Damien stood there with an easy calm, his gaze resting on Drogo for a second before it drifted past him to Karen. His head tilted slightly, studying her the way one would study something unfamiliar but not entirely unwelcome.
"Uh-hm…" Drogo stepped aside, gesturing lightly. "My colleague. Karen."
Karen stepped forward, extending her hand with polite composure. "Good morning."
Damien didn't move.
Her hand stayed in the air for a second too long before she noticed it, the silence stretching just enough to make it deliberate. He simply watched her, his eyes moving from her face down to her stance and back again, then gave a small shake of his head.
"I don't shake hands with women."
Karen blinked once, then slowly drew her hand back. "Oh… are you Muslim?"
"Quite the opposite," Damien replied, almost amused. "I just don't touch any woman who isn't my wife. Keeps life simple."
Karen nodded, though her expression held a faint trace of confusion.
