Page 24 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

I met her gaze unflinchingly, a cold smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Because trusting my dad to guard Gianna is like having a shark guard a baby seal,” I scoffed, my voice full of contempt. A bitter laugh escaped my lips, the sound harsh and grating even to my own ears. “The first opportunity he gets, he’s going to throw her to the wolves. Literally.”

I sat on the couch and lifted Gianna into my arms, pulling her close to my chest as if to shield her from the very thought of my father’s betrayal. The steady beat of her heart against mine seemed to fuel the fire of my determination and solidified my unyielding resolve to keep her safe from all who would do her harm.

Augustus stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied my face. “Angelo would kill him if he did anything like that,” he said, his voice low and serious, each word weighted with the gravity of the consequences. “He’d be lucky to die fast and quick.”

A hollowness settled in my chest, and I squared myshoulders, my jaw setting with a stubborn resolve. “Let’s make sure it doesn’t come to that,” I ground out, my gaze flicking between Louise and Augustus, daring them to challenge me. “I’ll protect her myself if I have to.”

My determination to keep her safe grew stronger with each passing moment. I carefully masked my protective instincts, keeping my expression neutral. I knew with bone-deep certainty that I would do whatever it took to keep Gianna Santi safe—no matter the cost.

I stared at her, my heart clenching. This feeling was new for me. I had never felt like this about anyone except perhaps my brother. “Why isn’t she waking up?”

Augustus shrugged. “It takes time for the potion to work, and according to my spell book, during the healing process, the vampire goes into a deep sleep.”

Louise gave her husband a look. “You could have told us that before you gave it to her.”

“In the excitement, I forgot. Dimitri, you can leave. She’ll be asleep for a while,” Augustus said.

I released Gianna and sauntered over to the loveseat opposite her. There was no way on this Earth I was going to leave until the healing process was complete. I stretched out my arms, crossed my ankles and folded my hands behind my head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Why do you care so much?” Louise asked suspiciously. “Earlier, you treated her like you hated her.”

I shrugged, a smirk playing on my lips. “Let’s just say I have my reasons.”

She put her hands on her hips. “What reasons are those?”

I gave her my most devious smile, enjoying the way she squirmed under my gaze. Louise had always treated me like dirt, and now it was time for a little revenge. “That’s for me to know and you to find out, birthday girl.”

“Dimitri,” her voice softened, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Gianna’s been through so much. I would hate for you to…add to her troubles.”

“She’s already knee-deep in trouble,” I said, my voice hardening. “The minute Angelo Santi assigned my father to be her bodyguard, he sealed her fate. If you can’t understand that, then you’re not as smart as I thought you were.”

Before they could respond, there was a rapid knock at the door. I stood up, my senses instantly on high alert. I could feel my father’s presence on the other side.

Augustus moved to answer the door, but I held up a hand, stopping him. “I got this,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.

I opened the door, blocking the entrance with my body. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t dear old dad,” I said coldly. “What brings you to this humble abode?”

Petar Dragan’s eyes narrowed as he took in my defensive posture. “I’m here to see Gianna. I’m her bodyguard, remember?”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Right. Looks like you’ve done a fantastic job of protecting her so far.”

“Step aside, Dimitri,” Petar growled. “My patience is wearing thin.”

“Not gonna happen,” I said, my voice firm. “Gianna’s unconscious, and I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you.”

Petar’seyes flashed with anger, and he tried to push past me, but I stood my ground. “I don’t have time for this, Dimitri. Gianna is my responsibility. Let me do my fucking job.”

I laughed humorlessly, shaking my head. “Your job? Puh-lease. We both know you’ve got ulterior motives. I’m not letting you anywhere near her until I figure out what you’re up to.”

Petar’s face contorted with rage, and he looked about ready to lunge at me. I tensed, ready for a fight, but Louise stepped between us.

“Enough!” she said, her voice firm. “Petar, Gianna is in no fit state for visitors right now. Come back later.”

Petar glared daggers at me, but he stepped back. “This isn’t over, Dimitri,” he hissed.

“I’m counting on that,” I said with a smirk. “But for now, you’re not welcome here.”

Petar turned on his heel and stormed off without another word, his footsteps receding down the hall. I closed the door, a feeling of unease settling in my gut. I knew my father was up to no good, and I’d be damned if I let him hurt Gianna on my watch.

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