Chloe stirred at the shrill ringtone of her phone, groaning as she fumbled to answer it. Her head felt like it was stuffed with cotton.

"Hello?" she croaked.

"Morning, sunshine! Hungover?" Lisa's voice was annoyingly chipper.

"Ugh. My head is pounding, and I still feel a bit boozy," Chloe groaned, rubbing her temples.

"It was a big night last night. Do you remember outdoing Angie and me with tequila shots at Oasis?"

Chloe winced. "I feel sick just thinking about it. And thank you for making sure I made it home."

Lisa laughed. "You can also thank me for stopping you from calling Damian back."

Chloe rubbed her sleepy eyes. "Yeah, he called after keeping me in suspense all day yesterday. On our girls' night..."

"Haha, that's sacrilegious—our ladies' nights should never be sacrificed for a guy. And all those messages you showed me. Girl, he wants you bad. But don't worry, I made sure you didn't do anything you'd regret."

Chloe sighed, sinking back into her pillows. "He owes me an explanation about Gemma. I still don't know what went on."

"Let him sweat it out first. Make him grovel."

Chloe giggled. "Yeah. He deserves it."

"As for Chase," Lisa continued, "you've got two men vying for you. Your little Bermuda love triangle is pretty crazy."

"Ugh, it's either feast or famine, and I'm sated. Anyway, it was great seeing you and Angie again. Like a reunion before your wedding."

"You're both my best girls. Chicks before dicks, always."

Chloe smiled. "Always."

"Alright, lady. You get some rest. I just wanted to see how you're doing."

"I'm alive... barely. We'll talk again next week," Chloe said, ending the call. She rolled back over, hoping for more sleep, but her phone buzzed again.

The caller ID read: Asshole.

"Ugh, Damian," she muttered, placing the phone on the bedside table. Angie played a hand in changing his contact details on Chloe's phone last night.

Chloe ignored the call, but it kept ringing, followed by a barrage of messages. Frustrated, she switched her phone off. Just as she began to drift back to sleep, a loud engine revving pierced the air.

She dragged herself to the window, her feet shuffling against the hard floor, and squinted. "Shit," she muttered, opening the window. Her neighbor, Mrs. Khan, with her silver hair pulled into a stern bun, waved her arms at Damian, giving him an earful for the noise pollution.

But damn, he was hot with his black helmet and dark leather jacket gleaming under the morning sun. He removed the helmet, revealing his tousled blond hair and a billion-dollar smile.

Mrs. Khan brandished her slipper, aiming it at Damian. "Stop making so much noise, or I'll call the police if I don't hit you first!"

Damian's eyes gleamed under the sun's rays as he turned to Chloe's irritated neighbor. "Ma'am, I'm sorry for disturbing your Sunday morning. I promise I'll be out of your sight after picking up my girlfriend for a family brunch."

His apology did little to calm the older woman, her scowl growing deeper.

"Babe, we're late!" he called up to Chloe.

She lifted the window higher. "I got this, Mrs. Khan. Damian, tone it down, and I'll let you in."

"You have my word. I'll be quiet as a mouse." He nodded at Mrs. Khan, who huffed before storming back to the apartment building.

Chloe sighed, rolling her eyes. "Hold on, I'll buzz you up."

***

Chloe glared at Damian and crossed her arms when he entered her homely apartment, removing his shoes and jacket.

His lips twitched. "I need to know—did you meet Chase for lunch yesterday?"

"Yes. I told him about us. Though I was mad at you and didn't know where we stood, I decided not to take him to Lisa and Theo's wedding."

"Good. Chase can fuck off," Damian snapped, almost spitting at that name.

"How's Gemma?" Chloe mouthed as if she tasted bitter medicine.

Damian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wanted to tell you in person. Her dad died on Friday. That's why she came over, to tell me she's taking over his business."

Chloe's eyes narrowed. "And I suppose your personal business is hers now? I'm sorry about her dad, but it doesn't make things right, the way she came to your place and acted as if she owned you."

Damian scoffed, shaking his head. "She doesn't own me."

"Then what did she want?" Chloe demanded.

"Comfort. Support."

"And?"

"Sex."

"Did you give it to her?" Chloe's voice was razor-sharp.

"Comfort? Yes. Anything more? No." He met her gaze squarely. "I told her she couldn't go around throwing racial slurs at you. You didn't deserve any of it, and it hurts me too."

Chloe shrugged, trying to mask her hurt. "Gemma's an idiot. Anyway, I didn't hear from you until last night."

"I was in an important meeting, which took most of the day. You didn't take my calls or answer my messages afterward. Where were you?"

"I was out with Lisa and Angie last night,"  Chloe replied. "So, let me get this clear—you didn't do anything with Gemma? Not even some comfort kissing?"

"Babe, no! I'll tell you what happened. I drove her to the hospital to sort out some paperwork. They had a private prayer service for family and friends at the chapel there. I stuck around for it, didn't want to be a dick, you know. Then I drove her home. That's it."

"And yesterday? What was so important about your meeting?"

"It was about that contract my mother and the Rocheforts set up to ensure nothing happens to Hope. You know, the one with the 'happily ever after' clause for Gemma to become part of my family through marriage."

Chloe's freckled nose wrinkled in distaste. "She's Saira's protégé. After meeting her on Friday, I can see why. Gemma's cold and mean-spirited."

"According to my mother, Gemma's got great business acumen. She visits her more often than I do."

"I don't want to know what they talk about. So, did you gain anything valuable from your meeting?"

"Yeah. Vera reviewed the contract with my dad and me. I have great news. A clause stipulates that Grant needs to be present to sign the documents that seal the deal after I marry Gemma. Since he's no longer alive, the deal's off."

"Are you serious? Is it over?" Chloe's jaw dropped. Could Damian finally be free from the tangled web his mother had spun?

"Yeah. Grant's funeral is tomorrow. Vera and I are meeting Gemma on Tuesday. She's a lawyer, too."

"I remember."

"I'm thrilled for Hope. For us. For the first time in years, I'm happy." Tears glistened in Damian's eyes. "But I'm still going to see my mother. To end the family war and stop her from sending anyone to hurt my sister."

Chloe smiled, warmth spreading across her face. "You can win this battle. I believe in you."

***

Damian gazed at Chloe's checkered pajamas and messy hair. "You're not ready. I mentioned on Friday that we're meeting my family for brunch at the country club today, remember?"

"What time?"

"Eleven."

Chloe glanced at her phone's clock, her face paling. "I don't think I can make it. I'm hungover and a hot mess."

He stepped closer and tugged her pajama pants down gently. "We'll make it, and it's fine if we're late. Do you have a bathtub?"

Chloe blinked. "Yeah, why?"

"Let me take care of you." Damian tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and unbuttoned the top of her pajama blouse. His cock hardened at the glimpse of her soft breasts, but her emotional and physical security came first.

She looked up at Damian, biting her lower lip. "I'd love that. Give me a few minutes to brush my teeth and take a paracetamol for my hangover headache."

"Sure, babe."

Damian looked around the small apartment, its charm overshadowed by peeling wallpaper and squeaky kitchen floors. His gaze settled on a digital photo frame, and his heart skipped a beat.

There he was, captured mid-laugh during a college volleyball tournament. He recalled his team winning gold that day and Chloe rushing from the bleachers, peppering his face with hot kisses.

She had always loved him.

Their relationship was not temperate and calm, like tepid water. It was stormy and hot, like a volcanic eruption. Their lovemaking was explosive—along with their heated arguments. The chemistry? It was an intense mix of possessive lust and vulnerable intimacy.

Damian envisioned spending the rest of his life with Chloe. More than anything, he wanted to grow old with her. His college degrees, accolades, wealth, and status didn't matter. They meant nothing without her.

"Are you ready to give me my bath?" Chloe asked when she returned, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Sure." Damian's steady hand pressed back when he followed her to the bathroom.

He ran a warm bath and added lavender-scented body wash, its calming aroma infiltrating the bathroom. As the tub filled, he started undressing her with a tenderness that made her heart yearn for his sensual touch. His fingers brushed her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for permission.

Chloe nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, it's okay."

She stepped into the bath, sinking into the fragrant water. Damian knelt beside the tub, his touch gentle as he washed her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp in slow, soothing circles. She closed her eyes, letting herself drift under his care, each touch electrifying.

Damian leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he rinsed the shampoo from her hair. "Do you want me to massage you?"

Chloe's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding. "Yes."

His hands skimmed along the smooth curve of her shoulders and cupped her voluptuous breasts, kneading them in circular motions. "Mmm... do you like that?"

"I love how your hands feel on me," Chloe murmured. "You're the perfect lover."

"How about this?" Damian rubbed the soft texture of her nipples, rolling them with his thumbs before placing his lips on her right nipple, tantalizing it with his teasing tongue.

Chloe basked, fully aroused in Damian's possession. She smiled as she sighed. " I love what you're doing to me. But I want your cock."

"Oh, greedy, aren't you?" Damian smirked. "Yeah, I know you get off on servicing my dick. Well, you can have it. First, I want to see you come."

He continued to massage her, his large hands gliding over her skin with tender sensuality and desire. Her moans, blended with the soft sound of water, filled the lavender-scented room as his hands glided down, reaching her core. Her breathing sped as he stroked her folds until she could no longer hold it together.

"Damian, I'm going to come!"

"Are you thinking of my cock?"

"Yes."

"Then let go. Come for me."

And Chloe did, her body seizing with electric shock, her legs shuddering, and her shoulders shaking as her core throbbed from the euphoric release.

She felt like a new person—clean, refreshed, and hopeful when Damian helped her out of the bath. Her head no longer ached with heaviness. He wrapped her in a plush white towel, his eyes never leaving hers.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, a passionate kiss that spoke of their unspoken words. Chloe melted into the kiss, her hands clutching his shoulders, pulling him closer.

"Are you ready to get dressed and meet my family?" Damian asked, his lips trailing down her neck, sending a thrill through her body.

Chloe cupped his unshaven jaw, feeling the roughness under her fingertips before releasing him. "Make love to me first. You promised me."

Damian's hands roamed along her curves, his touch igniting her senses. "Oh, I'll give it to you. Do you still have the collar, babe?"

"Yes, why?"

"I want you to wear it today." Damian's nimble fingers stroked Chloe's sex, causing her to whimper. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, "You're mine."

With a swift, practiced motion, Damian pushed Chloe onto the bed. The world around them blurred as he unzipped his jeans, the sound captivating and raw. He rolled a condom over his erection as his eyes locked on Chloe's. The anticipation between them crackled like a live wire.

When he entered her, it wasn't just with his body but with possessive passion and unspoken promises. Chloe gasped, her whimpers turning into moans of pleasure as their bodies moved in scorching synchrony. Each thrust was a statement, each touch was a claim as they climbed higher together.

"Come with me, Chloe," Damian shouted, his voice rough and raw.

She obeyed his command, her body convulsing around him, every nerve alight with ecstasy. Damian followed, their release a simultaneous, cataclysmic moment, leaving them breathless and entwined.

He collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms. Their hearts pounded in unison, the afterglow of their lovemaking a warm cocoon. Chloe's head rested on his chest, and she smiled, feeling complete.

"Ready for brunch with my family now?" Damian asked, a playful glint sparkling in his emerald eyes as he discarded the rubber sheath.

Chloe laughed softly. "Absolutely. I'm starving, and I need food."

"I'll make sure you're fed. As long as you're with me, you'll never need anything. I'll give you the world. And love? I'll protect you and love you."

"Always?"

"Forever."

***

A/N: Well, that's a relief! Only a few chapters to go, and this story's finished. Looking forward to meeting Saira soon, and so is Chloe.🥳Thank you for sticking with Chloe and Damian's story. I'm still tinkering with a few things back and forth in the background to give this story my best shot.

Which songs inspired me with this chapter? I listened to Prince's Beautiful Ones on my Spotify - I had never heard it before, but whoa, that was pretty powerful! I think Dami and Chloe's song would be Good in Bed by Dua Lipa, haha! 😅