River's POV
The guard's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade. "Stay right where you are."
My heart raced as I turned to face him. He was the same meathead who'd let us in earlier. Damien raised his hands slightly, his usual calm expression still intact.
"Turn around, slowly," the guard ordered, his hand hovering near the weapon at his belt.
As I began to pivot, Damien leaned in and whispered, "Do you trust me?"
I shot him a glare, barely moving my lips. "Hell no."
He just grinned, that infuriatingly cocky grin that made me want to slap him half the time, and before I could stop him, his hand gripped mine tightly.
"Hold on," he muttered.
And then, he jumped.
The rush of cold air hit me first as we hurtled out the window, and for a split second, I thought he'd lost his mind completely. But as if on cue, the fountain below shot up in its rhythmic burst, propelling us through the air and over the mansion wall.
We hit the ground hard on the other side. Damien rolled smoothly, landing like a cat, while I scraped my knee on the rough pavement. I winced, biting back a yelp as the sting flared up.
"Are you okay?" Damien crouched beside me in an instant, his hands hovering like he didn't know whether to touch me or not.
"Fine," I gritted out, trying to stand.
He shook his head. "You're not fine. You're bleeding."
"It's just a scrape—"
"Where do you live?" he interrupted.
I glanced away. "It's too far away. We should just go to a hospital."
Damien clicked his tongue, already helping me to my feet. "I can't take you to a hospital. What am I supposed to say when they ask what caused this? 'Oh, nothing major, just a high-speed jump from a fountain rocket?'"
I sighed, trying to shift my weight off my injured leg, but it wasn't happening. My knee throbbed painfully, and I hated how helpless I felt in that moment.
"Come on," Damien said, turning his back to me and crouching slightly.
"What are you doing?"
"Carrying you. Unless you want to limp halfway across the city."
I hesitated, but the ache in my knee made the decision for me. Begrudgingly, I climbed onto his back, wrapping my arms around his neck. He was surprisingly strong, walking with ease as if I weighed nothing.
"You're heavier than you look," he teased, breaking the silence.
"Maybe you're just weaker than you think," I shot back, earning a low chuckle from him.
---
Damien's apartment was small but tidy, with an unassuming charm that felt at odds with his chaotic personality. He set me down on the couch and disappeared into the bathroom, returning moments later with a first-aid kit.
"This might sting," he warned, kneeling in front of me as he began cleaning the wound with antiseptic.
I watched him in quiet amazement as he worked with practiced precision, his hands steady and gentle. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before—focused, calm, almost tender.
"There," he said after a few minutes, snapping me out of my thoughts. "All finished."
I glanced at my knee, now bandaged neatly, and managed a small smile. "Thanks."
He stood, stretching his back. "You can sleep here for the night if you want. I'll take the couch."
I shook my head, attempting to stand. "I'll be fine—"
The instant I put weight on my leg, my knee buckled, and I stumbled forward. Damien caught me effortlessly, his arm steadying me before I hit the floor.
"Please," he said, his tone soft but firm. "I insist. It wouldn't look good on me if my partner shows up battered and bruised after just three days of working with me."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Fine. But just for tonight."
He smiled, a genuine one this time, and began setting up the couch for himself. I watched as he grabbed a pillow and blanket, spreading them out like he'd done it a thousand times before. Once he was settled, I let myself relax, leaning back against the bed.
---
Morning came far too quickly. I woke to the smell of coffee and found Damien already dressed, leaning against the kitchen counter with a mug in his hand.
"Why didn't you wake me?" I asked, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My injury wasn't fully healed yet but the painkillers I took yesterday were just potent enough to give me enough energy to walk today. Lucky me.
He shrugged. "Didn't want to disturb you. Besides, you're not late. I just like getting a head start on things."
I realized with a sinking feeling that I had no change of clothes. "I didn't bring anything to wear…"
"Don't worry," he said, nodding toward the wardrobe. "I've got you covered. Something in there should fit."
I opened the wardrobe, surprised to find an assortment of clothes that looked far too convenient to be his. My reflection in the mirror caught my eye as I sifted through the options. My shoulder-length brown hair was an unkempt mess from the night, and my hazel eyes still held traces of exhaustion. Standing at 5'7", I wasn't particularly tall, but I carried myself like I was a giant. Or at least, I liked to think so.
Settling on a fitted button-down and a pair of black jeans, I changed quickly and joined Damien in the living room.
"Shall we?" he asked with a grin, holding the door open for me.
I nodded, unable to stop the small smile that tugged at my lips.
We walked into the station together, and I was acutely aware of the curious stares from our coworkers. It wasn't every day you showed up with your partner, especially not like this.
Damien broke away, heading toward his desk, while I made my way to mine. I barely had time to sit before a familiar voice called my name.
"So you finally got Mr. Damien to get out of his shell. That must be nice." Denise said with a wink.
"What are you talking about?"
"You can't tell me you don't notice a difference in the way he relates to you compared to others."
"We're working on the same case. It's only normal that we talk often."
"Sure whatever you say." Denise smiled as she stood up to walk away. "Just make sure to invite when he finally puts a ring on your finger."
I took a pen and threw at Denise's head. She chuckled as she scurried away.
But she could actually be right about Damien though, maybe he is finally warming up to me. As I'm getting to know him better, I don't think he's that bad. Is it weird that I don't want us to solve this case quickly? I want this period of time that we're partners to last as long as possible.