The Barter Novel Sierra and Xavier

---- [ won't! I promise! Best punishment ever! Damien rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Alright, get it over with.

He drops near the bonfire, covers himself with a jacket and opens his arms for her.

Alexia stares at him, those warm arms waiting for her and hesitated for just a moment, her earlier enthusiasm giving way to a softer, more cautious one.

She could hear her heart pounding and cheeks burning.

Slowly she drops beside him and her arms around wrap around him from the side.Her cheek pressed against his chest, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Damien stiffened, his fists clench and hid entire body goes rigid under her touch as she nudged her cheek against his chest.

.But then, as if against his better judgment, he let out a slow breath and placed a tentative arm around her shoulders.noveldrama

---- Chapter 456 See? she murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt.

Not so bad, is it? He didnt respond right away, his jaw tight.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low and almost inaudible.

Its warm.

Her arms tightened around him, and she pulled back slightly to look up at him.

When you feel the world has gone too cold for you and there is no hope? A little warmth is all you need to get going.

For a moment, his gaze softened entirely, the weight of his usual walls slipping just enough for her to catch a glimpse of the man underneath.

Don't read too much into it, he muttered, looking away to clear his throat.

This doesnt make us pillow buddies or whatever you're thinking.

He was trying to act cold and aloof.

Again.

---- And Alexia only grinned this time: Oh, its too late for that.

You're officially Mr.

Squiggles 2.0 now.

Damien groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Seriously? Yup i? You know, she began again after a minute, if someone had told me a few months ago I'd be sitting here with you, hugging you, Id have laughed in their face.

Yeah? He leaned back on his hands, his gaze fixed on the flames.

What changed? She hesitated, her eyes flicking to him before looking back at the fire.

You're maybe not as bad as you act.

His expression darkened slightly, the playful edge slipping away.

Maybe you just dont know me well enough.

Maybe, she admitted softly.

But...

I think I like the parts I've seen so far.

---- Damien didnt respond immediately.

Instead, he stared at the fire, his jaw tightening.

You might not feel the same once you've seen everything.

Alexia frowned, wanting to probe further, but sensing that pushing him now would only make him retreat.

Instead, she reached for his hand, her fingers brushing against his.

Maybe I will, she said quietly, her voice steady.

He looked at her, his green eyes softening, the walls he kept so carefully intact beginning to crack.

You're something else, Alexia, he murmured, almost to himself.

Something good, I hope.

she quipped, trying to lighten the mood A faint smile curved his lips.

Yeah...

something good.

She laughed, a bright, carefree sound that seemed to chip away at the gloom around them.

Come on, let's get some sleep.

Big day tomorrow, right?