Page 79 of Dark Truths

Dimitri nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “So much so that I am here on my knees begging you to please stop running and just listen to me, because I think you love me, too. At least I thought you did before last night.”

I do love him. I don’t know why. I definitely shouldn’t given his confession but I can’t explain it. It’s like the stupid fairy tale loving romantic little girl living in my heart has taken control of my mind and has put her foot down demanding we listen to him. Because he loves me and I love him and love deserves to be given a chance.? The thought reminds me of the twins growing inside me. Our babies. His babies that he doesn’t even know about yet.And it seems only fair, only right that if he’s going to bare it all, then so should I. It could change everything between us.

“Okay, I’ll listen,” I concede. “But you need to know something first. Since we’re being honest and all that now.”?

He ignores my little jab. “What is it?”

Here goes nothing. “I’m pregnant.”

Now it’s Dimitri’s turn to appear both shaken and confused. “Wh-what?”

“Pregnant. Me.”

“Are you certain?”

“Very.”

His eyes flick down to my stomach. “Is it…is the baby okay?”

“Babies,” I correct him, secretly enjoying how his eyes go wide in disbelief at the news.?

“Babies,” he repeats. “As in more than one?”

“Twins and yes, they’re okay.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Do I really need to explain the birds and the bees to you?”

“No. I meant how long? How far along are you?”

“Not long. I think they were conceived at the end of November or early December.” It’s hard to say for certain. We weren’t exactly celibate when we started to see one another again.

?Dimitri stands, bringing me with him. “Come on. Let’s get back to the house.”

He takes my hand, and I follow him back through the woods toward the house. I told Dimitri the babies are okay, but concern about them still eats at me. Especially when the lights of the cabin become visible through the treeline, revealing how far I ran. The exertion and additional stress couldn’t have been very safe for them.

Dimitri must be thinking along the same wavelength. “Do you promise not to run off again?”

“Do you have any more surprises?” I mock, earning me a pointed look over his shoulder. “Well?”

“No, angel.” His tone is open and raw and honest. “Just answers.”

“Okay. I won't run.”

He leads me into the cabin and then the couch, helping me sit down like I’m already nine months pregnant. The gesture is unnecessary…but sweet. It’s not until he returns with a basin of water and some washcloths that I suggest a bath instead.

As Dimitri guides me through the house, my eyes eagerly scan the walls for anything personal, but there’s nothing there beyond a few paintings of random nature scenes. Still, there’s enough to spark my curiosity and desire to explore more.?

Dimitri opens the door to a large bedroom—the master, I wager—and disappears through a side door. A moment later, the sound of rushing water meets my ears. The room smells like him, a unique scent of sandalwood and cedar blend I love. Otherwise, the room looks like something straight out of a Home and Garden magazine showcase. Just like the living room, the space is void of anything remotely personal. There’s a giant bed, twin nightstands, a dresser, and a rug. That’s it.

“Gabriella?” Dimitri reappears in the doorway. “Tub’s ready.”

I follow him into a dimly lit, spacious bathroom. The room is filled with the soothing scent of lavender, which emanates from the tub filled with bubbles in the corner beneath frosted windows.

“I’m going to go get you a change of clothes and a towel,” he says before disappearing through a doorway on the other side of the room.

As he does, I strip off my dirty clothes, leaving them in a small pile on the tile floor, before climbing into the tub. The water is the perfect temperature and instantly soothes my tired and sore muscles. Not being able to fully submerge my arm is frustrating,but the comfort the rest of my body feels makes it worthwhile. With a sigh, I lean my head back against the tub’s edge and close my eyes.

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