Damian's voice echoed in the room, filled with frustration. "Yes!" He took a deep breath, his silver eyes glowing with intensity. "Because I'm supposed to keep you safe."
Evelina stiffened, her heart pounding—not from fear, but from the surge of emotions his words ignited. "I didn't ask you to," she snapped, her voice rising to meet the storm in his.
"That's not the point!" Damian's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "It's not about what you asked for. It's about what I—" He cut himself off, jaw tightening as if the words themselves were too dangerous to release.
Evelina stepped forward, her frustration bubbling over. "Then what is it about, Damian? Your pride? Your need to feel like some hero? Because guess what—I've been taking care of myself long before you showed up!"
Damian's eyes darkened further, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "And look where that's gotten you—attacked, threatened, nearly killed more times than I can count."
