Chapter 47 - DAMON

My blood boiled as I took in Clara's appearance. Seeing my anger, she rushed toward me, placing a small hand on my chest to push me back. That slight contact was enough to arouse me. "Don't cause a scene, Damon," she said, and my eyes dropped to her soft, pink lips. God, I wanted to kiss them.

"Why are you drenched in juice, Clara?" I asked. She pursed her lips. "I spilled it while standing up. I…" She paused as I placed my hand on her face and wiped away her tears.

"You're lying," I muttered angrily. She frowned. "Just go home. Why are you here?" she asked. I paused. How do I tell her I'd been stalking her since she left, following her here instead of going to work?

"I had work nearby and saw your car," I replied—a partial truth.

"Well, leave. I can handle this," she said. I tilted my head, my gaze trailing down her body. "Seems like you're doing a very bad job," I murmured. She glared.

"Listen, I—"

"Hey, you two redheads," I interrupted, calling to the twins behind her. They stared at me wide-eyed. Clara groaned, but I ignored her.

"Yes, sir. Good day, sir," they greeted simultaneously.

"What happened to my wife? I need details," I said. Clara shook her head, but the look in my eyes probably told them I wasn't in the mood for games.

"One of our colleagues, Jasmine, threw juice on her," one of the twins said. I heard Clara sigh.

"Take me to her," I said. Clara's eyes widened. "Why? Can you just leave? Why do you want to see her?"

"Do you prefer I find her myself? It will be worse," I muttered. The twins gulped.

"Damon…"

"This way, sir," one twin said. Clara glared at him, but I sensed they disliked Jasmine. Good. I didn't want them near my wife.

The twins led me to their picnic area. As soon as the group saw me, they rose.

"Mr. Donovan, it's a pleasure to…" one began.

"Are you—"

"Yes… yes, Jasmine?" I interrupted. Fear flickered across her face as she glanced at Clara.

"Kneel before my wife and beg for mercy," I said. They all gasped, including Clara.

"Damon, what are you doing?" Clara asked, grabbing my suit. I ignored her.

"But sir…"

"Would you rather kiss her feet? Or have her slapped?" I asked. Clara's grip tightened.

"Damon, that's enough," she pleaded. I turned to her. "It's because you're so weak that they take advantage of you. You let filth like them walk all over you. You're Clara Donovan now, and my wife won't be walked on. Kneel before my wife and beg, or I'll take everything from you until you're left with nothing but your name."

Seeing my seriousness, Jasmine fell to her knees before Clara.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Please forgive…"

"Halt. Start again. And this time, Blondie will record," I ordered. The blonde girl immediately took out her phone. A small crowd had gathered.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Clara…"

"Mrs. Donovan. Be respectful," I muttered. The girl nodded shakily.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Donovan. It will never happen again. I'm really sorry," she murmured. I nodded.

"Good. Post that online, or I'll come for you too," I threatened the blonde, who nodded.

I took Clara's hand and led her away. I could hear Jasmine crying, but I didn't care. I was holding Clara's hand.

I dragged her to my car, but she pulled away. "I came with a car, and I'm leaving with it," she said. I mind-linked the driver to drive away.

"He's gone," I pointed out as she stared at the speeding car, then frowned at me.

"My house isn't far. I'll walk," she murmured, turning to leave. Thunder clapped, and rain started falling.

"Shit! Clara, get in the car! You'll catch a cold!" I yelled, but she kept walking.

"Clara… dammit!" I got in my car, turned around, and drove slowly beside her.

"Clara, get in the car. You don't have to be stubborn," I said. She shook her head. "I don't want to be in the car with you," she muttered. I scoffed.

"Why are you acting like I'm contagious? I'm just taking you home," I murmured. She shook her head.

"No, thank you… go… achoo!" She sneezed. I stopped the car, got out, and approached her.

"Clara, are you getting in or not?" I asked. She shook her head. "I don't…"

I grabbed her hand, spun her around, and kissed her. My arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. I craved the contact. I pulled away, resting my forehead against hers.

"Still stubborn?" I asked.

"I don't want to…"

I kissed her again, biting her lower lip. She gasped, and I savored the taste before she pulled away.

"Still stubborn? I could kiss you forever," I murmured. She sighed.

"You're a jerk," she murmured softly. I smiled. "Let me take you home."