Chapter 168: Stubborn And Persistent

Jessica's hands stilled for a moment as Damon's question sank in. His bluntness caught her off guard, and she wasn't sure how to respond at first.

Instead of responding she stared down at the water, avoiding his gaze, but she could feel his eyes on her, waiting, probing.

"I just know I can't give you what you want," she finally said, her voice low.

"But you still haven't answered my question," Damon pressed, his tone gentle yet insistent. "Besides, what do you think I want?"

Jessica exhaled, her shoulders tense as she glanced at him. "What do you want? What do you really want from me?"

For a second, Damon didn't answer. He seemed to be considering her question, and the intensity in his gaze softened. "What if I just want to be your friend? Someone you can talk to, confide in?"

She looked at him, her skepticism clear. "Sounds easy enough. But I'm not naive or gullible. That's how it always starts. Friendship. And then you'll want more."