This conversation takes place after Damien moves Andie into his place without consulting her. I thought it ran kind of long. So I replaced it with his conversation with Barker. After reviewing it, I might put it back in.
Andie
“I’m sorry.”
Not as sorry as he was going to be. “Uh-huh.”
“I wanted you to be safe. I meant to discuss it with you, but…”
“You didn’t”
“You’re right.”
“I’m right. That’s all you’ve got over there. I know I’m right. A five year old would know I’m right. Heck a pound puppy would know I’m right.
“I well…”
“Oh shush it.”
“Shush?”
“It. Yes. Shut your perfect beautiful mouth and turn your ears on.” She took hold of both ears and pulled, “I need you to listen.”
“Listen, yes, I can do that. “Mr. Master of the Universe nodded vigorously. She still had his ears. The combination was completely adorable. Damn him, “Contrary to what you may believe, listening is part of the skill set required to be not quite a billionaire boy.”
“Uh, listening requires you to shut your mouth.”
“Ah, yes. Right. I’m shutting my mouth now.”
“Damien, in the past week, you went all kinky nutso on me, your nutso uncle tried to kill me, you moved me out of my home, gave my job away, and your ex spit cobra venom in my mimosa. How do you think I’m feeling right now?”
“Uh…” He blinked at her, “Not good?”
“You cannot be a clueless as you look.”
“I don’t know, I wouldn’t underestimate my capacity for cluelessness at the moment.”
“Uh-huh…”
“I mean, when you put it all together like that, it does sound bad.”
“I’ll say it does.”
“I have no excuse.”
“I’ll say you don’t.”
“I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing.”
“I’ll say you haven’t.”
“I’ve never felt this way before…”
“I’ll say you wait… what?”
“Kitten, believe me when I tell you I’m stumbling around in the dark.
“Damien, believe me when I tell you, you need to sit down, turn on a light, and open up the floor to discussion because you’re crashing into walls, tripping over furniture and about to crash into the curio cabinet, the one with all the priceless irreplaceable antiques. Bull in a china shop got nothing on you.”
“Yes, I can see this method of operating is not going well.”
“Well, that’s something.”
“Upon reflection, I believe I’m erring on the side of asking for forgiveness as opposed to permission in the fear that you will not grant it.”
“Huh?”
“I’m erring….”
Andie put her finger over his lips. “I heard you the first time. I just need second to think it through.”
“I’ll be quiet.”
“Do.”
“All right. Safe to say, that ain’t working.”
“Yes, in hind sight I can see that was not the best way to go about it.”
“So convince me.”
“Sorry?”
“Let’s have that discussion. The one we should have had before you took over my life.”
“Let’s take moving first. Right. The security in your building is not adequate.”
“Okay.”
“It was either move you to EverMay with me, which Jose said you would absolutely not go for…”
“Wait, hold the phone. You discussed this with Jose?”
“Well, you were sleeping, so I consulted him as he knows you well.”
“Okay, continue.”
“He thought you would feel like suffocated should I attempt that.”
“Okay…”
“So I then put forward moving all three of you here. This building has some of the best security in DC.”
“Right on account of all the senators and vice presidents and what not showing up.”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
“I was going to discuss it with you but you slept later than I expected and Jose and Layla moved before I was ready.”
“Got it.”
“And as far as your job.”
“Okay, stop right there. Andie placed her hands on either side of his face, “Look at me. Listen up. You are to never, and I mean never interfere with my job again.”
“Ah, yes, but…”
“No buts. No ifs no ands. This is not open for discussion. If it has anything to do with my work you can discuss it with me, but there will be no more sweeping moves of Demi-Goddery.”
“Uh…. okay.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
“seriously Damien no more, what is it you call them Hard limit.”
“Hard limit. Yes. I understand I can assure there will be no further interference.”
“and I’m going back to work.”
“Very well, but security will be with you.”
“Fine. And I guess we can live here until the threat is over….”
“But…”
“Then we reassess.”
“Very good.
I thought this was very good great work see you next time take care.
Dear Evyn Rae, Do you have any idea how desperately you are needed right now with the conditions that exist in RL? You are the perfect medicine when my heart hurts. I hope you and all those you love are safe and healthy. If you have any energy to spare please consider us. I will be forever grateful to you. Sincerely, falala
Totally agree Falalalynx! I bet I’ve read Clusterf*ck 47 times when I need a pick-me-up! I think this re-work even tops the original! I come back here every so often (more so lately) hoping to see another update because Evyn Rae is the best writer on FF or any other place too. Such a breath of fresh air!