Where Darkness Learned Breath by Rylor Dusk 145

 

145 Chapter 145: Taking It Slow 

145 Chapter 145: Taking It Slow 

Aria’s POV – One Week Later 

“Absolutely not.” I crossed my arms, watching Damien hold up yet another ridiculously 

expensive necklace. “We’re supposed to be dating like normal people, not like a 

billionaire trying to buy his way into my pants.” 

“But you’d look stunning in diamonds.” He set the necklace back in the velvet box with exaggerated disappointment. “And technically, I’ve already been in your.” 

“Damien.” I pressed my hand over his mouth, glancing toward where Noah was building with blocks across the living room. “Little ears.” 

He grinned against my palm, then kissed it before I pulled away. “Fine. No diamonds. But Aria, you have to let me spoil you a little. I have years of making up to do.” 

“That’s exactly why we’re doing this.” I moved to the couch, patting the seat beside me. “We skipped all the normal relationship steps the first time, we went from contract to marriage to disaster without ever actually dating and this time” I took his hand as he sat. “This time I want to do it right. Get to know each other without the weight of obligation or contracts or survival hanging over us.” 

“You want me to court you.” His eyes lit up with something that looked suspiciously like delight. “Properly court you.” 

“Yes.” I felt my cheeks heat. “Is that ridiculous? We’re already engaged. We have a four–year–old son, we have had sex multiple times” 

“Making love,” he corrected softly. “We’ve made love multiple times.” 

My heart did a little flip. “Making love, then. But Damien, we’ve never gone on a real date. Never had that awkward first kiss on a doorstep. Never had those early relationship moments where you’re nervous and excited and discovering each other. “You’re right.” He brought my hand to his lips. “And Aria, I love this idea. I love that you want to build something with a foundation instead of starting from the wreckage “Mama! Daddy!” Noah bounded over, clutching a LEGO creation. “Look what I made! It’s you two getting married with dinosaurs as the guests!” 

I examined the chaotic structure that looked more like a colorful explosion than a wedding scene. “It’s beautiful, baby.” 

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145 Chapter 145: Taking It Slow 

Friday Night 

I stared at my closet in despair. “Olivia, I have nothing to wear.” 

“You have an entire closet of designer clothes,” she pointed out from her perch on m bed, where she was keeping me company while supposedly doing work on her lapto “Including that red dress Damien loves.” 

“This is a first date, not a seduction.” I pulled out a simple black dress, then put it ba “I want to look nice but not like I’m trying too hard but also not like I didn’t try at all. 

“You’re overthinking this.” Olivia set aside her laptop. “Aria, you’ve seen this man nak multiple times. You’ve had his child. You’re engaged to him. Why are you nervous 

about a date?” 

“Because those things happened out of order!” I turned to face her. “We did everythi backwards. And now I’m trying to do it right and I don’t know how to do it right because I’ve never actually dated anyone seriously before. Damien was an arranged marriage and Lucas was.” 

“A rebound who never actually got past first base,” Olivia finished. “Okay, fair point. Sc let’s approach this logically. Where’s he taking you?” 

“He won’t tell me. Just said to dress comfortably but nice.” I groaned. “What does that 

even mean?” 

“It means jeans and a pretty top.” Olivia hopped off the bed and started rifling through my closet. “Something that says ‘I’m effortlessly beautiful‘ even though we both know you’ll spend an hour getting ready.” 

“I hate how well you know me.” 

“That’s what best friends are for.” She pulled out dark jeans and a soft blue cashmere sweater. “This. With those heeled boots, simple jewelry, hair down and wavy Perfection.” 

I took the outfit, holding it up. “You don’t think it’s too casual? 

“Aria.” Olivia gripped my shoulders. “Breathe. This is Damien. The man who looks at you like you hung the moon. You could show up in a garbage bag and he’d think you were stunning. Now go shower, I’ll do your hair, and we’ll get you out of here before you have a complete meltdown 

Forty–five minutes later, I was dressed and considerably calmer. Olivia had worked her 

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145 Chapter 145: Taking It Slow 

magic with my hair, leaving it in soft waves that framed my face. The makeup was natural–just enough to enhance without looking overdone. 

“You look beautiful, Mama!” Noah announced from the doorway, where Damien was holding him. “Doesn’t she look beautiful, Daddy?” 

But Damien wasn’t answering. He was just staring at me, something soft and vulnerat in his expression. “You’re stunning,” he finally said, his voice rough. “Absolutely stunning.” 

“You clean up pretty nice yourself.” And he did–dark jeans, sweater that matched his eyes, leather jacket slung over one arm. Casual but put together. Perfect. 

“Okay, little man.” Olivia scooped Noah up. “Your parents are going on a date, which means you and I are having a boys‘ night. We’re making pancakes for dinner because rules don’t apply when parents are gone.” 

“Yes!” Noah pumped his fist. “Can we have chocolate chips?” 

“So many chocolate chips.” Olivia carried him toward the kitchen. “Have fun, you two. And Damien? Treat her right or I’ll destroy you.” 

“Noted,” he called after her, grinning. 

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