The moment you stepped into the Salvatore house, you knew something was wrong. Damon stood in the middle of the room, a lazy grin on his face, eyes locked onto you like you were the only thing that mattered.

“There you are,” he said smoothly, crossing the space between you in an instant. Before you could react, he took your hand, pressing a slow kiss to your knuckles. “I was just thinking about you.”

Your stomach twisted. Damon was never this soft, this… adoring. Suspicious? Absolutely. Flirty? Always. But this? This was something else.

“You look perfect,” he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Did I ever tell you how breathtaking you are?”

Something was definitely wrong.

A voice from the doorway interrupted your spiraling thoughts. “Yeah, about that…” Bonnie stood with her arms crossed, looking unimpressed. “Bad news? Someone put a love spell on him. Good news? We might be able to fix it before he gets worse.”

“Worse?” you echoed, heart pounding.

Damon only smiled, completely oblivious. “Don’t listen to her,” he said, tightening his grip on your hand. “I’ve never felt better.”