, but he held on tight. "You listened to your friends…"

"I don't have friends," he interjected.

"They were demeaning me, and you said nothing," I said. He sighed. "Clara…"

"And was what they said true? Did you share your women with them?" I scoffed when he didn't answer. "I can't look at you; you disgust me. I want to go home and be far away from you," I said, walking to the car.

Damon and Luca got in. No one spoke. I liked it that way. Even back at the house, we didn't exchange a word. Damon went to his study, and I went to my room, remembering to close the door this time.