Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 27 So difficult
Victoria’s POV:
Felix’s face twisted with disbelief as he watched Scarlett walk away. "We’re just letting her go? She almost killed you! How can you be so forgiving? Don’t tell me you still have feelings for Ethan and you’re letting her off for his sake?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Damian gave him a look cold enough to freeze hell itself.
Felix raised his hands defensively. "What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking! This woman isn’t grateful for what you did, Damian. My Alpha friend saves her life and she’s still pining for his pathetic half-brother."
I could feel my wolf Nora bristling under my skin. She wanted to bite Felix for his presumption.
"I—" I got out one word before Damian cut me off.
"Which eye exactly saw her pining for Ethan?" His voice was dangerously low, the kind that made even strong wolves bow their heads.
Felix stubbornly persisted. "Both my eyes saw it clearly! Though I suppose five years of bonding isn’t easily forgotten overnight."
I turned to Felix, my patience wearing thin. "Then perhaps you need to get your eyes checked. Why would I waste a second thought on that worthless excuse for a male? There’s nothing about him worth remembering."
I shifted my attention to Damian, trying not to notice his scent.
But that was so difficult.
"I do owe you thanks, though. Are you free tonight? I’d like to take you to dinner as a token of appreciation."
After all, Damian had saved me. A debt was a debt, and I couldn’t possibly repay it with my freedom in this lifetime.
"Just dinner?" Damian raised an eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied. "You think you can repay what you owe me so easily?"
I met his gaze directly. "What did you have in mind?"
"Let’s keep the debt open," he replied, deliberately emphasizing each word. "You can... gradually repay me."
I couldn’t hide my wariness. Who knew what schemes this man was plotting? "Fine," I conceded. "Then I’ll be going."
Before I could take a step, Damian’s hand caught my wrist. His touch sent a shock through my body, Nora immediately responding with restless agitation. His eyes, deep and unreadable, locked with mine.
"What about that dinner invitation?" His voice was silk-smooth but steel-firm.
"I thought you said to keep the debt open?" I countered.
Damian’s lips curved slightly. "I said to keep the debt open, not that I was refusing dinner. You wouldn’t think your life is worth only one meal, would you, Victoria?"
I had indeed hoped to satisfy my obligation with a simple dinner, but Damian had skillfully backed me into a corner. I should have known he wouldn’t let me off so easily.
"What would you like to eat then?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Damian considered this. "I hear you’re quite talented in the kitchen. You used to cook for my half-brother often, didn’t you?" His eyes glittered. "To show your sincerity, why don’t you prepare a meal for me personally?"
It was true—I had learned to cook specifically for Ethan, another way I had tried to be the perfect mate for an unworthy man. Making one meal wouldn’t be difficult, but my living situation was complicated.
"I’m staying with a friend temporarily," I explained, trying to sound apologetic. "It wouldn’t be appropriate to invite you there."
The last time Damian had dropped me off, I had pointed to Grace’s place. I was hoping to use my friend as a shield again.
Damian’s smile widened. "No problem. We’ll use my place. It’s perfectly suitable."
I cursed myself internally for falling into that trap.
Before I could object, Damian was already walking ahead. "It’s settled then. Let’s go."
I called after him, "Hey! I didn’t agree to today specifically!"
Felix started to follow us. "I’m coming with you!"
Damian stopped abruptly. "You have other commitments."
"I do?" Felix looked genuinely confused.
Damian just stared at him until understanding dawned on Felix’s face.
"Oh! Right! I completely forgot about all that work waiting for me. So much to do!" Felix’s terrible acting made me stifle a laugh despite my predicament.
I pointed to my car. "If you give me the address, I can drive my car and follow you."
"What’s wrong?" Damian asked, voice tinged with amusement. "Afraid I might devour you?"
I decided to play along. "More worried you might sell me."
"Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be worth much on the market," he smoothly retorted.
Eventually, Damian insisted I ride with him, practically pulling me into his luxury SUV.
Once inside, I asked, "What would you like me to make?"
"I’m not picky. I eat everything," he replied casually.
I could feel his gaze studying me. My mate bond with Ethan had been severed, but my wolf was still uncomfortably aware of Damian’s presence.
He was powerful, authoritative, and frustratingly attractive.
The spacious vehicle suddenly felt cramped with his large frame beside me.
"I have to admit, discovering your racing skills surprised me," he said, breaking the silence.
"There’s a lot about me you don’t know," I replied softly.
That was an understatement. I had many talents—most developed through years of training as the future Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack.
Racing was something I’d learned at eighteen, one of my many hobbies. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢
Though I had hidden my true identity during my relationship with Ethan, anyone who truly paid attention would have noticed how exceptional I was.
But Ethan had been too focused on becoming part of the Sterling family. Once he had me, he took my devotion for granted, assuming I would never leave him no matter what he did.
When he gained wealth and status through marriage, he believed I would stay as his secret mistress simply because he had provided me with connections to high society.
He never suspected I might have a higher status than he could ever dream of.
Damian’s long legs were casually crossed, his fingers rhythmically tapping against his knee. His scent was everywhere, making my wolf restless.
"So, sister-in-law," he said with calculated nonchalance, "where have you been working lately?"
As he spoke, his body leaned closer to mine.
Oh shit! he was flirting with me again.
