The Strong Bond novel Chapter 18

"Little red you have nothing to worry about, and money won't be a problem for you. You are my mate and I take care of things that are mine" Damian assures her. Though the idea of Damian wanting to take care of her was nice. She also didn't want to be part of something that her parents and friends couldn't enjoy.

"What are you thinking?" He asks lifting her chin to look up at him.

"It's nothing really" She says softly.

"You can tell me, I won't be upset I promise" He assures her stroking her lips with his thumb.

"I just don't know if I can be part of something that my family and friends can't enjoy with me. I know it sounds silly or whatever, but I want them to enjoy the same things as well" Lena tells him honestly. She rather be upfront about her feelings now, then have things come up later that could ruin things for them. It's better to know how each other feels then hiding everything in the dark, because they will never make it on lies and secrets.

After Damian assured Lena that her family would be able to dine at his restaurant once a month on him. He also told her if the restaurant does well he would open another one that was just as nice, and more affordable. This seemed to lift Lena's spirits, and put her focus on trying the food that was laid out for them. She had trouble deciding what ones were her favorites, because they all taste so divine to her. Damian decided to keep all the dishes, but a few would be rotated from the menus every month.

"Do you have a name for your restaurant?" Lena asks as the waiters clean off their table.

"Not yet" He answers. He couldn't believe he hasn't put any thought into the name yet knowing the opening would be here soon.

"How about Nightingale?" Lena suggests. "Before you turn it down let me tell you what I learn in literature about what the Nightingale symbolizes" She quickly says before he could say anything. Damian wasn't planning on turning down her suggestion, but gave her a nod to let her explain.

"What's wrong little red?" Damian asks lifting her chin with two fingers making her look up at him.

"I don't want to leave yet" She tells him honestly as she feels her cheeks burn. Damian felt his heart swell at his mate's words, and also felt the same way as she did.

"Your welcome here anytime. My home is your home now" He tells her meaning every word. This made Lena smile, but still didn't help the emptiness she felt knowing she still had to leave.

"I should go before my parents worry" She tells Damian taking a step back, and turns to head towards the woods. Damian wasn't ready to say good bye, at least not like that. He reached out for her before she got too far and brought her back into his embrace.