Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 214 Absolutely not!

Victoria’s POV

Despite being his official girlfriend, I was acting as if Damien was some dirty little secret that needed to be hidden from my grandfather.

"Stop arguing and put your clothes on," I hissed, my heart racing. "Then hide somewhere. Grandfather absolutely cannot find you here. I’ll go deal with him first, but whatever you do, don’t come out!"

Damien’s face fell into a wounded pout that was entirely too attractive on his rugged features. My wolf, Nora, practically whined at the sight, urging me to comfort our mate.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his expression as I cupped his face between my palms. His stubble tickled against my skin, and his smoky cedar scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

"Why do you look like a jealous wolf who just had his favorite bone stolen?" I teased, my thumb stroking his cheek. "It’s only because you and the Sterling name aren’t exactly on Grandfather’s favorite list right now. Don’t worry, I promise I’ll put in a good word for you and make him accept you soon."

Damien’s eyes—those intense gray eyes that always seemed to see right through me—narrowed. "Should I be thanking you for that small mercy?" he drawled.

"That won’t be necessary, just be a good boy," I cooed in a voice one might use for a puppy, and watched with satisfaction as the anger in his eyes melted away, replaced by something warm and amused.

His lips curved up into that predatory smile that made my insides flutter. "This kind of sweet talk won’t cut it, Victoria," he murmured, voice dropping to a husky whisper. "How about you let me claim you a couple more times next time as compensation?"

My eyes widened. "What?!"

After last night’s marathon session, was he seriously asking for more? Was he trying to kill me in bed?

"Absolutely not!" I protested, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

His smile turned dangerous. "Then I’ll just walk out there right now and tell your grandfather about us. He’s going to find out eventually."

He actually started to get up, the sheet falling away from his sculpted chest.

I lunged forward, clapping my hand over his mouth and yanking him back down. "Fine! I’ll agree to whatever you want, you insatiable beast. Just stay hidden, please!"

After making sure Damien would behave, I quickly pulled on my clothes and went to open the door.

Grandfather was indeed standing there, looking surprisingly cheerful. I’d missed him these past few days, and judging by his bright smile, the feeling was mutual.

"Victoria, my precious girl," he beamed, his weathered face lighting up. "Have you lost weight?"

"Grandfather! You said you’d only be gone for a few days," I complained, trying to sound normal while my nerves jangled like alarm bells. "Then you disappear for ages and show up without warning. You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Why would you be startled? Unless... you’re hiding someone in there that you don’t want me to see?"

I nearly choked. How did he always manage to hit the nail on the head? My wolf whined nervously inside me.

"Don’t be ridiculous," I laughed too loudly. "I just wasn’t expecting anyone. You could have called so I could pick you up from the airport."

"It was too early. I didn’t want you to make the trip," he said, patting my shoulder. "Besides, I can manage getting home on my own. I bet you haven’t had breakfast yet—I brought some."

As he walked into my home, I followed behind, anxiety clawing at my throat. Nora was restless, sensing my discomfort.

"Victoria, have you been taking care of yourself while I was away?" he asked, his voice carrying the familiar concern that always made me feel loved.

"Of course, Grandfather."

His footsteps suddenly halted as his gaze landed on the couch. My stomach dropped. "You’ve had a man over?" he asked quietly.

"What? No!" I denied quickly, but it was too late. His eyes had already found Damien’s suit jacket draped over the sofa.

In my rush to answer the door, I’d completely forgotten to clean up the evidence.

"That’s, uh, Kane’s jacket," I lied, referring to my secretary. "He left it here after our last meeting."

"I see." His expression remained neutral, but I couldn’t tell if he believed me.

Crisis temporarily averted, I released a silent sigh of relief. Damien would have to be more careful about where he left his things in the future.

Grandfather set down the breakfast he’d brought and opened the containers, motioning for me to eat while he filled me in on his trip to Atlanta.

"Your leg is fully healed now, and he’s been showing me around everywhere. Patrick has been wonderful company—it’s been so nice having him around."

"Patrick is such a remarkable young man," Grandfather continued, his voice warm with approval. "Attentive, considerate, sharp-minded but brave. A perfect balance of strength and intelligence."

He kept singing Patrick’s praises, making it clear how much he adored him. Patrick had obviously worked hard to win my grandfather over during his visit, and it had clearly paid off. No doubt he’d also taken every opportunity to further poison Grandfather against Damien.

"Grandfather!" I interrupted before he could continue his Patrick Wagner fan club meeting.

Damien was still in my bedroom, and I didn’t want him hearing all this. I needed to tell my grandfather about Damien and me, but I was struggling to find the right words.

After a moment’s hesitation, I tried to broach the subject. "Grandfather, actually... I... um..."

"What is it? You know you can tell me anything." His kind eyes encouraged me to continue.

I took a deep breath. "Grandfather, I really don’t have feelings for Patrick."

"I know that, sweetheart," he said gently. "Matters of the heart can’t be forced. You don’t have to like him just because I do."

"Really?" Relief flooded through me.

"By the way," he said, changing the subject, "I heard that Ethan Sterling remarried recently? Someone who apparently looks quite similar to you?"

I nodded reluctantly. "Yes, that’s true."

Grandfather’s reaction was immediate and fierce. "Disgraceful! Those Sterlings are nothing but trouble. Finding someone who resembles you to marry? What kind of sick game is that? No decent person would do such a thing!"

"And that Sterling patriarch is just as bad," he continued, his voice rising. "And Damien Sterling—you haven’t had any contact with him, have you? He can’t possibly be any better. His methods are too ruthless, his ambition too calculated, too cold-blooded. I don’t like him one bit."

I froze, my breakfast forgotten. I hadn’t even brought up Damien yet, but Grandfather’s reaction to just the mention of his name was explosive. All the carefully prepared arguments I’d been rehearsing in my head suddenly seemed useless.

"Grandfather, about Damien..." I squeezed my fork nervously, trying to find the courage to continue.

Before I could finish, he clutched at his chest dramatically. "Please don’t mention that name to me. I’ll have a heart attack just thinking about him."

Wasn’t he the one who brought up Damien first?

Before I could point this out, a loud thud came from the direction of my bedroom—something heavy had fallen and hit the floor with a resounding bang.

I nearly jumped out of my skin, my heart hammering against my ribs. What on earth was Damien doing in there?

I realized with growing dread that Grandfather’s dislike of Damien ran much deeper than I’d imagined. I had no idea how I would ever change his mind.