Damien remained stoic, his expression unreadable as if Jasmine’s words meant nothing to him. Yet an inexplicable irritation gnawed at him. He thought, ‘Playing matchmaker for Jenny? That doesn’t sound like something Mrs. York would do. Jasmine is probably joking!’

Jasmine kept glancing back as she left, but Damien never followed. She actually hoped he would chase after her and coax her back, but reality was cruel. She thought, ‘I’m such a coward.’ Confessing her feelings terrified her. If Damien rejected her… She couldn’t even imagine that.

Damien stayed in Baykeep to look after Jasmine on Joshua’s orders. With Eagle Assassins headquartered here, Damien managed operations in Joshua’s absence. Even after Shermaine and Joshua left, Damien would stay to protect Jasmine. However, if Jasmine confessed and ruined their dynamic, the result would be unbearable for her.

Later that night, Shermaine found Jasmine at a bar, her cheeks flushed from drinking. “Trouble with Damien?” Shermaine asked, sliding into the seat beside Jasmine.

Jasmine turned, pouting, “Shermaine, he wouldn’t even let me touch his abs. He hates me.”

Shermaine was amused. “That’s how you gauge his feelings?” She hadn’t expected Jasmine to be so straightforward.

Jasmine downed the rest of her drink and slammed the glass onto the table. “He brushed my hand away.” She lowered her head, looking discouraged. “Shermaine, he doesn’t like me.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

Romance had come effortlessly for Shermaine and Joshua. Advising Jasmine was tricky. Shermaine said, “Then find someone else.”

Jasmine blinked. “Just like that?”

“Or keep drinking.”

“Wait. Can you drink?”

Shermaine usually avoided alcohol, but tonight, she missed the taste. “A little won’t hurt. I’ll join you.”

Jasmine grinned. “You’re so sweet.”

Shermaine signaled the bartender. “Your finest.”

Recognizing them, the bartender nodded. “Right away, Ms. Hanks, Ms. Farrington.”

The bar pulsed with deafening music as bodies swayed on the dance floor. Shermaine hadn’t drunk for a long time. The first sip left her craving more.

Jasmine raised her glass. “Cheers!”

“Cheers.” They clinked glasses and drank.

Jasmine hiccupped loudly. A man approached, clearly targeting Jasmine. Shermaine’s intimidating aura kept others at bay.

The man was decent looking, offering a charming smile. “Hello, beauty. May I have this dance?”

Jasmine glared “No. Go away.”

Undeterred, the man leaned closer. “I’m serious. I’ve been watching you. You need fun, and I can give it to you.” His hand reached for her hair.

Disgusted, Jasmine drained her glass before grabbing her bottle and smashing it over the man’s head. Blood dripped down his face. She exhaled in relief, then kicked him. “Creep!”

Shermaine pulled Jasmine back, amused. “Enough. You’ll kill him.”

Jasmine snorted, “He deserves it.”

“Mm.” Shermaine signaled the bartender to have security drag that man out.

The man cursed, but the crowd only laughed.

As the night deepened, the bar’s energy surged. Watching Jasmine dance on stage, Shermaine used Orthish to contact Joshua. “Come get us. Bring Damien.”

Half an hour later, Joshua and Damien arrived at Allure, Baykeep’s largest nightclub. Damien frowned. He wasn’t fond of places like this.

Joshua found Shermaine at the bar, surrounded by empty glasses. His hand settled on her waist as he inhaled the scent of premium liquor. “How much did you drink?”

Shermaine tilted her head. “Not too much.”

“Let me taste.” Joshua kissed her deeply.

Shermaine, dizzy from the alcohol, melted into him, arms looping around his neck.

Jasmine danced along with the music. She had taken dance lessons before, and her hips swayed, drawing cheers from the crowd. Damien’s gaze locked onto her, a flicker of anger in his eyes, but he stayed put.

Joshua nudged Damien as he passed with Shermaine. “Take Jasmine home.”

“Yes.” Damien pushed through the crowd, yanking Jasmine off the stage.

Stumbling, Jasmine winced at his grip, but seeing it was him, she didn’t resist.

Outside the club, Jasmine swayed, her vision blurry with tears. “Slow down.”

Damien kept striding ahead, ignoring her.

Jasmine’s chest tightened. Just when she was about to cry, Damien’s pace eased. She blinked up at his back, dazed. Wearing high heels and not watching where she was going, she suddenly stepped on a banana peel. She stumbled, a sharp pain shooting through her ankle. Tears spilled instantly.

Damien turned, his expression icy.

Jasmine sobbed. She thought, ‘Damn it. It hurts.’

Crouching down, Damien examined her swollen ankle. His touch made her gasp, “Gentler.”

“No fractures.” Damien stood up. “Just ice it a few times and rest for a couple of days.”

Jasmine spread her arms. “I can’t walk. Damien, carry me.”

Damien stared at her without a word.

Jasmine jutted out her chin, tears still glistening. “Carry me.”