Page 57 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

He cocked an eyebrow, reaching for a pastry. “Like I went ten rounds with a cement mixer and lost. But hey, at least my dashingly handsome face is intact. Priorities, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “Your ego certainly survived unscathed.”

“It’s made of tougher stuff than the rest of me,” he said, taking a big bite.

I cleared my throat. “I ran into Angelo downstairs. He asked about you.”

Dimitri’s entire demeanor shifted. His body tensed, eyes narrowing. “Oh? And how is our gracious host? Still practicing his menacing glare in the mirror?”

“He...he said that if he wanted you dead, you’d be dead.”

Dimitri’s eyes hardened. “Well, isn’t that comforting? I’ll be sure to send him a thank you note for his restraint.”

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, grimacing as he stood. I watched him, concern etched on my face. “Dimitri...”

He waved off my worry. “I’m fine. Just peachy. Nothing a little blood, rest, and not being in the same zip code as your brother won’t cure.”

As he moved to the window, I could see the tension in his shoulders. “We’ll figure this out,” I said softly. “I’m just worried about the wolves. Maybe we should?—”

Dimitri spun around, his eyes flashing. “Worried about the wolves? Really, Gianna? You think I can’t protect you from a few overgrown puppies?”

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden anger. It wasn’t what I expected and it reminded me of Angelo. Too overprotective and hot headed. “That’s not what I?—”

“No, that’s exactly what you meant,” he cut me off, his voice sharp. “Poor, weak Dimitri. Can’t even handle a pack of mutts. Guess I’ll just hide behind my mate and her big, bad brother, right?”

“Dimitri, that’s not fair,” I protested, but he was on a roll.

“You know what’s not fair? Being treated like I’m made of glass. News flash, sweetheart—I’ve been dealing with supernatural threats since before your brother learned to brood professionally. I may not be the Angel of Death, but I’m not some helpless damsel either.”

He stalked toward me, his movements fluid and predatory despite his recent injuries. “I can protect you, Gianna. Against wolves, vampires, or whatever else decides to crash our little party. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating me just because your brother got in a few lucky shots.”

I stared at him, a mixture of emotions swirling in my chest—concern, frustration, and a hint of admiration at his fierce determination. “I don’t think you’re weak, Dimitri,” I said softly. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

His expression softened slightly, but the fire still burned in his eyes. “You won’t. It’ll take more than a few furballs and your psychotic brother to keep me down. After all,” he added, his trademark smirk returning, “I’m Dimitri freaking Dragan. Danger is my middle name.”

As he sauntered back to the bedside to table tofinish his breakfast, I couldn’t help but wonder if his bravado was entirely for show. But one thing was clear—underestimating Dimitri was a mistake I wouldn’t make again.

Dimitri finished his breakfast with a flourish, licking a stray drop of blood from his lips. He stretched his arms wide, the muscles in his chest rippling beneath his shirt. “After I take a shower,” he drawled, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “how about you show me around this prison? I mean lovely abode.”

I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, anxiety coiling in my stomach. “How about we sit out on the patio instead?”

He cupped my chin, his touch gentle but insistent. His blue eyes bored into mine, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re doing it again, Gianna. Trying to keep me bubble-wrapped and tucked away. If you don’t show me around, I’ll just wander on my own. And we both know how well that will probably turn out.”

I sighed heavily, my shoulders sagging in defeat. I wrapped my arms around his neck, breathing in his scent. “All right, you win. Just please, please, don’t make him mad.”

Dimitri’s eyebrows shot up, his smirk widening. “Me? Make someone mad? I’m shocked you’d even suggest such a thing.” He placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “How can your brother possibly resist my charm? I’m like a vampire version of Jason Momoa, only better looking.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. “Humor has never been big on Angelo’s agenda.”

“Clearly,” Dimitri quipped, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my back. “Maybe he just needs to get laid more.Nothing like a little horizontal tango to improve the mood.”

I snorted, the sound very unladylike. “He’s had plenty of women, Dimitri. That hasn’t improved his disposition.”

Dimitri waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “All it takes is one, sweetheart. One very special lady to turn that frown upside down. Or maybe a gentleman, who knows? I don’t judge.”

He pulled away, sauntering toward the bathroom with an exaggerated swagger. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a shower. Try not to miss me too much.”

As the bathroom door closed behind him, I couldn’t help but shake my head. Dimitri’s bravado was both infuriating and endearing. I just hoped his charm would be enough to keep him out of trouble. With Angelo around, that was a tall order.

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