Chapter 252

I saw the bruising on Damien’s face as he drew closer. The lightening marks of his punishment gave his visage a savage appearance. The pain and fatigue must be overwhelming.

Giving into my instincts I reached forward and brushed a hand along the rough stubble on his cheek and into his hair. My other hand made the same trip on the other side of his face. Damien drew closer allowing me to massage the tense muscles in the back of his neck.

For a moment his eyes drifted closed and the lines on his face relaxed. He loved to be touched and rubbed. I smiled to myself thinking I had distracted him. Damien’s eyes were open in an instant watching me.

“Look me in the eye and tell me if you wish to die,” he commanded grabbing my hands and pulling them down to rest on his chest.

I met his steely grey gaze. “No, I do not wish to die.”

The cord on my neck was cut. Damien leaned in until I felt his breath in my ear.

“You protected the family well, sister. Your fo