Chapter 2 Tick-tock, Lover Boy

Chapter Two: "Tick-tock, Lover Boy"

The morning sun crept through the parted curtains, casting golden streaks across silk sheets and sleepy skin. Naomi stirred first, blinking slowly as the warmth of the light kissed her face. She stretched just enough to feel the satisfying ache in her limbs, then turned her head, expecting to find Damien beside her.

Empty.

His side of the bed was cool, the sheets tossed back like he'd left in a rush.

She frowned slightly, brushing a hand through her hair. Maybe he couldn't sleep. Or maybe work had already called him away-again.

Just as she sat up, the bedroom door eased open.

"Morning," Damien said, stepping in with a soft smile. He had two mugs in his hands and stubble dusting his jaw.

Naomi's face lit up. "You made coffee?"

"Figured you'd need it. Last night was... a lot."

Her cheeks heated instantly. "You're not supposed to say that so casually."

He handed her a mug and dropped onto the bed beside her. "Why not? It was our wedding night. It should be memorable."

She sipped slowly, eyes peeking over the rim of the mug. "It was."

He leaned in, brushing a kiss to her temple. "Good."

For a few moments, they sat in a warm silence. Her legs curled beneath her, his arm draped around her shoulder. It felt real. Comfortable.

Naomi took another sip of coffee, stifling a grin as Damien stretched out beside her.

"So," Damien began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I saw you laughing at my dad last night. What was that about?"

Naomi smirked, putting the mug down. "Oh, you mean when he tried to twirl your mom and almost knocked over the entire table? Yeah, that was fun."

Damien burst out laughing. "I told him to keep it simple! But no, he had to go full-on Broadway with it."

Naomi covered her mouth, trying not to laugh too loud. "I seriously thought your mom was going to strangle him right there on the dance floor."

"I almost felt bad for him. But then he pulled out the 'air guitar' move, and that was it." He shook his head, laughing. "She almost tossed him out the door."

Naomi was practically in stitches now, her shoulders shaking with laughter. "Oh my God, the air guitar. I can't even-how does someone that bad at dancing think they can pull that off?"

Damien shrugged, grinning. "Confidence. And a little too much wine."

Naomi wiped away a tear from laughing. "At least he didn't break anything. That's a win, right?"

Damien leaned back against the headboard, eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's a miracle, honestly."

The warmth between them, like a soft blanket, settled in again. But as Naomi smiled, something caught her eye - the envelope. Sitting innocently on the nightstand.

Naomi glanced at it. "What's that?"

Damien reached for the letter, his fingers brushing lightly over the paper.

He turned the envelope over, his brow furrowing at the red timestamp on the back. 10:32 AM.

Inside the envelope was a single sheet of paper. Folded neatly, with sharp edges and clean handwriting.

Damien's stomach twisted as soon as he saw the first line.

> "To the groom with blood on his hands..."

He gripped the paper tighter, jaw tightening a little.

> "You thought love would bury the past? You thought she'd never know? Tick-tock, lover boy. Secrets don't stay buried forever."

No name. No signature. Just a few chilling words.

He folded the paper back up, shoving it into his hand like it might bite him if he didn't hold it tight enough.

"Is it something bad?" Naomi asked, her voice playful. "Is someone already trying to steal your bride?"

Damien forced a laugh, trying to sound normal. "No one would dare."

Naomi grinned, totally oblivious to what was going through his head. She went back to sipping her coffee, looking perfectly at ease.

Damien, on the other hand, was starting to feel like he was suffocating a little. His mind kept flashing back to those words. Someone knew. And if they decided to tell Naomi...

He pushed the thought away. Not now. He couldn't ruin today. Not with her so happy, so relaxed.

Instead, he focused on her, on that easy smile of hers. He cleared his throat, trying to get back to a normal conversation.

"Hey," he said casually. "You know, I don't think I tell you this enough."

Naomi looked up from her coffee, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

Damien leaned back against the headboard, his gaze soft. "I love you. I know I don't say it all the time, but I do. A lot."

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Well, considering we just got married yesterday, I hope you do."

Damien chuckled, but there was something deeper in his eyes now. "No, seriously. I love you. And I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me."

Naomi smiled at him, her face lighting up, and she slid closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Well, I'm not exactly complaining. I love you too, you know?"

Damien wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer, and the weight of everything in the letter seemed to melt away for a second.

"Good," he said softly. "Because I'm kind of attached to you."

She giggled and nudged him. "I think I can handle it. For now."

He smiled, feeling lighter, and nudged her back. "You know, I'm thinking breakfast might be a good idea. What do you say we go out? I mean, if you're not planning on keeping me here for the next 24 hours."

Naomi laughed. "Only if you promise to make me laugh through it. Your charm will get us through the meal, right?"

Damien grinned. "I'm the best breakfast date. Trust me."

"Sure, sure. But if you start dancing in the middle of the diner, I'm leaving you there."

Damien laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Deal. No dancing. But only if you promise to let me eat in peace for at least ten minutes."

Naomi noded dramatically. "Fine. I'll let you eat in peace. For ten minutes."

"Great. It's a deal," he said, grinning down at her, letting the moment be just about them.

He could breathe again.

And maybe, just maybe, the day could still be perfect.