Page 75 of The Hermit

“Yes.” He shoots me a glance, then explains, “The orphanage was overcrowded. Since I got out of that hell hole, I find it hard to be around people for long periods.”

“I’m sorry you had such a horrible childhood,” I whisper.

He just nods, then reaches for my hand and places it on his thigh. His thumb brushes over my skin, and I notice how he lets out a breath of relief, relaxing even more.

Not thinking things through, I whisper, “My hermit.”

He glances at me, the corner of his mouth lifting in a hot smirk. “I like the sound of that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

During the drive up the mountain I take in more of our surroundings and admire the scenic view.

“You’re so different from when we first met,” I say.

“It’s because I have feelings for you. Otherwise, I’d treat you the same as everyone else.”

Curious to know, I ask, “What kind of feelings?”

Dominik chuckles while replying, “The romantic kind.”

“Mmmh. Are you falling in love with me?” I ask with a teasing tone to my voice. Honestly, I’m curious as hell to hear his answer.

With a dead serious expression, he admits, “I started falling in love with you the second you glared at me and told me I couldn’t marry your sister. One look at the fire in your eyes, andI was done for.” He gives me another smirk. “I saw that fire again when you told Ilias off. It was one hell of a turn-on.”

My lips part in shock, and I stare at him. “Wish I’d known sooner. I was terrified of you.”

“Yet you still fought me every chance you got.” He brings the Hummer to a stop and looks at me. “You were so fucking brave but never do that again. Always put yourself first. If I lose you because you decided to sacrifice yourself for someone, I will kill whoever you tried to save. So don’t even try. Understand?”

Holy shit.

I nod quickly before shoving my door open and climbing out of the vehicle.

Dominik grabs the two bags and says, “Come on,moja láska. Home is just around the bend.”

I walk up the hill, and when the house comes into view, the corner of my mouth lifts.

This beautiful place is my home now.

Chapter 20

GRACE

After all the traveling, I take a long relaxing bath and put on extra lotion to combat the dry air from the plane.

I decide to wear a bohemian-style dress that reminds me of the one Cassia wore to the meeting. It’s just not as long but instead reaches to above my knees.

When I’m done getting dressed, I send a message to Ciara.

Grace: This is my new number. How are you? Are you enjoying your travels? Do you need anything?

I sit and stare at the screen, tapping on it every time it starts to go dark. After what seems like forever, she finally reads the message and types out a reply.

Ciara: I’m good. Don’t worry about me, I don’t need anything. How are you? Are you home? Sorry, I missed the funeral. I miss you!

Grace: I didn’t attend the funeral. Uncle Gerry arranged everything. I’m still with Dominik in Slovakia.

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