382 Just Because

Katherine couldn't believe that she was really ignored the entire time. Had she suddenly turned invisible and did not know about it? How could these men in her life claim that they care and love her but don't even stop and listen to what she wanted to say? They talked and agreed and decided, mentioning her name but not really talking to her as if she wasn't there. She was floored.

Damien got up and held out his hand for her, in which she took rather forcefully and then called her grandfather, "Grandpa, I just need to talk to Damien for a bit. We'll be there in a few." She smiled and then pulled the tall man out to the terrace without waiting for her grandfather to respond.

The night was chilly, and the air was fresh and crisp. The cold wind slapped her face as soon as she stepped out with Damien in tow, but she didn't care and continued to drag him towards the corner—a blind spot for the security cameras around the mansion. She let go of his hand and snapped at him, "What the hell, Damien?"

She knitted her brows together, but all she got in return was an amused grin from his annoyingly handsome face. Did he seriously think this was funny? She crossed her arms in front of her. "What are you smiling about?"

"You…"

"What?"

"You…" he chuckled. "Are you trying to be mad at me right now? Because you're too adorable to be looking angry." He couldn't take her seriously if she looked this cute even while she was trying to scowl at him. God, he was doomed. Whipped. Fallin' fûcking head over heels.

Exasperated, Katherine turned away from him and let out a long sigh. "I'm serious, Damien. What was that all about?"

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"You…" She gulped and continued to avoid his gaze. "Shouldn't you at least have discussed it with me? How am I hearing this all so suddenly?"

"Discuss what?" Damien held her elbow and pulled her to face him so he could see her eyes. "I just told the truth about how I feel. It has always been the same. Whether you're a Miller or a Young—a secretary, a badass secret agent, or even an assassin… None of it matters. Nothing changed, Katherine… I love you."

Damien had wanted to hear her say the words back, and he felt slightly uneasy that she didn't. But he wouldn't demand it from her. Though it was hard, he would have to wait for that and that's all that he could do. 

Even over the cashmere sweater that she had on her, she could feel his very warm hand that touched her arm and she unknowingly leaned towards him, seeking more warmth from this cold Saturday night.

Her cheeks glowed as she held his gaze and as if by nature, his arm came around her waist, pulling her even closer to him. "You're unbelievable…" she muttered, her voice soft and charming—a melody to his ears even if her words weren't exactly a compliment.

"Mm."

"Tell me what's on your mind, Kitten."

She sighed. "I'm just trying to figure out what we are to do next…"

"You don't need to worry about the company. I already took care of it. I'll also have the PR discuss with Young Corporation's PR team to be in sync, make sure nothing that we don't want is out there."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

"Then what?"

"Damien… What you said earlier… about getting married…"

"Shh…" he interrupted her softly, tucking her hair behind her ear as he added, "You don't have to say anything about that now. Your grandfather asked… and I only answered truthfully. I know you're not ready to talk about that yet. You don't have to rush. Baby steps, right?"

Katherine found pleasure at their closeness. Her eyes fell to his lips, and she parted hers. Forgetting everything else, her hand clutched his tie, and she pulled him down, her lips capturing his with a blissful kiss.

At first, Damien was taken aback by her gesture, yet it didn't take him a long time to respond to her hungry kisses. She gently pushed him against the wall and deepened their kiss, her arms going around his neck and her feet tiptoeing to level with his height.

Katherine didn't know what came over her. She just wanted to kiss him.

When she broke their kiss, he looked into her eyes and asked, "What was that for?"

"Just because…"

"Just because?" he chuckled.

"I just feel so blessed to have you." She gently caressed his forehead, pushing his loose hair back in place. "I won't let you down, Damien."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… I'll do my best not to disappoint you."

"You won't." He held her hand and pressed a kiss on it. "Kitten, as much as I want to stay here and get frisky with you, your family's waiting for us. They might get the wrong idea if we stay out too long." A jaunty smile cast across his face, earning a blush on Katherine's cheeks.

"You, Mr. Damien Park, have a very naughty mind." She slapped his chest playfully before turning away from him. 

"Hey, you're the one who dragged me in here to make out," he teased.

"Oh my god! You're so loud, they're going to hear you. Shush!" she complained under gritted teeth, linking their arms together as they headed towards the dining area.

"Let's continue once we're home," he kindly whispered into her ear just as they entered the dining-room—she had to grip his arm a little tighter than she should to suppress herself from barking out a laugh.