Page 24 of Sinful Lies

I can’t believe I’m about to bring home Dimitri Koslov—a man who has absolutely no business being in my childhood home looking like he’s just stepped off a runway.

He’s wearing a light blue shirt, with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, and dark blue chinos that show off his muscular thighs. Gone is the man who put a bullet through a mafia Don’s head, and in his place is a squeaky clean fiancé who, if my father asks, works in finance.

From the ridiculous BMW that I made him park around the corner, to the solid gold Rolex on his wrist, Dimitri oozes wealth.

I, on the other hand, grew up in a tiny suburban neighborhood where everyone’s cars are older than they are, and our idea of luxury is shopping at the fancy deli on a Sunday.

So, to say I’m apprehensive about revealing more of my life to this man is an understatement.

“That thing is obnoxious.” I eye the Rolex.

“So is your ring.”

“Have I told you recently how irritating you are?”

Dimitri smirks, his dark eyes dancing with amusement.

My eyes flick to his lips, and my breath catches in my throat as I remember what they felt like,tastedlike…

“Focus, Mullens.” He grins.

“I am focused.” I shake my head to try and clear all thoughts of kissing Dimitri from my mind.

“We’re really doing this. Everything is going tobe fine.” Dimitri chuckles, reaching for my hand, his calluses rubbing against my palm.

“I’m not so sure. Have you ever even met the parents before?”

“No, but I’m ridiculously charming. How hard can it be?”

“Well…” I cringe as I look up at Dimitri.

“Zara,” he warns.

“There’s one very small, very tiny detail that I forgot to mention.”

Dimitri raises his eyebrows as he looks down at me. “Spit it out.”

“My dad is a cop, so I’m pretty sure he’ll know who you are the moment he hears your last name. So, if you want to keep your man parts intact, I’d keep quiet about being a Koslov.”

“Wonderful.” He runs his free hand through his hair. “What if he asks?”

“Tell him it’s Walker or Jones, it doesn’t really matter. Just…don’t tell him the truth. I don’t want to give him a reason for us not to get married.”

“Okay.” He squeezes my hand. “But you can’t guarantee that he won’t recognize me, or Alexei for that matter at the wedding.”

“We’ll cross the bridge when we get to it,” I mutter before lifting my fist to the door. “Oh, and they also think the whole incident with Gilanto last year was a result of a car accident.”

Dimitri Koslov is turningout to be the perfect man to bring home to your parents. He’s the picture of easeas he sits beside me on the couch, his arm draped around my shoulders as my mother fusses with the refreshments.

I stifle a laugh as Dimitri thanks her for his beer, and her cheeks turn the color of beetroots.

“I can see where you get it from.” He reaches down to pinch my cheek.

I scowl, batting away his touch.

He’s not wrong.

Emily and I are the spitting image of our mother, though her blonde hair is slowly turning gray. Except for our eyes. Those were a gift from our father.

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