Page 61 of Paid for By the Bratva

Dima looks taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"The overprotective bodyguard routine. You barely let me out of your sight!"

"I was just looking out for you," he says defensively.

"I don't need looking after, Dima. I can handle myself." I keep my tone firm but calm. I'm not here to pick a fight, just set some boundaries.

I turn on my heels and walk through the house toward the living room, with Dima at my heels, and sit down on the couch, arms crossed. Dima watches me warily from the door, like a deer caught in headlights. I take in a deep breath, gathering my thoughts and channeling my newfound confidence.

He runs a hand through his hair in frustration before speaking. "This city is dangerous, especially for a beautiful young woman."

"But I wasn't alone, I was with you." I counter. "I trust you to keep me safe. But I don't want to feel smothered either. I mean, you were hovering around me like a hawk, watching my every move. What's that all about? We’ve been out before, you’ve never behaved this insane before!" my last words come out louder than I intended.

Dima scratches the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable under my direct gaze. "I just wanted to make sure you were safe, Lara."

"Safe?" I scoff, raising an eyebrow. "From what? A dance floor full of people having fun? That's what we were there for, remember?"

"Look, I didn't mean to upset you," Dima admits, running a hand through his hair. "But I can't help it. I just…I worry about you."

"And I worry about you too," I retort sharply, standing and stepping closer to him. “But in situations where it’s appropriate! What’s next? You’re going to insist on entering the shower with me so I don’t drown?”

Dima's eyes widen at my boldness, clearly taken aback. He hesitates for a moment before finally speaking. "Lara, I know you can take care of yourself. But the truth is…I care about you. More than I should. And it scares me."

"Excuse me?" I blink, surprised at his confession. "What do you mean, 'more than you should'?"

"Ever since I first saw you, it’s hard for me to admit, but I feel like I went crazy. This is hard for me to say, but initially, I tried to keep my distance, but I couldn’t," he explains, looking away. "I fell for you, Lara, and from the very start, I’ve tried to keep you…all to myself,” he whispers.

“All to yourself?” I ask icily, feeling a flare of anger surge through me, my heart clenching at the memory of Dima's conversation with his sister. I step back, putting some distance between us.

“I,” he blushes. “I know it’s unfair, but I trapped you into this marriage because I couldn’t imagine you being with anyone else.”

"Wait a second," I say, my voice shaking slightly. "I overheard you talking to your sister about this…about how Sofia assessed your feelings for me. You told her nothing, but she said you were into me. You never said anything to me."

Dima's face falls, and he rubs the back of his neck. "Lara, I didn't want to complicate things further. I was trying to figure out the best way to handle it. But yes, since we got married, it’s getting harder and harder for me not to want to be with you at all times. I say I want to keep you safe, and I do. But more than that, I want to keep you by my side because…I’m falling for you."

My cheeks flush at his confession, and my mind races with a million thoughts. I had no idea he felt this strongly. But hearing him confess his true feelings, I know mine match his the moment the anger fades away.

This is not what I expected to hear tonight—but it's exactly what I needed. The corners of my lips curve into a playful smile, realizing I care deeply for this complex, intense man.

"Is that why you were acting like my personal bodyguard?" I ask teasingly, looking up into his eyes. "Because you care about me?"

Dima's face reddens, and he clears his throat awkwardly. "Yeah…something like that."

"Good," I reply softly, reaching up to touch his face. I move closer, our faces just inches apart. "Because I’m falling for you too, Dima. And maybe it's time we stop pretending this is just a convenient arrangement."

"Sounds perfect," Dima whispers, his voice hoarse, his eyes etched into mine.

I can feel the heat radiating from Dima's body as we stand so close together, the intensity in his gaze making my heart race. There's an undeniable spark between us, which I’ve experienced on many nights, but now it feels like it's finally ready to ignite.

"Are you sure about this?" Dima asks, his voice low and husky. The concern in his eyes is evident, but so is the desire.

My anger is a distant memory as I search his eyes and see sincerity. Dima truly cares for me. Has cared for me from day one. "I want you," I say softly.

Dima looks relieved. "I should have told you how I felt sooner. But I didn't know if you could ever understand where I’m coming—"

I silence his doubts with a kiss, crushing his lips against mine. Dima's hands slide down to my waist, his fingertips tracing light circles that leave fiery trails along my skin. I run my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer until there is no space left between us.

Chapter 22 - Dima

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