“My mind is a jumbled mess. At times, I remember things, incidents I haven’t thought of in years perhaps, I remember them so vividly like I had experienced them only recently and then there is this huge blank gap.” He puffs out a breath. “It’s all so bloody confounding at times and it’s so hard to explain it to anyone.”

My heart aches for him, to tell him the truth about me, about him. But each time, I think of Rian and the possible danger I could put him into if I do that, because what will happen if Damien refuses to acknowledge us. That is my biggest fear. I have to make him fall in love with me first and then tell him. That is the only way.

I squeeze my arms around his back, clinging to him, letting him hold me for as long as he wants. “I understand, Damien. I honestly do.”

He guides me to a leather couch. We sink into it facing each other. Damien tucks a loose strand of hair away from my face and gives me a soft smile.

I ask him the one thing that has me extremely worried ever since I got here. “How safe are you here? This place is so huge. I’m...”

He puts a hand on my arm, cutting me off. “It’s fine, Aaliya. You don’t need to worry. No one can come here now without Mike finding out. We’ve upped the security of the place. There are cameras everywhere and Mike is still surveying the property to ensure it is as secure as possible.”

“Okay then! That’s a relief.”

“So, what do you think of Heaven’s Gate?”

“It’s beautiful,” I answer. “Imposing, but beautiful. Walking through your portrait gallery was like taking a walk through history. It was incredible to see your ancestors dressed in the various styles of their generation.”

I spread my hands out. “And this library is magnificent. It’s a fantasy come to life. I can’t wait to explore the titles here. I’m sure it’s a treasure trove of books.”

“Well, unfortunately you won’t find any fun titles there. It’s all history, culture, art and politics filled on the shelves.”

“Damien, all this is yours, so do as you please. Fill the library with books you like to read. I’m sure you have ones you like above others. Let me guess...” I stare at him for a few minutes. “You seem like a Lee Child and Lord of the Rings type of person,” I say, knowing very well that these are the kind of books he likes.

His brows shoot up. “Perfect guess, Miss Singh. You are intuitive as ever.”

I smile in pleasure and then a thought crosses my mind and I bite my lower lip thinking on it.

“What is it, Aaliya?” he asks putting his hand on mine.