Chapter 269

• As he stands, I see the flash of disappointment on Penny’s face, but she quickly hides it and turns back to her toy. Damien’s not perfect—far from it—but damn if he isn’t trying. And that’s what makes this so hard.
• I watch him stand, and his eyes linger on Penny for a moment longer before he turns back to me. “If you need anything, just let me know,” he says. His voice is low, like it’s meant just for me.
• I don’t know what to say to that, so I just nod, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Anger, confusion, maybe even… hope?