Page 21 of The Hermit

The way Dominik looks at me has fear tightening my stomach into a tight ball of nerves. It feels like he’s a second away from leaping over the table to rip out my throat with his bare hands.

I thought I’d rattle him with my direct questions, but he’s deceptively calm and it’s unnerving.

With a predatory smirk on his face, he looks even more attractive, which only makes my fear of him grow.

There’s a sinking feeling in my chest as I realize I won’t win a war against this man.

But twice now, he’s made a comment about preferring me to Ciara. He might just be playing with me, like a cat would play with a mouse.

Or…

Maybe I should change tactics and see if I can draw his attention completely away from Ciara and get him to focus only on me.

When Braden was killed, I promised myself never to be in a situation where a man could abuse me, but as I stare at Dominik Varga, I know I’ll have to break that promise so I can save Ciara.

Lifting my head higher, I let a seductive smile lightly tug at my lips so it doesn’t pull at the scab too much. “Not only do Ihave a bite to me,” a soft chuckle drifts from me. “but I have claws as well.”

I’m surprised when Dominik’s smile widens, and something akin to pleasure ghosts over his face for a split second before the predatory expression returns.

The uneasy feeling in my gut increases tenfold, making my heartbeat speed up even more.

Then he shrugs and mutters, “I’m not a cat person.”

Before I can stop myself, I say, “Thank God for small mercies.”

Dominik tilts his head, his blue eyes sharpening on me. “But I can make an exception.”

I suck in a deep breath and lower my eyes to my plate. I have zero appetite, but I scoop some creamy mashed potatoes onto my fork so that I have an excuse not to look at the dangerous man seated across from me.

I hear a chair scrape over the floor, and a moment later, Dominik says, “Thank you for dinner.”

Before Dad can reply, Dominik walks out of the room, tension and fear hanging thick in the air.

“Christ, Grace,” Dad hisses. “Do you have a fucking death wish?”

My eyes flit to the head of the table. “You said we have to get to know him.”

“Not by interrogating the man!” Dad shakes his head at me, looking displeased as hell. “Besides, Ciara has to get to know him. Not you. Stop talking to him.”

“I don’t want to get to know him,” Ciara says. “He terrifies me.”

“You’ll just have to get over it,” Dad snaps as he tosses his napkin on the table while he stands up. “Now I have to do damage control and hope he’s not planning ways to kill Grace.”

As Dad rushes out of the room, I let out a sigh.

“Please stop, Grace,” Ciara says with a worried tone. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’ll be fine,” I mutter as I climb to my feet. Glancing at my sister, I give her a smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll deal with Dominik.”

She shakes her head while giving me a pleading look. “He’s dangerous, Grace.”

“I’ve dealt with his kind before,” I reply. “I promise I’ll be fine.”

Lies, all lies!I’m aware if I keep going up against Dominik, I’m going to lose, but Ciara doesn’t need to know that.

I walk out of the dining room, and when I reach the stairs, Dad comes from the direction of the French doors that lead to the veranda.

“Done doing damage control?” I ask, still pissed at our father for even thinking of offering Ciara to Dominik.

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