Savannah POV

Silence fell over the room after we had both caught our breath. Damian pulled me against his chest and then pulled the blanket over us in one swift movement. His fingertips traced small patterns on my back while mine did the same on his chest. Tiredly, I listened to his heartbeat. It was like a lullaby that wanted to accompany me slowly into sleep.

I sighed deeply. My eyes were heavy, just like my body. But before I could slip into the land of dreams, I heard Damian's voice say my name. He sounded worried, hesitant.

"Savannah?" he asked softly.

"Yes? Are you all right?" I wanted to know.

I lifted my head so I could look at him. Damian took his free hand and stroked my hair and then caressed my cheek slowly. He looked into my eyes the whole time. Almost as if he was trying to read my mind.

"I was just about to ask you that... Are you okay?" he asked.

A small smile pulled the corners of my mouth upwards. He was really sweet. And of course I knew what he was getting at. I thought for a moment. I explored my feelings. As always, it was a mixture of so many things, so many different emotions. But for the first time in a long time, the guilt was barely noticeable.

I really felt like I could breathe more freely. The weight that I had always carried with me for so long was suddenly gone.

"I promise you I'm fine. You don't have to worry," I finally replied.

"No regrets or anything? I just want to be sure." he then said.

"Not even close. Quite the opposite, actually." I breathed softly before leaning forward and pressing my lips to his.

Damian didn't waste a second but immediately buried his fingers in my hair.

*****

After a few very fun days, we were now on our way back home. I hadn't realized how much I had needed it. Just to get away from my everyday life, even if I had to work on the side. It was good to come out of my shell and meet new people.

"Any ideas for dinner?" I wanted to know.

"Hmm... No, not yet. Maybe we can get some inspiration while grocery shopping. But knowing you, you want to start the laundry first." Damian replied and then lifted my hand, which he held firmly in his as he drove, so that he could press a kiss on it.

"Good idea and of course you're right. Oh, and I still have to go to the pharmacy. And I need new contact lenses." I said as I remembered how much I really had to do.

"Yes, me too. We can work through our list this afternoon. I actually have to go to the dry cleaners too." he replied just as he turned into our street.

We immediately noticed the crowds of people standing in the street. And there was also a police car. What had happened here, I wondered. But as we got closer we saw where all the fuss was, because it was in front of our home. The crowd parted and my eyes fell on what had caught people's attention.

My normally white house was now covered in blood red paint and the word 'whore' was smeared on every window.

Damian parked the car, cursing, and jumped out as quickly as I did. The neighbor from across the street stood next to the cop and pointed at us.

"What the hell happened here?" I asked out loud.

Shock and disbelief rippled through me and eventually turned to fury.

"Mrs. Nichols? I'm glad you're here. As you can see, there was an incident last night." said the policeman as he came over to us.