Even through our clothes , I could feel his pounding heartbeat against mine . " I " Don't tell me again that you ' just got out of a relationship . ' I don't care that you had a boyfriend for eight years . I don't mind any of that ! " 1/2 Chapter 9 His arms tightened around me , locking me in a desperate , unyielding hold . " The first time I told you I liked you , you shot me down so many times . Do you honestly want me to walk away ? " He buried his face in my shoulder and bit down gently , almost in frustration . " You know very well I'm not giving up . And admit it - you've started to fall for me too , haven't you ? " " Julian , relationships aren't something to take lightly … " I bit my lip , hesitating for a long time before continuing . " I've been hurt before . That's why I know how much it can destroy someone . I don't want to hurt you too … " " You won't ! " His voice was firm , filled with certainty . " You're a kind , good - hearted woman . I trust you . " His words melted something inside me . It was like a withered flower slowly sprouting new buds . +25 BONUS On the other side of the world , Damien had finally tracked down my whereabouts . " Book me a flight to Aquinox . I'm going to bring Estelle back myself . " He clutched that torn photograph - the half with only my face - in his hands . His dark eyes brimmed with longing . " Damien , our baby … Father made me get rid of our baby ! " Suddenly , Vivian stumbled into the room . Her face was streaked with blood , her hands covered in it as she clutched at Damien . Damien's expression twisted in disgust as he waved for his bodyguards to drag her away . " Enough . How long are you going to keep lying to yourself ? That child wasn't mine . Even Landon said he wanted nothing to do with it . A child without a father is better off gone . Get her out of here ! " As the guards dragged her away , Vivian suddenly threw her head back and let out a shrill , maniacal laugh . " Damien , if it weren't for your indulgence of me and your cold indifference to Estelle , do you really think she would've left you ? And now you dare to pin all the blame on me ?! Haha , you deserve to lose Estelle forever … " 2/2