Page 64 of The Hermit

Now I understand why Dominik is so patient with me.

“Besides you, Evinka is the most important person to me,” he murmurs, “She’s the only person I trust.”

I nod, understanding the bond they share. “Hopefully, you can learn to trust me too.”

The corner of his mouth lifts slightly, but he doesn’t reply to what I said. I get why. Trust is earned.

I can see the entrance to the airfield and ask, “Where are we going?”

“Chile. With the layover, it should be an eighteen-hour flight.”

“Will it be just us?”

He shakes his head and points in the direction of the hangar where the private jet stands ready. There’s also an SUV, and I see Evinka standing with the four guards who escorted us the day we got married.

“What’s the meeting about?” I ask as we drive closer to the group.

“I’m forming an alliance to fight the bratva.” The vehicle slows down until it comes to a stop, then he looks at me. “Onlyyou and Evinka know where my house is. Don’t ever share the location with anyone else. Not even Ciara.”

My lips part, and before I can ask the question, he answers, “Yes, I trust you, Grace. Don’t make me regret it.”

I nod quickly before opening the passenger door and climbing out of the Hummer.

Dominik gets out and looks at me over the top of the vehicle. “Hopefully, one day, you can trust me too.”

A smile pulls at my mouth as I say, “You’re halfway there.”

When he begins to walk, I hurry to catch up with him, and I don’t pull away when he takes hold of my hand.

Evinka’s eyes lock on our joined hands, then she grins wide and gives us a chin lift.

“Hi,” I say, and remembering what Dominik told me, I pull my hand free from his and wrap my arms around her.

She stands frozen for a few seconds before she returns the hug, patting my back twice before pulling away to look at my face.

I see the silent question in her eyes and nod. “I’m fine. Dominik has been nothing but good to me.”

She signs something that has Dominik chuckling, then he translates, “She says she’s glad to see I haven’t killed you, and who knew I could make a good husband.”

Evinka signals something to one of the guards and he holds a brand new cell phone out to me.

Taking it, I say, “Thank you.”

Evinka signs, and Dominik translates, “The phone is secure, and it also has Evinka’s number programmed into it. If anything happens to me, text her, and she’ll come.”

“Okay.” I give her a grateful smile.

Dominik places his hand on my lower back and nudges me so I’ll start walking.

When we board the plane, I wait for him to pick a seat before sitting beside him. He reaches across me and puts on my seat belt, then takes care of his own before taking my hand again.

I watch as he links our fingers, and having him touch me makes my stomach flutter like a kaleidoscope of butterflies is taking flight.

There’s no urge to pull away and no panic.

He leans his head closer to mine and asks, “Is it okay if I hold your hand?”

“A little late to ask,” I tease him.

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