Page 243 of Evil Hearts

Charlotte and Elle wrapped her in a group hug. And for the first time since Dimitri’s revelation, Amelia felt a glimmer of strength returning.

At sundown, Amelia steeled herself as she marched toward Shadowfield Manor. The dying sun hurled an eerie glow over the ivy-clad stonework, and shadows slithered along the winding pathways of the garden. Her heart was palpitating in her chest, and each step firmed up her resolve.

She hesitated at the imposing front door, and felt a sudden tightness in her chest. This was it—the moment that would define everything. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open, the hinges groaning.

“Amelia,” Dimitri greeted her from the top of the sweeping staircase, his tone colored with surprise and something deeper—hope?

“Can we talk?” she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

“Of course, lyubimaya.” He descended the stairs gracefully, his dark blue eyes never leaving hers.

They walked silently through the corridors, the light creating ghostly shapes on the walls. She could almost feel the presence of the manor’s past inhabitants, their past lives carried by the drafty halls. They reached his bedroom, then stepped inside.

“Why are you here?” He sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze searching hers.

Amelia’s heart was thundering. She had spent countless hours wrestling with the shadows of doubt. But those shadows seemed to recede into the corners of the room, leaving only the clarity of her feelings for Dimitri. She had been taught to fear what she didn’t understand, but love had a way of making the unknown seem less daunting.

“I’ve made a decision. I can’t ignore what you are, but I also can’t ignore how I feel about you. And I want to be with you.”

His stare heated with a passionate force that evoked a tender pulse of longing in her heart. Could she truly bear to shoulder some of that burden? The thought was as terrifying as it was exhilarating.

“Amelia, do you realize what you’re saying?” His intonation was low and intimate.

“Most definitely, Dimitri. I’m saying that I accept who you are, vampire or not. I love you, and I don’t want to lose you because of fear.”

She had rehearsed what she would say over and over, each time feeling more certain yet more terrified. What if love wasn’t enough? What if her acceptance wasn’t what he needed? But standing here now, facing him, she knew she couldn’t turn back.

Dimitri stood and crossed the room in a heartbeat, his hands cupping her face gently. The tenderness in his touch was almost unbearable. She had always imagined love would be grandiose declarations and sweeping gestures, but this—this quiet intimacy—was far more profound. It was as if he were trying to memorize every contour of her face, afraid that she might vanish like a wisp of smoke.

“You are braver than anyone I’ve ever known,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her forehead. “Thank you for accepting me.”

Bravery had never felt like a trait she possessed; it was something she admired in others from afar. Yet here she stood, on the precipice of an unknown future with a man who defied all logic and reason.

“Just promise me one thing, my love. Promise me honesty. No more secrets.”

The plea hung in the air between them like a fragile thread that could snap at any moment. Secrets had a way of festering beneath the surface, poisoning even the most steadfast hearts.

“I promise, lyubimaya. No more secrets.” Dimitri straightened, his expression pained yet understanding. “I won’t pretend that this path will be easy, Amelia. There will be challenges, sacrifices...and dangers.”

Even though fear was coursing through her veins, a surge of willpower ignited within her.

Taking a deep breath, she met Dimitri’s gaze. “I choose to stay,” she declared softly, surprising even herself with the clarity of her decision. Taking a shaky breath, Amelia reached out and gently lifted Dimitri’s chin, forcing him to meet her gaze. “I may not fully understand everything about you, but I know one thing for certain—I can’t abandon you in your time of need. Not after everything we’ve shared.”

Dimitri’s eyes widened, a glimmer of hope shining within them. His expression softened.

“I choose to stay, Dimitri. Not because it’s easy or safe, but because I believe there’s more to you than just your nature. And I want to be there for you as you face your demons.”

The atmosphere shifted, thickening with a spicy passion that neither could ignore. Dimitri’s stare blazed with heat as he grabbed her into a fiery kiss, their tongues hungrily moving in sync. Amelia’s body responded instantly, heat pooling in her core as his touch awoke every nerve in her body.

“God, I want you,” Dimitri growled, scooping her up effortlessly. He carried her to the bed with a sense of urgency, laying her down with a tenderness that belied his strength.

“Then take me,” she whispered, her voice husky with need.

He stripped off her clothes slowly, reverently, his gaze drinking in every inch of her exposed skin. Each touch made her body warm and weak, making her ache for more. Dimitri’s ownclothes followed quickly, revealing his hard erection. Amelia’s breath hitched as she took him in, causing a buzz of anticipation under her skin.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.

“Don’t stop,” she urged, her nails digging into his back, urging him on.

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