Chapter 34

DAMON'S POV

I couldn't help but watch Ava closely as she tried to uncover the road back to town. Something was mesmerizing about seeing her so determined and focused. I knew the way back, but for some reason, I was enjoying watching her wrestle with finding her way.

"I think we're lost," she mumbled, sounding slightly defeated. "I shouldn't have run away."

I couldn't resist teasing her a little. "Yep, you shouldn't have," I said with a playful smile. She shot me a glare, but I couldn't help but smile back at her. "Right now, though, I'm hungry. Let's find some food."

Ava sighed. "I need to go back to the palace and shower. I feel like I've been sleeping on the ground for days."

I furrowed my brows, realizing she didn't know the way back. "Then shut up and help me find some food."

"Fine!" she huffed, and I grinned. Even though I knew the way, I turned left, leading us along a familiar path. She quickly followed, interlacing our fingers together. I glanced down at our hands, feeling a warm sensation spread through me. I looked at her, and she had that mischievous glint in her eyes, raising an eyebrow at me. "What?!"

"Nothing," I replied, averting my gaze. I couldn't help but smile, though. Her hand felt small and warm in mine, and I liked everything about her.

"We're here, Ava," I said as we passed through the last tree, revealing the hidden spot I called my own. I watched as she gasped, taking in the view before us.

Fruits of different kinds are here, all the fruits you could think of. We're so lucky to have such a beautiful place like this, Damon," she said, smiling as she pulled her hands away from mine.

I watched as she moved towards the banana tree and cut two at once. "I love bananas," she exclaimed, peeling one of them and ready to take a bite. But before she could, I gently stopped her. "Wait, I want to test something. Open wide," I said, placing the banana between her lips. "Suck it gently, like a lollipop," I instructed with a mischievous grin. I watched as her face reddened with embarrassment. "Don't bite it silly," I warned, hitting the back of her throat unintentionally as she gagged. I chuckled, knowing that she would be able to handle more in the future. "Okay, you can eat now," I said as she bit into the banana carefully before swallowing. "Good girl," I praised with a smile.

"Are you hungry, Damon?" she asked, concerned.

"No, Ava," I replied.

"But you said you were," she reminded.

"I just wanted to show you this place, how beautiful it is. And if you feel like taking a bath, there's a river right there," I pointed out, gesturing towards the flowing water. She followed my gaze and smiled. "Do you feel like it?"

"Yes," she replied, wrapping up the second banana before heading in that direction. "Don't peek, Damon."

"I promise I won't," I assured her, crossing my heart with a playful smile.

"I don't trust you, Damon," she teased.

"Just get yourself over there, silly," I encouraged. She stood for a moment, contemplating, before finally making her way towards the river. I pride myself on being a man of my word, so I won't peek. But I can't deny that the idea of joining her in the open is tempting.

I enjoy playful and innocent moments.

Moving towards the river, I paused as she unzipped her dress and handed it to me. I watched in anticipation as she unhooked her bra and slid off her panties. My breath hitched in my throat, my mind swirling with desire. I couldn't ignore the overwhelming urge to reach out and explore every inch of her.

As her hair cascaded down her back, I couldn't tear my eyes away. If she were to turn around at that moment, she would see me, fully exposed in my longing for her.

I clenched my fists, fighting against my desires. I wanted nothing more than to touch her, to feel every curve and crevice of her body.

She didn't turn around. She simply walked into the water, leaving my hands empty and my heart pounding. I recited a spell, making the water warm for her. "Damon, the water is..." Her words trailed off as her gaze landed on me. Her face flushed red, and at that moment, she turned around, her breasts fully exposed. They seemed to be a perfect fit for my hands.

"Oh my God!!!" she screamed, quickly submerging herself in the water, only her head peeking out. "You promised not to look!"

"I never promised anything, and you know better than anyone that I couldn't resist the opportunity to see you," I confessed, removing my shirt and trousers, leaving only my boxers on before joining her in the water.

"What are you doing?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Just trying to wash off the mold from my body, silly," I replied with a smirk, swiftly moving towards her and wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close. Her soft breasts pressed against my chest.

"Damon?" she questioned, her voice barely a whisper.

"Shhh," I hushed, kissing her cheek gently. "Let me wash the mold off your body myself."

"I can do it on my own, Damon. Remember, I have hands," she protested.

Moving my hands to her backside, I gently squeezed, causing her to gasp. "I thought you didn't," I teased, massaging her curves, watching as she struggled to suppress her moans of pleasure.

"Stop it, Damon," she finally pushed me back, her expression conveying both frustration and discomfort. "I don't like that."

"Hmm," I watched her silently, choosing not to say anything. After washing myself, I stepped out of the water, took off my wet underwear, and put on my trousers without it. I buttoned up my shirt, deciding for myself.

I will stop touching her, even refraining from a simple kiss on the cheek.

Ava looked puzzled, as Damon remained quiet. Every time she tried to hold his hand so she wouldn't be left behind, he would pull away and smile. "Are you angry?" I asked, looking at the town. We had already arrived, and now we were heading to the palace.

"I'm not silly, why would I be?" he replied.

"I don't know," I admitted.

"Hurry up so you can change out of that dirty dress," he urged, and I nodded, he walked ahead while she followed, attempting to hold his hand. But he kept pulling it away, leaving her confused.

"Damon?" she called out.

"Hmm?" he responded.

"My head hurts," she confessed, and I stopped, turning to look at her. "I feel dizzy. I don't think I can walk any further."

"Come, I'll carry you," I offered.

A smile spread across her face, as that was what she expected. But as he carried her, his hand didn't move from her thigh. There was no inappropriate touching or attempt to grab her. He simply carried her, which felt odd.

Could he be angry because I pushed him away earlier? This feeling of uncertainty is all new to me. Even when I told him to stop, I didn't truly mean it, and now that he refrains from touching me romantically, I find myself longing for it.

We arrived at the palace, and maids rushed to our aid. They helped Ava down and guided her to the room. Once inside, I checked to ensure that Chase or Zulu were not present, luckily finding that they were not.

Grabbing a towel, Ava wrapped it around herself, noting that it was too short for her liking and barely covered her backside. Just then, Damon entered the room, and our eyes met. But that look of desire was absent from his gaze, replaced by an enigmatic expression.

He averted his gaze from me, not making any remarks or attempting to touch me... I don't like this.

"Do you hate me now?" I asked Damon, feeling a mixture of confusion and sadness. He gave me a puzzled look in response.

"Why would you ask that?" he questioned.

"You aren't touching me," I explained, my voice filled with a tinge of disappointment.

"You said I shouldn't touch you!" he growled, frustration evident in his tone. A tear escaped from my eyes, betraying my emotions.

"I didn't mean it," I sniffled, watching as he ran his hands through his hair, clearly conflicted.

"Stop crying," he exhaled heavily. "What exactly do you want, Ava? Stop beating around the bush and say it." I remained silent, unable to find the words to express my desires. He smiled sadly and said, "I thought so." With that, he walked out of the room, leaving me alone.