Page 42 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

Gianna

I glanced up at Dimitri. He still had that infuriating smirk on his face as if he hadn’t just shattered his brother’s heart. Who had I chosen to be my fated mate? But then again, I didn’t choose. It was destiny’s twisted sense of humor at play.

As he pulled me away from the crowd, I caught Louise’s face. Disappointment flared in her eyes. Dimitri was right. We would definitely be upsetting the apple cart. And this would be mild compared to when I faced Angelo.

He lead me over to the bar, his swagger never faltering. “I think we need a drink to celebrate my new career as your dashing bodyguard. Emphasis on the body part.”

“Are you all right?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Never better.” But something flickered in his eyes. “Why? Missingmy brother already?”

I frowned. “You’re not upset about Valentin?”

He shrugged, a little too casually. “No. He’s the hero. Not me. Why? Does that bother you? Prefer the knight in shining armor type?”

My scowl deepened, trying to figure out if this was how he really felt. “But he means so much to you.”

He lifted my chin, his touch surprisingly gentle. “So do you. Do you want to go back to New Orleans without me?”

I thought of the wolves and shuddered. The truth was I wasn’t sure it was safe for me to go back.

He looked at me intensely, all humor gone for a moment. “You’re afraid to go back, aren’t you?”

The ultimate question that I wasn’t prepared to answer. “I’d like that drink now.”

He held up two fingers. “Bourbon. The solution to all life’s problems.” He picked up my wrist and kissed it, his lips lingering. “I would never let anything happen to you. Scout’s honor. Though, full disclosure, I was never actually a scout.”

“You mean like your brother?”

He tossed back a shot of bourbon, barely wincing. “I’ve been protecting little bro all my life. Now I’m going to be protecting you. Lucky you, getting the upgraded model.”

His words were light, but there was an unmistakable steel behind them, hinting at centuries of power and authority.

Valentin and Rose left the party, their departure like a cold wind sweeping through the room. Slowly, people began to disperse, the festive atmosphere dissipating like smoke. Guilt swelled inside me, threatening to choke me. Dimitriand I had ruined Louise’s party. It was the last thing I wanted to do.

I watched Louise, her face a mask of disappointment as she sipped her drink, talking quietly to Augustus. “I should go talk to her,” I murmured, half to myself.

Dimitri’s hand on my arm stopped me. “Let her cool off, princess. Trust me, I’m an expert in disappointing people. Give it time.”

His cavalier tone grated on my nerves. “How can you be so nonchalant about this? We just destroyed your brother and my best friend’s night.”

He shrugged, but I caught a flicker of something—regret?—in his eyes before it was masked by his usual smirk. “What can I say? I’m a natural-born party pooper. It’s a gift.”

“Dimitri, I’m serious.”

He sighed, his facade cracking just a little. “Look, sweetheart, sometimes you can’t make everyone happy. Believe me, I’ve tried. Doesn’t work.”

I glanced around the emptying room, the remnants of what should have been a joyous celebration scattered about. “I never wanted this. Any of it.”

Dimitri’s arm slipped around my waist, pulling me close. “Welcome to the club, gorgeous. But hey, at least you’ve got me as your partner in crime now.”

Despite everything, I felt a smile tugging at my lips. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“Absolutely,” he grinned, but there was a softness in his eyes that belied his flippant tone. “I promise, with me around, lifewill never be boring.”

As we stood there, surrounded by the aftermath of our choices, I couldn’t help but wonder what other chaos lay ahead. But with Dimitri’s arm around me, I felt a strange mix of trepidation and excitement.

“Come on,” Dimitri said, guiding me toward the exit. “Let’s blow this popsicle stand. I think we’ve caused enough drama for one night.”

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