Page 56 of The Way You Hurt Me

I think I love her. I want to put her in my pocket and keep her safe from the harsh world, because she certainly can't deal with it.

"I work from nine to five. I'll pop by Dimitri's before work, and right after, but I need someone to take Wolfie out in the morning and afternoon; two, maybe three times? It'll be nice to keep her company for a bit, too."

"Not a problem. I have plenty of time. Besides, Dimitri paid me for three months, so we're all set. Just give me your schedule, and I'll be there."

I lift an eyebrow. "He already paid you?"

She shrugs. "I had to pay the property taxes on the apartment, so it was welcome. I'm your girl, however long you need me. Frankly, I'm glad you guys are keeping one—it gives me a job, and oh my god, are they adorable or what? I'm also thinking about adopting one, but you know, I don't think I can handle the vet expenses in case anything goes wrong, given what's going on at the moment." She grimaces. "Sorry, that's not your problem. I mean, I'm glad I'll be able to still see one, at least."

I smile. "Which one is your favorite?"

Liv doesn't hesitate. "Snow. That white fur, and the cute little pink nose? He's just so adorable."

She named him. I think back to my conversation with Dimitri. "Did you name any of the others?"

Liv shakes her head. "They're not mine. I mean, Snow's not mine either, but you know."

Unfortunately, I do.

On my way to work, I text Dimitri.

Me: Can we chat?

Dimitri: Oh dear. Whatever I've done, I apologize.

I roll my eyes.

Me: You haven't done anything yet. Do you mind if I call you now?

He rings me instead, so I reply right away.

"You never have to ask. You need to call, call. I'll answer if I'm available."

"Oh," I say. "Thanks? I guess my generation doesn't really do the whole calling thing unless someone's life is on the line."

"Is someone's life on the line? Your bodyguards have been quiet."

"Well, it is, actually. Snow's."

He pauses for a moment. "Snow? Are we talking Jon Snow, Snow White, or am I missing someone?"

"Snow, the white puppy Liv is going to take home," I inform him. "You just need to wave your magic wand, and let her know that in the event there there's any great vet expense due to an unfortunate accident, which is unlikely to happen at all, you'll be there to help. Yes?"

I don't know why, but I am absolutely certain of the answer.

"I'll call her."

I grin. "Thank you. I thought you might. I mean, you said you wanted them to go to a good home, and Liv will love him to pieces. She's just scared she can't handle large vet expenses. But I looked it up; puppies don't cost much, unless something goes very wrong, and?—"

"No need to try to convince me, petal. You asked. I said yes."

Warmth floods through my limbs, although it's fucking freezing. I repeat, "Thanks, Dimitri." Then, because I don't feel like hanging up, I say, "You know, everyone's calling you Dima, and I just can't bring myself to. It sounds way too cute for you."

"Are you saying I'm not cute? I'm crushed."

I roll my eyes to high heaven. He absolutely is not cute. Gorgeous, breathtaking, stunning, impossibly sexy, yes. Cute? Never.

"Liv told me you paid her for three months, by the way. You'll have to let me pay you back."

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