Page 54 of Inked Heart
He studies me for a moment like he’s trying to decide whether he believes that before he nods.“All right.”
I glance toward the house.The music.The crowd.The place where my boyfriend—ex-boyfriend—was kissing someone else five minutes ago.
“Wow,” I say softly.“I really didn’t see that coming.”
Damien shrugs slightly.“Sometimes people show you who they are.”
“You think I ignored the signs.”
“I think you wanted to believe the best in him.”
That answer surprises me.“You’re being kind.”
“I’m being honest.”
“I feel stupid.”The idea that he was right when he called me stupid burns in my chest and I rub at the spot.
“You shouldn’t.”Damien looks like he wants to say more but he doesn’t.
“I should have noticed.”
“Quinn.”The way he says my name makes me look up.His expression is steady, serious.“You trusted someone.That’s not stupidity.”
I cross my arms over my chest.“It sure as shit feels like it.”
“Trusting the wrong person doesn’t make you stupid.”
“Then what does it make me?”
“Human.”
The word hangs in the air for a moment and suddenly the tight knot in my chest loosens just a little.Because Damien isn’t judging me.He isn’t sayingI told you so.He’s just ...standing here, being steady.And I didn’t realize how much I needed that until right now.
“Thanks,” I say quietly.
“For what?”He tilts his head to the side, studying me with soft eyes.
“For not saying something sarcastic.”
“I save sarcasm for spreadsheets.”
“That’s a weird hobby.”
“I’m a weird guy.”He looks ridiculously proud and I can’t help but smile.
“You’re actually not.”
“That might be the nicest insult anyone’s ever given me.”
The silence that follows feels easier now, less heavy.More like the calm after a storm.
I glance at him.“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why did you really follow me?And don’t say because you saw me crying.I want to know the truth.”
He looks genuinely confused.“You ran out of the house crying.”
