Damon's POV

I was losing my fucking mind.

Clarissa had left the group to go to her room over an hour ago. I wanted to go to her so badly after what she’d told me earlier, but my damn brothers weren’t giving me an opportunity.

The longer Atticus stayed here, the longer I’d have to wait. I couldn’t let him see me going after Clarissa—it would be too obvious.

Still, I was restless. How could the tattoo still be there if I couldn’t see it? The thought of it being there thrilled and excited me. I wanted to see it again, and this time, I wanted to appreciate it the proper way—the way it should have been done the first time.

“You’re looking a little tense, brother,” Atticus pointed out. “Have another beer.”

I resisted the urge to growl. Of course, I was tense—I couldn’t leave, even though I wanted to. I didn’t want Clarissa to think I’d let her down yet again. The fact that she was waiting for me meant everything. I’d hurt her too much in the past. I wasn’t going to do it again.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “Hand me that beer.”

I grabbed the bottle from his hand and took a sip. I didn’t want to drink anymore—I’d had enough already. I wanted to remember every single detail about tonight. I also didn’t want Clarissa to think I was only acting this way because I was intoxicated. I wanted her to know that it was all me.

“I wish Clarissa didn’t leave so early,” Autumn whispered. “We could’ve played more games together.”

She wouldn’t have left if she knew I’d take this long to go after her.

I scanned the room, trying to distract myself. If I kept thinking about Clarissa, I’d lose my mind before I even got to her.

Dante was knocked out on the couch, and Willow looked like she wanted to cry while sitting on the sofa opposite him.

“Why did you guys let Dante drink so much?” Autumn demanded. “This was supposed to be his night to get to know his wife better. Now he’s knocked out and probably dreaming about the girl whose name should not be mentioned.”

“What did we do?” Atticus asked. “Sweetheart, you were the one who made it a little too obvious.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Did I?”

Atticus sensed the change in her mood—he knew he was upsetting her. This was good. If Autumn walked out of the room in anger, he’d follow her like a lost puppy. That was exactly what I was counting on happening.

“Yes,” Atticus told her. “I had it all under control. He was listening to me. If you had let things happen naturally, he would’ve spoken to her and tried to learn more. But you interfered with my plan.”

Autumn’s eyes narrowed further. I figured my brother had one too many drinks—he hadn’t realized just how upset she was. But soon enough, he would.

It was happening too slowly.

“Excuse me for trying to help your brother be happy,” she snapped before storming out of the room.

“Fuck,” Atticus growled, throwing his beer onto the ground. “I need to stay away from that stuff—I’m saying sh*t to my wife that I don’t even mean.”

I inwardly sighed as I watched him get up and follow her. Finally, it was just me and Griffin. And Willow, but she was too busy staring at an unconscious Dante.

“Watch them make up in literally seconds,” Griffin chuckled. “To think Atticus never even knew he wanted Autumn when he first married her. I’m hoping things change like that for Dante. But only time will tell.”

I sighed. “What about you?” I asked. “Is there anyone you’re interested in?”

He laughed. “Nope.”

“And you?” he asked, giving me a knowing look. “I’m sure there’s a girl giving you that lost, longing look in your eyes.”

I hesitated. “What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Don’t try to lie to me. Everyone can tell there’s someone you’re interested in. We all thought it was Anya, but now that she’s gone, that look in your eyes is still there. That means she’s been someone else this entire time.

“You can trust me,” he continued. “I won’t hunt her down and ask her about your relationship.”

My hand tightened around the beer bottle. So it wasn’t just Atticus who had noticed my strange behavior. But Griffin didn’t seem to know anything about Clarissa. That was a good sign.

“I’m afraid you’re wrong,” I lied. “There’s no one.”

He sighed. “Still not ready to tell me, I see.” He rocked back in his chair. “That’s okay. I’m here if you ever need relationship advice. I’ve been told I’m good at that. Just ask Autumn—according to her, I’ve been a great help with her and Atticus.”

I was sure he had been.

I glanced over at Willow and couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She’d been through so much.

“Maybe you should talk to her,” I suggested to Griffin. “You’re good at talking to women. They always like you.”

It was true. Autumn had easily trusted him when she married into our family. He had a way of making them feel comfortable.

He nodded. “She does look like she needs company.”

I waited until he walked over to Willow and started a conversation before finally getting up from my chair.

Finally, I could leave.

Would Clarissa be asleep by now? I hoped not. I was desperate to be near her again.

I didn’t wait for another opportunity. I stormed toward her room, not bothering to knock as I barged in.

And I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.

Clarissa was completely naked on the fucking bed.

Motherfucker.