Page 85 of Sinful Lies

“The cost is irrelevant.” He runs his thumb along my lower lip.

“But—”

“Zara, I would spend every dollar to my name if it meant you would forgive me.”

I shake my head, clutching at the soft material of his shirt as I glance up at his beautiful face.

“Of course, I forgive you.”

“You shouldn’t.” His jaw flexes as he looks down at me. “I was completely out of order. I just—” His voice cracks, and he looks away, his brows pinching together as he tries to fight whatever words were about to spill from his lips.

I reach up to cup his cheek, brushing my thumb over the slight stubble coating his jaw. “I’m sure you had your reasons.”

“It doesn’t excuse how I treated you.”

“No, but maybe if you talked about it, it would help me understand…”

“This evening is all about showing you how sorry I am.” His eyes flick to mine.

I don’t miss the sadness reflected in them, but I choose to not push him.

Dimitri will talk when he’s ready, and I only hope I can offer him the same amount of support and comfort that he’s shown me.

I never imagined Dimitri Koslov being the candle lit dinner type, but this evening is turning out to be more than perfect.

He asked the head chef to create a unique seven-course tasting menu just for me, with wine pairings to match. The conversation is easy and light, and I find myself laughing more than I have done in a long time.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“I think this is better than our wedding day.” I take a sip of my wine.

“Don’t tell Alexei that. I think he’ll be paying off our wedding for the rest of his life.” Dimitri chuckles.

“He offered! If he wants to blame someone, he can blame Bianca. She’s the one who planned the whole thing.”

“That is very true.”

I take another sip of my wine, watching Dimitri curiously.

“What?” His lips twitch.

“Tell me something no one else knows.” I set my glass back down on the table.

Dimitri narrows his eyes. “I’ll be pushed to find something that not even my brothers know.”

“Ok. Well, how about something that I would never guess about you.”

I bite the inside of my cheek as Dimitri takes a deep breath, the muscle in his jaw flexing as he thinks.

“I used to play the trombone in middle school because I thought it was cool,” he mutters, his cheeks reddening.

My chin hits the floor as I stare at him.

“You can’t laugh.” He points his finger at me, his eyes twinkling at the look on my face.

“I’m not, I swear! I just… Wow, I was not expecting that to come out of your mouth.”

“What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.” He flashes me a wink, and now it’s my turn for my cheeks to redden.

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