Damian woke up to the morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. He reached out for Chloe, but her side of the bed was empty, the satin sheets cool to the touch. Frowning, he rose and wrapped a bathrobe around his hard, athletic body.

The mansion was quiet as he padded through the hallways, the only sound being the heating system's faint hum. He wandered through the living room where Diva slept, her ears pricking slightly, before he headed toward the indoor pool.

His frown eased into a curious smile upon hearing gentle splashes of water. The sight of a beautiful woman swimming naked, her movements fluid and effortless, was enough to make him stop in his tracks.

Chloe's long, dark hair was slicked back, water droplets glistening on her bare shoulders. Her curvy figure glowed in the natural light filtering through the glass windows.

Damian's breath hitched, and a hot desire burned within him. He undid his bathrobe, letting it fall to the floor, and slipped into the pool. The heated water enveloped him as he swam to Chloe.

She turned just as he reached her, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Good morning, lover," she greeted.

"Morning," he responded, his voice low and husky. He pulled her close, their bodies pressed together in the water.

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection and playful teasing. "Didn't expect to find you here so early."

"Couldn't resist you," he murmured, leaning down to capture her lips in a slow, searing kiss. Her eager mouth was supple and warm, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"You should have stayed in bed. I was planning to come back and surprise you," she teased, her fingers trailing along his chest. She traced the outline of his dragon tattoo below his rib down to his abdomen. Then, daringly, lower to the love trail below his navel.

He grinned, his eyes darkening. "I like this surprise better."

They floated together, the water supporting their weight in their steady embrace. Damian's hands roamed over her back, feeling the smooth curve of her spine and the delicate dip of her waist before cupping her buttocks. Chloe's fingers combed his blond hair, her touch sending sparks of pleasure through him. Her mons rubbed against his groin, her body responding to his passion-soaked kisses peppered along her smooth neck.

"I've been thinking about you all morning," she whispered, rubbing the silky bald tip of his erect penis. "Thinking about what I want you to do to me."

His grip tightened on her hips, pulling her closer as they migrated to the edge of the pool. "Tell me," he growled, his voice thick with desire. "Tell me what you want, Chloe."

"I want you to take me," she breathed, her eyes locking with his. "Right here, right now."

He deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth and claiming her. She moaned against his lips, the sound vibrating through him. He lifted her slightly, his hands moving to cup her breasts. His thumbs brushed over her nipples, making her gasp.

"Damian," she pleaded, wrapping her hand around his thick shaft.

"Be patient," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "I want to savor you."

He continued tasting her neck, his lips leaving a trail of fire on her skin. He moved lower, his mouth closing over each of her dark brown nipples, sucking gently, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin. Chloe arched, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

"You're driving me crazy," she panted, her nails scraping down the grooves of his muscled back.

"That's it, baby girl," he murmured, his voice dark and seductive. "I want you to be desperate for me. Beg me for more."

His fingers skated down her soft belly and slipped between her thighs. He teased her entrance, brushing against her most sensitive spot, making her whimper and squirm in his arms.

"Damian, please," she pleaded, her voice breathless. "I need you."

He slid two fingers inside her, feeling her warmth and wetness as she gasped and tightened around him. "You belong to me, Chloe," he whispered possessively. "Who takes care of you?"

"You do, Daddy."

Damian's third finger prodded gently and pushed between Chloe's folds, causing her to cry out.

"Too much?" His questioning eyes gazed into hers.

"A little."

"Perhaps, another time. A soothing oil to lubricate you should do the trick. Would you like to try that, baby?"

"Yes, please."

He removed his third finger and continued pushing in and out with his two long, nimble fingers. His thumb brushed against her clit, driving her wild with fierce excitement.

"Oh, Daddy!" Chloe's breath came in short, ragged gasps, her body trembling with longing for all of him. She clung to him, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. He pushed away, and she cried his name. "Dami, don't stop. I beg you, please!"

Damian smirked, a wicked glint shining in his eyes.

With a swift movement, he lifted his body out of the water and pulled her from the pool. He reached for a condom from the pocket of his bathrobe on the ground near him, removed the rubber from the wrapper, and secured it on his cock.

His body anchored on top of her,  and his hands slid down to grip her hips. He guided her legs around his waist, positioning himself at her entrance. He paused momentarily, looking into her eyes, seeking her consent.

She nodded, her eyes filled with trust. "I'm yours, Damian."

He entered her, the sensation overwhelming, making him groan. She was warm and wet, her body welcoming him and sheathing him tightly. He moved slowly at first, feeling the connection between them.

"Fuck, you're a perfect fit," he grunted as he increased his pace.

"More," she begged, her voice breaking as she clung to him. "Please, give me more."

He thrust harder, his movements more urgent, driving them both to a higher state, drugged by lust. Chloe's moans grew louder, her body quivering in his arms. Damian held her tighter, his own control slipping as he neared his climax.

"Dami," she gasped, her voice breaking. "I'm close."

"Me too," he managed, his voice strained.

With a final, powerful thrust, he shouted in unison with Chloe as they peaked, their bodies scorching in flames of passion. Damian held her close, his face buried in her neck, his body trembling with the force of his hot release. Chloe clung to him, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as her body shook against his.

They rested, their souls entwined, while their heartbeats slowly returned to normal. Damian lifted his head, looking into Chloe's eyes, and saw the love and contentment there.

"You're incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Listen, I have something to ask."

"A favor?"

"Yeah. Will you move in with me?"

"Live with you?" Chloe smiled, her eyes gleaming as she arched one eyebrow. "I'll think about it. Daddy."

He kissed her again, tenderly this time, their connection deepening as they stood. Damian wrapped his bathrobe around her, keeping her warm. "Here, I don't want you to catch a cold."

"What about you? Won't you be cold?" Chloe stared at her chiseled, naked lover.

"Nah. I'm resourceful," he replied, throwing the used condom in a wastebasket. He reached for a towel in a cabinet against the wall and wrapped it around him.

Damian wrinkled his forehead, a deep frown creasing his brow when his phone buzzed on the poolside table, interrupting their morning devotion. He sighed and reached for it, seeing the name of his PA, Vivianne, flashing on the screen. He glanced at Chloe, who gave him an understanding nod.

"Go ahead," she said, smiling softly.

Damian answered the call. "Vivianne, what is it?"

"Good morning, Mister Scott. I've organized your daily business affairs for the next few days so you can take time off for your mother's funeral. Your father has scheduled the funeral for tomorrow morning. Do you have any instructions or requests?"

Damian's jaw tightened slightly. "Thank you, Vivianne. I appreciate it. Can you reschedule my meeting with Vera and Gemma Rochefort for tomorrow after the funeral? Make it in the afternoon. They both must attend to end old business matters. I'll also need you to email me a few documents."

"Understood, sir. Also, will you be attending Grant Rochefort's funeral today?"

"No," Damian replied curtly. "My focus is on our affairs. Make sure everything is prepared for the meeting with Vera and Gemma."

"Of course, Mister Scott. I'll take care of it."

Damian ended the call and turned to Chloe, his expression softening. "We're meeting Dad soon to see my mother's body."

Chloe nodded and touched his arm. Despite the dangers of being with him, she felt safe in his embrace. After all, she and Damian were kindred spirits who soared together.

Like eagles thriving in the sky, they swooped low to kill the snakes.

***

Alistair Scott and Nick Quinn waited at the end of the hospital morgue's hallway. The harsh fluorescent lights cast a pallid glow on the tiled floor. The faint scent of antiseptic mingled with the unmistakable chill of death sent a shiver down Chloe's spine.

Alistair stood tall, his broad shoulders squared, as he curtly nodded to his son. Nick glanced at Chloe before turning his attention back to Damian.

Damian broke the silence first. "Uncle Nick, I guess this mess disrupted your family holiday."

Nick shook his head. "They're still in Europe. It's just me who's back to deal with it."

Damian nodded, then turned to his father. "Let's get this over with."

"We need to prepare ourselves for what we're about to see," Alistair said.

Damian's expression remained unchanged, his eyes stone-cold. "I know."

"Saira's body will be a disturbing sight. Perhaps some of us would prefer to wait here," Alistair suggested, his eyes hinting at Chloe.

"I'll come," Chloe replied. She squeezed Damian's hand, but his firm grip remained unyielding.

The group moved past the morgue's heavy double doors to greet a mortician in a crisp white coat. She gave them a solemn nod and guided them into the viewing room. The room's stillness starkly contrasted the extraordinary life that once filled Saira Quinn.

The sheet-covered body lay on a stainless steel table in the center of the room. Alistair placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, but Damian did not acknowledge it, his focus locked ahead.

The mortician stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Are you ready?"

Damian took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with controlled precision. "Yes," he said, his voice steady.

With a nod, the mortician pulled back the sheet, revealing Saira's lifeless form, before leaving the family to grieve alone in the room. The air remained still and silent as each person confronted their memories and emotions, gazing upon the woman who had been a monster.

Chloe's heart ached for Damian, but she saw the impenetrable wall he built around himself. He stood motionless, his eyes distant as they scanned his mother's mutilated body. Chloe reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm in silent support, but he did not react.

"We're here for you, Damian," she whispered, though she knew her words might not penetrate his hardened exterior.

Damian stared at his mother's once beautiful face, now disfigured with hollow holes where her eyes once were. Her lips were sewn shut. "Goodbye, Mother."

Nick cleared his throat, drawing his nephew's attention. "Damian, there's something you need to know. I've organized a meeting with Angelo at The Church at seven this evening. We have matters to discuss. Your father is busy, so it will just be the three of us."

Damian's expression remained unchanged. "The four of us. Chloe, would you care to join?"

Sensing Damian—a calculative man of logic—would have a reason to include her, she replied, "Of course. I'll join you."

Turning to Nick and Alistair, Damian declared, "Chloe is part of our family now."

Nick looked directly into Damian's eyes, his tone somber. "Very well, then. I'll be blunt since we're family. Your mother's death? It had to be done for the greater good—to save lives."

Damian's eyes narrowed, probing Nick for more. "This wasn't just to protect Hope or Chloe, was it?"

Nick took a deep breath. "An informant told us about Saira's plan to escape. If she were let loose, she would do it all over again—drugs, arms, illegal human trafficking, the brutal prostitution racket that included children, disappearances, deaths... Everything. It was about protecting everyone else. More lives were at stake, worth greater than the evil on this slab today."

Damian realized Nick had orchestrated not only his mother's but also Grant Rochefort's death. Memories of a past conversation flashed in his mind.

When we know who's working with her on the outside, we'll cut them off, then deal with her.

Those were his uncle's words when Damian was driven to sign that rotten deal with his mother and the Rocheforts seven years ago.

Alistair broke the silence, his voice low. "I take it that you and Vera are meeting with Gemma tomorrow to ensure all agreements the Rocheforts had with Saira are null and void. Gemma will never have anything to do with the Scott-Quinn business affairs again. Failure to comply will result in civil charges against her."

"I'll make sure there won't be any loose ends," Damian replied, his voice icy. "I'm taking over my mother's portion of the business, and it's time to clean her mess."

Nick nodded in agreement. "We can't afford any more chaos."

Alistair cleared his throat and glanced at his son. "I'll be flying to Beijing this afternoon. Make sure everything is settled in my absence."

Damian turned to face Nick and Alistair, his eyes steely. "I'll do what's necessary. This business will be run differently, and anyone who gets in the way will be dealt with."

Alistair gave a solemn nod. "We trust your judgment, Damian. Do what you must."

Just then, Chloe's phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw Lisa's name. "It's Lisa," she whispered to Damian. "I should take this."

"Go ahead," Damian replied, his voice softening slightly.

Chloe stepped aside and answered the call. "Hey, Lisa."

"Chloe, I just saw the news. Is Damian okay?"

"He's holding up," Chloe said, glancing at her lover discussing plans with Nick and Alistair. "It's been tough, but we're managing. We'll catch up soon, okay?"

"Alright. Just let Damian know Theo and I are thinking of him."

"I will. Thanks, Lisa."

Chloe ended the call and rejoined Damian, who received a thick A4 envelope from his father.

"That file has everything you need. You've made a wise choice," Alistair said to him, his eyes darting between Chloe and his son.

Damian's jaw loosened for a moment before tensing again. "Come, let's go."

Chloe hesitated, then nodded.

***

That afternoon, white flowers and sympathy cards crowded Damian's living room, their sweet fragrance clashing with the hollow feeling inside him. He stared blankly at the cards, the heartfelt messages doing little to ease the emptiness that gnawed at his chest. Chloe had left for coffee with Lisa, her promise to return lingering like a fading whisper.

He took two paracetamol tablets with a glass of water, trying to numb the ache in his head. He ripped open the envelope Alistair had given him, revealing a letter in front of a stack of documents. His father's handwriting was unmistakable.

Damian,

My apologies for keeping this information from you on the truth about Chloe. Your uncle will explain everything.

Dad.

Damian's hand trembled as he flipped through each document. He shook his head and exhaled. The secrets buried for so long would be revealed tonight.

***

A/N: What do you think will be revealed about Chloe?

This song reminds me of the struggles between Chloe and Damian. Fingers crossed, they'll stick through thick and thin.

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