Golden Heart

. Damien had managed to be both a mystery and an anchor, revealing glimpses of vuln

pen additional workshops, and finally get the resources they'd needed for so long. But with this expansion came

through files, her phone buzzed wi

re not still at the office.

eed a name to recognize that familiar, s

me of us don't have "billion

r, her phone

night off. How about dinner tonight? Jus

h out so soon. But the thought of spending more time wi

y if we keep busines

I'll pick yo

last look in the mirror, straightened her burgundy dress, and grabbed her coat. She coul

ark eyes warm but with an intensit

le," he said, his voi

"Thank you. You clean

early days as a young entrepreneur. By the time they arrived at the restaurant-a cozy, upscale Italian bistro nest

th, Damien ordered a bottle of wine, glan

head, smiling.

g casting a glow around them. Damien seemed at ease, more open than she'd s

on't often get the chance to just... en

ad, intrigued. "Not

tle complicated. I've learned that people don't always want to

s voice. She reached out, resting her hand on hi

, he looked at her, his gaze intense and searching. "I've spent so long bu

ut she hadn't realized how deeply it ran. "I'm here for you, Dami

ef. They continued talking, and for the first time, Damien shared stories of his past-the struggl

the night, until they were nearly

ytime, Damien." Before she knew it, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek, his lips lingering just a second too long. Her heart raced as his face remained close, his breath warm against her skin. "Goodnight, Grace," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. She looked up at him, fee