Page 22 of Cruel Honor

Her lips part, and her eyes widen. It’s a cute look on her. “I’m sorry. I just assumed…”

“That I’m a shallow fucker?”

She flushes red. “Well, I wouldn’t say it exactly in those terms, but …”

“I am a shallow fucker. It’s true. Listen, Evie, it’s a conundrum we’re both in. I know you don’t know me, but I’m Katya’s brother. How bad can I be?”

“She complains all the time about how much you control her life.”

I blink. “Well, there you go. I’m a controlling asshole.”

“I can’t marry you, Dimitri.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Listen, this is awkward, but … I’m not exactly giving you a choice.”

“What?”

“I want you, Evie. Fuck knows why, but I do. And you need protection from Dima. You can’t argue with me on that. So, you’re going to be my wife. It’s settled.” I clap my hands together. “So, shall we go get married?”

Evie looks at me with wide eyes. “You’re a madman.”

“No, I’m a Bratva man. You know I’m right, Evie. You know you’re not safe from Dima. So, just say yes. Make this easy on us.”

She finally gets the door open and runs screaming to her house.

Well, that didn’t go as I expected it to.

Chapter

Four

EVIE

Imake it inside and slam my door closed. Juno gets up from the couch and shuffles toward me.

“What’s going on? You can’t just come running inside, Evelyn. You’re being too loud.”

I rest my head against the door. I was almost just murdered by a serial killer, then a Russian mobster saved my life, and now he wants to force me into a marriage with him for my own protection.

I swear, I just wanted to have some fun tonight. Why did I not just stay in and keep myself surrounded by my books like always?

“Evelyn!” Juno barks. “Talk to me. Don’t ignore me.”

A knock on the door makes me gasp and back away.

“Evie,” a voice says through the door. Of course, it’s Dimitri. Why does he even want me? We’re strangers to each other. He didn’t even seem that interested in me when we spoke at the club.

“Evelyn, who’s that?” Juno turns to me, and her eyes widen when she takes in my dress. “Oh my goodness. You’re practically naked. What did you do tonight? Your father would be ashamed to see you this way.”

She’s right. He would be disappointed in me. I never should’ve left.

“Evie,” Dimitri says again. “Open up. Let’s talk about this.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Evie. Come on.”

Juno looks at me then the door, and then she clucks her tongue and rips the door open.

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