Page 65 of The Hermit

“It’s so we’ll show a united front to everyone around us,” he explains, and I feel a flicker of disappointment because that’s the reason.

Am I seriously upset because Dominik’s only holding my hand for show?

Chapter 17

GRACE

After the long flight, we board a yacht, and I struggle to suppress a yawn.

I couldn’t fall asleep on the private jet, and I’m starting to feel sick.

“Four and a half hours until we get to the island, sir,” the captain says.

Then there’s the meeting, the boat ride back to the mainland, and the flight back to Slovakia.

I might die of sleep deprivation long before this trip is over.

Dominik leads me below deck, and when he opens a door and I see a bed, I say, “I can’t sleep with so many people around me.”

If it were just Evinka, Dominik, and me, I’d be fine.

“Try. You look like you’re about the pass out, Grace. I’ll be out on the deck.”

I quickly shake my head. “No, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

Dominik’s hand flies up, and I have a delayed reaction, only flinching when he takes hold of my chin. He forces my head back so I’ll look at him.

“Don’t ever tell me not to worry about you. That shit doesn’t fly with me. Got it?”

The word bursts over my lips, “Yes.”

His features soften instantly, and lifting his other hand, he frames my face. “You’re always quick to take care of others, never thinking of yourself.” He shakes his head. “I’m the one who will take care of you. Iwillworry about you, and right now, you’re dead on your feet,milácik. We’re about to meet potential business partners. I need you rested and clear-headed by my side.”

He pulls his hands away from me, then gestures at the bed.

Not having much of a choice, I kick off my shoes and climb onto the mattress.

When I lie down, Dominik grumbles, “Dobré dievca.”

“Good girl, my butt,” I mutter. “I’m being forced.”

He chuckles before he steps out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him.

“There’s no way I’m going to fall asleep,” I grumble before punching the pillow.

The door opens again, and I frown when Dominik comes in and shuts it behind him.

Taking a seat on one of the chairs, he takes off his boots before coming to lie down on the bed. When he takes hold of my shoulders and pulls me closer to him, my heart sets off at a crazy beat.

Dominik tucks me right against his side, presses my head down on his chest, then says, “Close your eyes and rest,moja žena.”

I hesitate before draping my arm across his waist, then ask, “What do the words mean?”

“My wife,” he whispers as his arms tighten around me.

I feel him press a kiss to my hair, and it makes me feel cherished and safe.

I close my burning eyes and before another thought can cross my mind, I fall fast asleep.

---