“It’s a shame you fear the stage,” I said without thinking, my voice low. She looked at me, the comment taking her off guard. “Why?” I moved closer so that my lips almost touched her ear. “Because a beauty like yours deserves an audience.” I could see her skin bead as a tremble moved through her. “Damon,” she whispered, her hand going to my knee, the touch soft. “What is it, petal?” She exhaled a shaky breath. “You’re the only audience I want.”