Page 41 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

I turned to Gianna, my eyes softening for a moment. “You okay, sweetheart?”

Valentin reached me, casting a disapproving look over Gianna’s appearance. “Dimitri.” I could hear the disappointment in his voice.

I rolled my eyes dramatically. “Save the lecture, Valentin. I know, I know. I’m a disappointment to the family name, yada yada. But hey, at least I’m consistent, right?”

I wrapped an arm around Gianna’s waist, pulling her close. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, the princess and I have some more disappointing to do.”

Petar got up off the floor as if he was going to charge me again.

Gianna stepped in front of me as if I needed a shield. “Don’t even think about it Petar.” She held her head up high. “I have a new bodyguard.”

I broke out in a lopsided smile at the humiliation in Petar’s eyes. Nothing like being fired in front of everyone.

Petar wiped the blood off his mouth. “Angelo will not be pleased.”

She squeezed my hand tight. “Let me worry about my brother. We’re mated.”

Valentin clasped my arm. “Dimitri, what have you done?” He lowered his voice. “Angelo will kill you.”

Gianna lifted her head high, as if she was a princess used to getting her way. “Not if I have to anything to say about it.”

Valentin ignored her and stared at me. “You’re not one of them. You can’t go into the mafia.” The disappointment in his voice was like a cold slap. If I sided with Gianna, it meant I would be the traitor again.

I plastered on my most infuriating smirk. “What can I say? I’ve always been an overachiever when it comes to disappointing the family.”

“That’s not even half of it, Valentin,” Petar drawled. “He’s decided to go into the Santi family business. He’s coming back to New Orleans with me.”

I wanted to hit him again. He was enjoying hurting Valentin yet again. If I had a sword, I would have sliced his head right off. Note to self: start carrying a sword.

Valentin searched my eyes as if waiting for me to deny it, to pledge my allegiance with Dracula.

Once again, I had to protect him. Petar had me over the barrel. If I didn’t do what he wanted, Petar would hurt Valentin with the fucking Malefic Puppet. Or if he didn’t, the damn high priestess would.

The music had stopped playing and people gathered around us like an angry judgmental jury, waiting for my answer. The silence was stifling like waiting for a judge to pass sentence.

I met my brother’s eyes. He had always looked up to me. I had fought to keep him safe my entire life. His mate, Rose, stood next to him and clutched his hand. I wanted to tell him why I was doing it, but if I did, he and Rose would try to intervene. This was the only way to save him.

Even if it meant he would never forgive me.

I gave him a wry smile. “You didn’t think being a good boy was my style, did you?”

I turned to the crowd, spreading my arms wide. “Ladiesand gentlemen, gather ’round for the shocking revelation of the century: Dimitri Dragan, black sheep extraordinaire, is embracing his dark side. Try to contain your surprise.”

Valentin struggled not to break down. It reminded me of how he had tried to remain tough as nails when Petar beat him or verbally humiliated him. I had hurt him, just as badly as Petar had. He would never forgive me. But at least he’d be safe, and that’s all that mattered.

I softened my tone just a fraction as I faced him, masking my pain with a smirk. “Look, brother, we both know I was never cut out for the hero gig—that’s always been your department. White knight, savior of puppies, defender of all things good and pure. Me? I’m more the dashing rogue type. Might as well lean into my natural talents, right?”

I pulled Gianna closer, my eyes challenging anyone to object. “Besides, I’ve got a princess to corrupt. Can’t let all this charm go to waste, can I? Someone’s got to keep the bad boy reputation alive in this family.”

Valentin disappeared into the crowd, pulling Rose with him. He had her. She loved him unconditionally. Had stood by his side when no one else would. She would help heal his broken heart. Lucky him.

I called after him, unable to resist one more last statement to prove to Petar I would follow him. “Don’t worry, I’ll send a post card from the dark side! Maybe even a fruit basket if I’m feeling generous.”

Inside, my heart was breaking. But I’d be damned if I’d let them see it. After all, I had a reputation to uphold. And ifplaying the villain kept both Valentin and Gianna safe, well, it wouldn’t be the first time I’d worn that mask.

I turned to Gianna, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively. “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted? I believe I promised you a night of corruption and scandal.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

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