His throat tightened. "and I want you to stop me. I want you to be the one who reminds me who I am now."
Her breath hitched. She didn't even realize she was crying again until he leaned forward and kissed the corner of her eye.
She looked at him, long and quiet. Her fingers unclenched slightly. And for the first time in days, she didn't feel alone in her truth.
Olivia didn't speak for a long time. Her breathing had settled, but her chest still rose and fell with the weight of everything she'd said—everything she had finally let him carry.
Damon didn't move either, afraid that any shift might break whatever fragile thread now held them together.
Then slowly, carefully, she lifted her hand and touched his cheek.
It was a soft touch, almost unsure. But it made his breath hitch.
"I hated you for a long time," she whispered, her fingers brushing the stubble along his jaw. "Even after coming back… I thought I would find the same cold monster again."
