Page 23 of Cruel Honor

“No, wait!”

Juno ignores me. She looks completely surprised to see Dimitri standing on our front porch in his expensive suit with his handsome face. “Who are you?”

Dimitri’s eyes narrow. “Who are you?”

“I’m Evelyn’s mother.”

“Stepmother,” I mumble.

“I need to speak with Evie.”

Juno plants herself between Dimitri and me. “Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of me.” For a moment, I think Juno is actually trying to protect me. When has she ever done that? But then it dawns on me—she’s always been a busybody. She wants to know what’s going on for that reason only.

Dimitri looks right past her to me. “I know I freaked you out. I know this is a lot. But trust me, Evie, Dima will be back for you. I need to protect you.”

“So, protect me, then! You don’t need to force me into a marriage to do that.”

“What?” Juno exclaims. “Marriage?”

“But I do,” Dimitri continues. “In my world, a woman is free game unless she’s married.”

“You can’t be serious.” I hold my hand to my chest. I don’t think I can breathe.

“I am. Is it sexist? Yes. Can I change it? No. It’s the way of it.”

“Then why aren’t you married already?”

He’s silent for a moment before looking right at me, locking me in place with his gorgeous eyes. “Because I haven’t found anyone I wanted to protect so much. Frankly, I never wanted to be married. Still don’t. I was honest with you; I don’t want to marry Tatiana. I need tomarry someone else to get out of that situation, and you need protection from Dima. A marriage to me will keep him away.”

“I’ll just go to the police. I know where he lives. I saw his face. I know his name. I can tell the police this.”

Dimitri sighs deeply. “I can’t let you do that.”

I such in a breath. “Why not?’

“Because he’s a Bratva man. If he gets on the police radar, that can put a lot of us in danger. Myself included. And I won’t allow that.”

“You won’tallowthat?”

“I won’t.”

I slump against the wall, trying to keep my breathing even. “I can’t marry you.”

Juno’s eyes light up. “If this is about marriage, then I have to say, I’m available.” She runs her fingers down Dimitri’s arm. “I’m young. Experienced.”

Dimitri stares at her with curiosity. “Normally, I’d be all for a stepmom and her daughter. But right now, I have to decline.”

Juno huffs. “You’re missing out.”

“Maybe, but it’s not you I’m interested in. It’s Evie.”

“What does Evelyn have that I don’t? Evelyn is nothing special. I mean, look at her! She’s so … plain.”

I flinch but don’t object. By now, I’m used to Juno’s biting remarks. I’ve listened to them for the past few years.

Dimitri frowns as he steps closer to Juno. “Is this how you speak about your own stepdaughter?”

It’s clear from Juno’s expression that she’s realized she’s made a mistake. “Um … no! I mean, Evelyn is clearly beautiful. Obviously.”

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