Chapter 1 – Prologue (Caitlin)
I paced in front of the bed and wrung my hands. „Why are you doing this to me, Damon?" I asked. "What do you mean?" he replied and stopped me by placing himself in my way. He pulled me close, but I put my hands on his chest. "Don't play with me, Damon. Don't pretend to care," I said and turned my head away. "You should know by now that I do care," he whispered and cupped one of my cheeks with his hand, softly forcing me to face him again. I took a deep breath and shook my head. "I can take your cockiness, your selfish side, but not this…," I faltered with a sigh. He seemed angry, but there was more exasperation than rage on his handsome features. He grabbed my biceps and trapped me against the wall. "Why can't you believe that I just want to save you?" he hissed and stared at me. I returned his gaze. "You kept telling me that you like to play games," I stated with a frown. He faltered for a second, regret shining through. He hesitated before he answered, as if he was afraid to open himself up to me. "This is not a game for me, Caitlin," he snapped, his harsh tone making me flinch. His features softened immediately when he recognized it. "You are not a game for me," he added and let me go. I held my breath. Was that the turning point? I had suspected that he loved me, but I had never pressed him to reveal it. He looked wary, but now I couldn't spare him anymore.
I pushed myself off the wall. "Then tell me, Damon, what am I to you?" I asked and held his gaze while I approached him. He closed his eyes for a second. "I don't want to lose you, Caitlin," he croaked and his voice was thick with emotions. I was tired of his emotional hide-and-seek. I needed to hear what was really going on inside him. "Why?" I asked and touched his cheek. "I need the truth, Damon," I pressed when he still hesitated. He swallowed nervously and tried to keep a blank expression, but it didn't work. He seemed at odds with himself. I knew about his weak point – trust. He tried so hard to keep everyone he cared about at arm's length as if he expected constant disappointment or rejection. The real emotions he felt inside rarely seeped through his façade. Taking a deep breath, he looked at me. "I…, I think I've fallen for you," he whispered, barely audible. His answer touched a string deep inside me and the barely noticeable quiver of his lower lip let my heart melt. He looked so vulnerable, so exposed. He had bared himself to me and trusted me not to destroy him. I started to smile and he took a deep breath as if he expected a blow. I just cupped his tense face with my hands. "It was about damn time you admit it," I said softly. He let a small gasp. "I feel the same, Damon," I whispered. He shivered slightly. I didn't use the word 'love' yet, although I knew I was in love with him. I feared that he would run if I said it. It took a few moments for him to realize what I meant. "Say that again?" he whispered, his eyes going wide. A grin spread over my face. "I feel the same, Damon," I repeated. His chest heaved and his muscles jolted as if he wanted to move, but he couldn't, he only stared at me. "Are you sure?" he asked hoarsely. "Something wrong with your hearing, Damon?" I replied. He just shook his head and wrapped me in his arms.