Page 45 of Sheltering Hollis

“I was trying to figure out what to say,” Dimitri admitted, his voice full of regret. “I didn’t want to tell you, honestly. But it’s too dangerous not to have all the information. You need to know about it. I can’t have you only having half the story. I won’t live in a relationship with secrets.”

“Agreed. Tell me.” This was what I wanted. A relationship that had a strong foundation. I didn’t want to live with secrets, even if they were scary or uncomfortable.

Dimitri nodded at me. “The body was found naked in Morinrock, just one town over. It was an older man, Michael Porter, naked, eyes missing, throat slit, and an ‘x’ carved in his forehead.” He swallowed hard. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you or Olive.”

Holy fuck. That sounded bad. I squeezed his hand, feeling the urgency in his words. “Should we be worried? You seem worried. What do we do?”

“This isn’t normal.” He cast a look at me. “When I said it was safe here, I meant it. The MC operates outside the law, but we have strict codes. We work in a certain way. We don’t drop bodies in the middle of town. Our home turf is sacred. The Cobras operate similarly, so this is an anomaly that doesn’t smell right at all. We stay vigilant,” he said firmly. “And you’ll have someone with you whenever you go out if you aren’t with me. It’s non-negotiable, Hollis. I need to know you’re safe.”

The thought of someone following me around unsettled me, but I understood the necessity. “Okay. I trust you. We’ll do whatever it takes to stay safe. Will you send for Luka?” Despite his somewhat alpha-hole personality, I liked him.

Dimitri’s expression softened, a mix of relief and gratitude. “Thank you. I can’t take any chances with you and Olive. You’ll have me or someone from the club, Tiny.”

“We’re in this together,” I said, my voice steady. “No keeping things from each other. Promise me.”

“I promise,” he replied, his eyes sincere. “No secrets. We have good security here at home.” He kissed me gently. “The windows here are bulletproof. The closets lock from the inside and are double-lined Kevlar. So if anything happens, you and Olive lock yourself in a closet. There is a gun safe in our closet. The code is your birthdate. Malysh, I can’t lose you. I love you.” Yanking me to him, he tangled his fingers into my hair, tearing it from the clip, pulling my legs around him, kneading my thighs so hard I knew I’d have bruises. “I fucking can’t.”

“You won’t. You won’t let anyone take me.” I knew it from the inside of my soul to the tips of my toes. “I love you too, Dima. It’s crazy, but I do.”

TWENTY-FOUR

Dimitri

Downstairs was full of sunshine, chocolate chip pancakes, and chatter. Olive dangled a string for Luna as the kitten went crazy across the hardwood, much to her delight, the tiny claw scrabbling as the small ball of orange tumbled and turned. The little monster had more energy than any of us. Thankfully, I didn’t sleep much, and last night, I’d been awake to spend a little time playing with the little ball of fur until it had cuddled up under my chin. It was kind of cute.

“Good morning.” Leaning against Hollis, I grabbed a coffee mug, nuzzling her neck for a kiss. She blushed, her whole chest flushing pink with embarrassment. Last night I’d taken her three times, fucking her hard until she was so full of my come that it dripped down her thighs. Then I’d pushed her flat against the mattress and slid into her pussy, not letting her come while I stroked in and out at my leisure until she begged. I planned on a repeat performance tonight. “How are you, malysh?”

“Good.”

Another blush.

“I’ve got a surprise for you coming in a few minutes.” A text alert sounded, and my cue from Tiny that my surprise was here. “Let’s go, baby. Olive want to go see Mommy’s surprise?”

“Yes!” She punched her little fist up in the air. Snatching the kitten up from the floor, I maneuvered them outside onto the porch just as Tiny slid the new Mercedes G-Wagon up to the curb. I might have splurged a little.

Tiny was a favorite in the club; he had carrot-red hair and was a large man known for his happy attitude toward almost everything. However, underneath that was someone who knew how to get things done and was willing to fight hard when necessary. He’d be Hollis and Olive’s bodyguard when I couldn’t be here. It was rough to lose him in day-to-day operations, but I’d be more concerned if someone weren’t here keeping them safe. I was thinking seriously of calling for Luka, but I wanted to speak more with Maddox about it. I wasn’t convinced I wanted to continue to cross that line with Bratva and the Brotherhood.

Hollis looked confused, so I clarified as Tiny came up the steps. “Malysh, this is Tiny.”

“Ma’am.” The big man ducked his head and body into a slight bow.

“Hi.”

“And Olive.” I indicated over to Olive, who stared up at Tiny with wide eyes.

“Miss.”

Hollis narrowed her eyes, the hint of suspicion evident as she directed her piercing gaze toward me. A moment later, she shifted her attention to the sleek, shining car, her expression thoughtful. Sensing the need to break the silence, I discreetly cleared my throat, hoping to divert her focus.

“Tiny will be here with you when I need to be at work. His job is to keep you safe. The car is for you, baby. It’s in your name too. All the paperwork is in the glove box.” I watched her nervously.

“Dimitri, can I talk to you for a second? Olive, can you take Luna to your room.”

Tiny guffawed but gave me a sympathetic smile. “I’ll just hang out on the porch,” he said. Then, he winked at me and settled in the sturdy rocker.

Hollis was busy wiping counters when I entered the kitchen, but her movements were choppy. Wait, was she mad? Had I done the wrong thing buying the car? It was safe. The thing was a tank. I’d had it sent over from Phoenix and had a specialty shop install the windows. It could take a serious hit if necessary — though it gave me chills to think about her getting in an accident.

“Don’t like the color, malaysh?” I asked, leaning my hip against the counter. I understood that this was overwhelming. She and Olive had been through a lot. Acclimating to a new town — moving in with me. A relationship with someone was a lot, but it was all new. I just wanted to give her everything they needed.

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