“You have a lot of guts showing your face here…” Damon’s voice was laced with disapproval as he confronted Lorenzo St John, who had just walked through the door. Damon had taken you into his home just days prior, a sanctuary after rescuing you from Lorenzo’s attack in the dead of night – a direct defiance of what Lorenzo had initially intended.
Gratitude washed over you in waves. You were aware of the complex history between Damon and Lorenzo St John, and you wouldn’t have faulted Damon for prioritizing his long-standing bond with Lorenzo. Your relationship with Damon was still nascent, a different dynamic altogether compared to the deep-rooted, albeit turbulent, connection Damon shared with Lorenzo.
“Come on, mate,” Lorenzo St John responded, unfazed by the hostile greeting. “Why the harsh words, Damon? I was unaware she was under your protection.” He casually closed the door, proceeding to pour himself a drink, acting as if he were simply catching up with an old friend. “How many more of your… protégés are wandering around? Just so I can adjust my hunting routes accordingly next time I’m feeling peckish.” Lorenzo settled onto the couch, a smirk playing on his lips as he observed Damon, who remained standing protectively between you and him. “You can relax, Damon. No need for a repeat performance of the knight in shining armor routine. Once was quite sufficient.”
Damon glanced back at you, his expression questioning. “Do I need to make him leave?” He raised an eyebrow, a silent inquiry, as if poised to act at your command, despite a visible reluctance to eject his former companion.
You hesitated. You didn’t want to become a wedge between Damon and Lorenzo St John. Damon’s immediate protectiveness had already reassured you that the previous attack wouldn’t be repeated. You shook your head gently. “No, it’s alright. I don’t want to interfere in your relationship. You deserve to have someone like him in your life, Damon, even if he is, admittedly, a terrible influence. He can stay…”
Damon nodded, finally relaxing his stance and sitting beside you, a subtle gesture of continued reassurance, a silent promise to intervene should Lorenzo St John deviate from his word.
Lorenzo St John chuckled, a sound that held a hint of genuine amusement at Damon’s protective instincts and your slightly barbed words aimed at him. He hadn’t appeared remotely nervous during your assessment of him. “You have my word, love. Had I known you were captivating enough to warrant Damon’s attention, you would have remained untouched. There must be something truly intriguing about you to justify this level of concern.” He drew his legs up onto the couch, adopting a more relaxed, almost lounging posture.
Damon seemed genuinely surprised by Lorenzo’s statement. “I’m impressed you place such faith in my judgment, Lorenzo. But in this instance, yes… she is worth getting to know. A refreshing change from the monotony of the town’s usual, unremarkable inhabitants.”
Your brow furrowed slightly. While you appreciated the implied safety his words offered, the casual dismissal of others, the implication that someone else might become a target in your stead, left a sour taste. It echoed your existing reservations about Damon himself; you were acutely aware he wasn’t the virtuous figure you might wish him to be. “I’m still on the fence about getting to know the man who considered me dinner just days ago, Lorenzo St John,” you stated, your voice firm. “However, feel free to attempt to sway my opinion. Just maintain a minimum distance of six feet. Closer than that, and my trust evaporates.”
“Is that a challenge I detect, darling?” Lorenzo St John’s smile widened, a clear indication of his eagerness to accept. “A challenge I wholeheartedly embrace.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking with yours. “We’ll be the best of friends before this month concludes, I assure you of it.”
