Page 43 of Damián

“That sounds…” he starts, unable to find the word that describes a type of love and peace he’s never experienced before.

“Wholesome?” I offer softly.

He nods.

Holding his sake glass, cradling it with both hands, Oliver stares down into the clear liquid and whispers mostly to himself. “…In another life. With another family.”

“My turn. Favorite things to do?” I ask, trying to change the subject to something that won’t make him sad again.

“I read a lot. I love learning random facts about weird things, and I like spending time with Zara. She’s my best friend.” He pauses, and I nod, letting him know I know who Zara is. “And if I could… I would love to get a dog.”

“Let me guess. A Chihuahua?”

“A Corgi.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Are those the ones with the funny butts?”

“Yes. They are so cute.”

I lean back and scan him from head to toe before meeting his gaze again. “Mmm… it suits you.”

“Are you saying my butt is funny?”

I don’t answer.

I just take a slow sip of my sake and smirk at him over the rim of the glass. He gasps, completely offended, but I can tell he is as amused as I am.

“That didn’t count as one of the game’s questions.”

“It absolutely did.” I flash him a wicked grin. “It’s not my fault; I’m better at this game than you are.”

Oliver realizes I just threw his exact words right back at him and narrows his eyes. “Fine. Next question.”

“Favorite food?”

“Whatever is the most expensive thing on this menu, and you’re paying for it,” he says back, but when my eyes go wide, he bursts out laughing. “Pasta. I love pasta.”

Oliver refills our sake glasses, tapping his chin as he thinks of his next question. I can’t help but just stare at him.

He’s stunning, and there’s no doubt about that… but when he relaxes and laughs?

Fuck.

I can’t even find the words to describe it.

“If you were an animal, which animal would you be?” he finally asks.

“A wolf.”

“Absolutely not.”

I gasp. “Are you saying I’m not as cool as a wolf?”

“You are. But wolves mate for life. You’re more like a… bonobo.”

“What the hell is a bonobo? Oliver, if I Google that and it’s a shi—”

“It’s an ape,” he says, smiling. “They sleep around with every single member of their tribe… Regardless of sex.”