The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 351

Chapter 161: Love in the Shadow of War-2

She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall beneath her, each breath a quiet reassurance. His arms tightened around her just slightly-protective, possessive, grounding.

Damien’s eyes lingered on her, tracing the curve of her rosy cheek, the soft remnants of their intimacy. It was beautiful. Peaceful.

In that fragile, perfect stillness, one truth blazed brighter than any fear or threat: he would move heaven and earth to protect her.

The night, with all its heat and passion, had become their fortress. And in its quiet aftermath, wrapped in him, she felt utterly, completely safe.

Then Damien’s lips brushed the crown of her head, his voice a soft, almost mischievous whisper against her ear.

“I love you. Sleep well, love.”

Maya’s heavy lids fluttered, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips. “Mmm… I love you too.”

Damien’s lips lingered for a moment longer against the crown of her head. Slowly, he eased his hand from her, careful not to disturb the peaceful rhythm of her breathing. Maya was finally lost in deep sleep, the faint rise and fall of her chest steady and serene.

He rose quietly, letting the warmth of the room linger around him. Reaching for his phone, he stepped out onto the balcony. The night air was cool, carrying the distant hush of the manor grounds.

He dialed a number, voice low and steady.

“It’s time,” he said, eyes scanning the shadows. “I want it done before sunrise.”

The wind whipped around him, sharp and insistent. Damien’s eyes swept the horizon, dark

and unreadable.

The war had officially begun.

The first light of dawn spilled through the curtains, soft and golden, brushing the room in warmth. Maya stirred, eyelashes fluttering open, immediately aware of the absence of the night’s shadows.

Chapter 161 Love in the Shadow of War-2

+25 Points

Her body ached pleasantly from the night before-every muscle reminded her of closeness, of heat, of Damien. But when she turned, he wasn’t beside her. Still, the warmth of his presence lingered, woven into the sheets, a quiet echo of him.

A soft creak of the floor drew her attention. Damien stepped into the room, shirt slightly rumpled, hair tousled, that familiar, dangerous glint in his dark eyes. For a heartbeat, the world outside ceased to exist; all she could see was him.

“Morning,” he murmured, voice husky and intimate, carrying the echo of the night they had shared.

“Morning,” she whispered, cheeks warming as the memory of him curled inside her.

He crossed the room slowly, deliberately, stopping at the edge of the bed. “Sleep well?”

“I… did,” she admitted softly. “Better than I have in a long time.”

A faint, knowing smile curved his lips. He leaned down, brushing a kiss across her forehead- a ghost of the tenderness he’d shown all night-and sat beside her. “Good. You’ll need your strength today.”

Maya tilted her head, curiosity and caution mingling. “Strength for what?”

His gaze darkened, serious now. “Mom wants to take you somewhere today.”

Her stomach fluttered, a mix of anticipation and anxiety. “Where?”

“The firing range,” he said, voice low, the hint of annoyance threading through it. “She insists you need to learn how to protect yourself… in case something happens. She thinks it’s important for you to know how to use a gun.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Damien exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Why do you look so… excited? I don’t want you learning violence, love. I’m here, I’ll protect you. But… they insisted. All of them. Even your brother, actually. I’m literally outnumbered.”

Maya leaned closer, voice pleading, soft and earnest. “Damien, I want to learn… please. Let me do this, love.”

He pulled her into a quick, protective hug, letting her lean against him just long enough to feel the strength of him before pulling back. “Fine… but be careful, okay? Really careful. And if it gets too much, stop. Don’t force yourself.”

“I promise,” she whispered.

Chapter 161 Love in the Shadow of War-2

+25 Points

“Okay,” he said, voice softening. “I have a few client meetings at the company, but I’ll follow you there.”

“Okay,” Maya replied.

“You better get ready then,” Damien murmured, a soft smile brushing his lips.

“Let’s have breakfast together… everyone’s waiting.” He leaned a little closer, voice dropping to a playful whisper.

“Oh, and Lee is coming with you too-that’s my condition.”

Maya smiled, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek.

“Okay, love!” she said softly.

“And… some of my personal security team will be with you,” Damien added, voice low, almost

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