Chapter 52

Clara

I knew arguing with Damon was useless. I'd already blown my cover by calling him, and now I had to face the consequences.

"You still won't tell me what's wrong?" Damon asked, sneaking up behind me in the bathroom and wrapping his arms around my waist.

"I thought you were going to find out?" I muttered, and he groaned.

"That's too much work. Why can't you just tell me?" He whined like a child, and I giggled, admiring how cute he looked in the mirror.

"Because there's nothing wrong," I murmured, and he sighed.

"Okay, then move back into the mansion with me," he said, and I quickly shook my head.

"I can't. I don't want to," I murmured, knowing that if Alicia found out, she wouldn't hesitate to tell Damon and everyone else.

"You're confusing me, Clara. I don't know what to think anymore," he murmured. I turned in his arms and kissed him.

"This is what you wanted, right? You stay at the mansion, and I stay away. What's the problem now?" I asked, and he frowned.

"You know what the problem is, Clara. Things aren't the same as they were in the beginning," he said, and I sighed.

"I understand. But I can't move back in with you, and no one can know we've settled our differences, especially your family," I said. He stared at me, confused.

"What? So you want our relationship to be a secret now? That's bullshit, Clara. We're married, and we have a duty to uphold. Despite everything, I still need you to get the Alpha King's title," he muttered. I pulled my hand from his grip.

"Your father is more than willing to give you the title now; you're the one who doesn't want it," I retorted, scoffing.

"Yes, because of you!" he screamed.

"Why? I didn't ask you to do that!" I screamed back.

"You really want to know why?! Because I don't want to let you go yet! I'm not ready to face reality again. I'm not ready to give you up!" He screamed. We were silent, staring into each other's eyes, filled with different emotions.

My heart soared with happiness at his confession, and I knew it showed on my face. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Just give me time. I'll try to settle everything, and then I'll come back to you," I pleaded, and he sighed.

"I can only understand if you tell me what's going on. Did something happen back at the mansion that's making you not want to stay there anymore? Talk to me, Clara," he murmured. I grabbed his face.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you, but for now, just give me time. I'm begging you," I murmured. He stared at me before sighing and kissing me.

"Okay, but I'm driving you to work, and I'm allowed here whenever I want, okay?" he announced. I smiled and nodded.

"Okay!" I squealed as Damon scooped me up and carried me into the bathroom.

What was supposed to be a short bath turned into an hour because Damon wouldn't leave me alone—and I wasn't complaining. Sex with Damon always felt good.

Soon after, we left the bathroom. I got ready in the closet while Damon sent a guard for his luggage. While he waited, he watched me, and I was acutely aware of his intense gaze.

"So, Damon," I called, and he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?" he replied. I sighed.

"So, Jasmine wanted to taunt me and showed me a picture of you in a club with another girl on your lap. I won't be mad if you slept with someone else because I was the one who pushed you away, but…"

"I didn't sleep with anyone else, Clara. Heck, I haven't been able to sleep with anyone else after I tasted you. I admit I went there to get laid and get my mind off you, but it didn't work," he revealed. I was relieved he hadn't slept with anyone during our break and happy to know he hadn't slept with anyone else since me. I knew I wasn't even thinking of another man anymore.

"Okay, that's good to hear," I murmured, about to button my top when he appeared and began buttoning it for me.

"What about you? Did you see Liam during this break?" he asked softly. I immediately shook my head.

"I can't be with anyone else besides you, for now," I murmured truthfully, and he smiled, kissing me.

"Good. Same. Now get dressed before I change my mind about us going to work and fuck you in this closet," he threatened. I squealed and ran away as he chuckled.

Soon after, we ate breakfast and he drove me to work. I still couldn't believe I was the owner. Now I understood the manager's suffocating attitude.

"Why don't you cook dinner tonight?" Damon said, glancing at me.

"Are you staying for the night?" I asked, and he chuckled.

"You don't want me to stay?" he asked.

"I do," I replied firmly, and he laughed.

"I was going to stay anyway, so cook dinner, okay? I miss your cooking, even though I've only tasted it once," he murmured, and I grinned.

"Okay, husband, your wish is my command," I said, and we both laughed. I finally felt free and happy again. I wondered how long it would last.

"See you later, then," I murmured, about to open the door when Damon grabbed my hand, pulled me back, and kissed me.

"You'll give me goodbye kisses from now on," he murmured, and I chuckled.

Chapter 52 (continued)

"Okay, bossy. Goodbye," I kissed him again and climbed out of the car.

As I walked toward the shop, I felt a new sense of authority and pride. But as soon as I walked in, I came face to face with Jasmine's scowl.

"Wow! Who do you think you are? You're coming to work in the afternoon just because you're a Donovan, so you think you're better than us, right?!" she screamed, drawing everyone's attention.

I sighed and tried to walk past her, but she grabbed my hand.

"I'm talking to…" I slapped her before she could finish her sentence. She stared at me in shock, as did almost everyone in the shop.

"I've been tolerating your attitude because I understand you're jealous, but I won't tolerate it again. You either respect me or you get out," I muttered through clenched teeth. She scoffed.

"Who do you think you are?!" she yelled.

"I'm the new owner of Urban Grind, and that means I'm your boss, and as your boss, I'm firing you, Jasmine," I said. She stared at me in shock.

"But that's impossible, you…"

"Like you said, I'm a Donovan, so nothing is impossible for me. Get your things and get out of my shop now. Don't make me call security," I threatened. She glared at me, tears in her eyes, then huffed and ran off crying.

I stood up straight and stared at everyone.

"If you're going to disrespect me, you might as well follow her," I muttered, pointedly staring at Jasmine's minions, who were avoiding my gaze.

When no one moved, I smiled.

"Then get back to work. I'm terribly sorry for the disturbance. Please get back to your coffees and business," I murmured. Everyone immediately went back to work.

I smiled and was about to walk away when I saw Damon standing at the door. He leaned against the wall, a proud smile on his face.

"Now that's my wife," he said, and I grinned.