Page 36 of Dmitri

“You a pancake or waffle girl?”

“I’m not going out to breakfast with you.”

“Fine. Brunch it is.” I glance at the clock. “Unless you want to waste more time being a difficult little brat, in which case, I’m down for lunch and dinner, too. Whatever you want.”

Her shoulders droop. “Why are you doing this?”

“Be more specific.” I arch my brow. “This, as in coming to see you again, like I said I would. This, as in holding you all night so you could feel safe while you slept. Or this, as in wanting to take you on a date so I can get to know you better?”

Her jaw slackens. I think I’ve stunned her.

“Or I can just cook you a meal here.” I shrug like it’s no big thing. “We don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want to.”

Suddenly, her eyes widen, and she glances at her clock. “No, no. Out is fine. Out is good.”

Interesting.

I step closer to the door, giving her space again. “Then get dressed so we can get out of here.”

Chapter 9

Daelyn

I may not have a clue what I’m doing, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it’s a mistake. My mind races with a million scenarios with my heart beating fast in my chest, as I put my shoes on while Dmitri leans against the doorjamb, casually watching me.

Am I about to have breakfast with the man who broke into my house twice?

Yes.

I have to get closer to him so I can find out whatever it is Kaleb wants to know.

My stomach twists, my nerves screaming that I’m in over my head, but what choice do I have?

None.

When it comes to Kaleb, I never really have a choice. At least it’s always felt that way to me. He owns me.But not for much longer, I remind myself. And that’s exactly what gets me up on my feet, grabbing my purse, and heading out with a silly smile on my face.

It’s already hot out, and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. Dressed in cut-off shorts and one of my favorite band tees, standing next to Dmitri, I feel small and frumpy. How can a guy make dark jeans, combat boots, and a black cotton t-shirt look like runway material? It’s rude.

He slept fully clothed.

Next to me.

All night.

I can’t believe I didn’t wake up at all. An enormous man snuck into my house, crawled into my bed, and touched me allnight long and I didn’t have a fucking clue. Damn those sleeping pills. I only took them because I was so desperate for sleep. For the past week I haven’t been able to turn my brain off, and part of that was because I’d been expecting to see Dmitri again. It’s why I didn’t block the sliding glass door.

But after several nights of waiting, I gave up because I needed sleep so I could do my job, take care of Addie, and get my brain functioning, so I’d be ready for whenever Kaleb or Ace showed up again. Figures the night I drug myself is when Dmitri shows up. Shame tightens my throat, making it hard to swallow. He probably thinks I’m a junkie or something.

“I don’t normally take sleeping pills,” I blurt out as we walk down the sidewalk. I honestly don’t know where we’re going for breakfast and am following Dmitri’s lead, because he seems to have a plan in mind. Either that, or he’s just as good at faking it as I am.

He doesn’t look at me when he asks, “Do you normally have nightmares?”

Wow. Of everything that’s transpired between us already, this question feels awfully personal. And he keeps asking about it.

What do I have to lose by telling him a truth… or a lie?

I’m too afraid to look at him when I answer. “No.” Stuffing my hands in the back pockets of my shorts, I clear my throat. “So, where are we having breakfast?”

---