Chapter 50. The Heart Of Darkness

Stella POV

I felt a flush of embarrassment at my own words. Damon’s eyes were filled with amusement as they locked onto mine. “You’re both cute and sexy,” he murmured, a playful purr in his voice. “I’d love to take you up on that offer, Stella, and devour you.” My breath hitched as his long index finger traced a line across my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His head lowered to kiss me. Another knock interrupted the moment.

“Hey guys, I’ve got news,” Julie’s voice called from the other side of the door. I groaned in frustration, and Damon chuckled at my reaction. I felt a wave of self-consciousness, like a teenager caught in an intimate moment. Damon pulled away, allowing Julie to enter while he went to tend to the breakfast. Julie looked at me with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with a teasing knowledge—she was well aware that Damon and I were now a couple.

“So, what brings you barging into the room?” Damon asked, his tone light.

“It’