In the days that followed, Damien became gentle with me.
As we made love in bed, he kissed the corner of my mouth and would ask if I wanted to, and if I felt tired. He would massage my calves and then just put his arms around me as we lay on the bed together.
He gave me more time. Almost every night, I could see him in my residence, having dinner with me, and then lying on the sofa holding me as we watched ballet videos of my training.
In the morning, he would gently wake me up, and then inquire if I was free after rehearsal that day. He got tickets for a performance of the ballet I liked, and perhaps I wanted to go and see it with my friend.
He no longer informed me by way of notice that I was going to do something. He was like a king giving orders. He had become far more gentlemanly in my presence than when we first met.
I tried to turn him down. I knew it might upset him, but I was very disturbed by Damien's recent behavior, especially after he told me we'd be engaged.