Chapter 17 - THE UNSPOKEN SPARK|
As the sun began to set, casting long golden shadows across the courtyard, Sophia ran off toward the kitchen to get a treat for Zeus.
Rosa and Damon remained on the bench in quiet solitude.
"You've done so much for us, Damon," Rosa said softly, looking into his gray eyes. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"You don't need to repay me, Rosa," Damon said, reaching out to gently cover her hand with his own. His touch was warm and steady. "Having you two here... it's given me a reason to wake up in the morning."
Rosa felt a gentle blush rise to her cheeks. Over the past few weeks, the boundaries between maid, brother-in-law, and protector had slowly begun to blur into something much deeper.
Damon looked at her lips, then up at her eyes, a rare vulnerability flashing across his usually guarded face.
"When Elena died, I swore I would never open my heart to anyone again," Damon admitted quietly. "I thought love was a weakness in my world."
"And now?" Rosa whispered, her heart beating a little faster.
"Now I realize that protecting the people you love is the only true strength there is," Damon replied, his fingers intertwining with hers.
Before either of them could say another word, Lev approached rapidly down the gravel path, his face unusually pale.
"Mr. Cain," Lev interrupted, his voice tight with anxiety. "We have a problem at the front gate."
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Damon instantly stood up, his hand dropping to his hip. "What is it?"
"A package was delivered," Lev said, holding up a small black wooden box bound with silver wire. "No return address. But it has your private seal on it."
