The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 217

< Chapter 105: The Company We Keep-2

Damien, by contrast, extended a quiet invitation to Maya. “Come with me,” he murmured, gesturing toward the balcony, offering a moment of privacy away from the lively chaos

inside.

Maya’s eyes lifted to his, curiosity flickering in them before she gave a small nod. She rose from her seat, smoothing her dress as Damien’s hand brushed lightly against the small of her back, guiding her toward the balcony.

He closed the glass door behind them, shutting out the hum of voices inside. Instantly, they were embraced by the island’s warmth-the afternoon sun wrapping them in a golden haze, the air thick with the mingling scents of salt and hibiscus. A gentle breeze carried across the veranda, lifting strands of Maya’s hair as the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore blended with the distant cries of seabirds.

They stood side by side, forearms resting against the balcony railing. Maya tilted her face toward the sea, closing her eyes as she drew in a deep breath of the salt-kissed air.

The breeze brushed over her skin, carrying with it the faint scent of the ocean and blooming flowers, and for a moment, her chest rose and fell in a rhythm that matched the waves below.

Damien didn’t look at the view. His gaze stayed fixed on her-on the way her lashes fanned against her cheeks, on the faint curve of her lips as the tension seemed to slip from her shoulders. She looked at peace, bathed in sunlight, and he felt the urge to reach out, to touch her, to pull her closer. Instead, he stayed still, silently watching, as if afraid a single movement might break the fragile calm surrounding her.

Maya felt the weight of his stare and slowly opened her eyes. When she turned to him, she caught a flicker in his gaze-gentleness, almost unguarded.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

Damien’s jaw tightened before the words slipped out, rough and low. “I’m sorry, Maya.”

Her brows knitted together. “For what?”

His voice was strained, thick with the heaviness he rarely allowed to show. “For this mess I pulled you into. I…”

Maya lifted her hand, placing it gently against Damien’s face. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, a shuddered breath escaping him.

“Damien,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the ache in her chest. “I understand. You were born into this life, into this world. You didn’t choose this path-it was forced on you.”

Her thumb brushed lightly across his cheek, grounding him. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll fight

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