Stella's POV

Morning light slipped through the gaps in the curtains, like it was trying to force my eyes open. But I'd been awake for a long time. I couldn't sleep. My body still ached, not just physically, but somewhere much deeper. The night before clung to my skin like something I wouldn't be able to wash off.

Damian was standing beside the bed, buttoning his white shirt. He didn't even look at me when I said good morning. In fact, he only answered with a dry, unintelligible murmur, as if any extra word would be a waste of time.

I sat up slowly, pulling the sheet over my body. Not that it mattered. He'd already seen me in every possible way.

"I… I'm going to take a shower," I murmured.

"Do that. But don't take too long," he replied without emotion, adjusting his cuffs and checking his watch. "You're going to work, right?"

"I am."

"Good. I'll see you there."

He left the bedroom without another word or looking back. No trace of concern. As if the night we'd just shared