The water flowed gently from the old stone fountain, reflecting the pale glow of the moon. Damon Torrance leaned against the edge, his eyes locked on her—defiant yet vulnerable.

“Tell me this means nothing to you,” he said, his voice low, almost a whisper.

She hesitated, her heart racing. Damon’s proximity made everything feel unbearably warm. His fingers brushed against hers, a connection that burned like fire.

“If it didn’t mean anything, I wouldn’t be here,” she murmured.

In one swift move, Damon pulled her against his chest, the world fading away. He studied her, as if she were a mystery to solve.

“Then stop running,” he whispered, his lips almost touching hers. “I’m not letting you go.”

Her heart pounded, but her body had already decided. There was something dangerous about him, but it drew her in like a magnet. His hands gripped her waist, muscles tense, as if afraid she’d vanish.

“I’m not running,” she whispered, her voice fragile.

Damon leaned in, his nose brushing hers. “Then prove it.”

Without thinking, her hands slid to his shoulders, and in one impulsive move, she kissed him. The kiss was like a storm—wild and consuming. His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, as if carving this moment into his skin.

When they pulled away, breathless, Damon smirked.

“Now,” he said, dark and addictive. “Now you’re mine.”