Page 93 of Brutal Promise

31

IZZY

Idon’t allude to my displeasure with Dmitry. I smile graciously, keeping the conversation light. It’s like a banquet of strangers. I find solace in the fact that Alena is here.

I order a steak. It reminds me of home amid a menu with quail and duck, none of which I find appealing. I’m not used to fine dining. The conversation swirls around the room like cigar smoke.

I circulate the room after dinner plates are taken away. Alena and I catch up on her life, and Kirill heads toward Dmitry.

“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Did you bring your dress?” I sit in Kirill's seat.

“Yes, it’s gorgeous, and it’s pale blue. Anya insisted on paying for it.”

“That’s nice.”

“You might have a friend in her,” Alena suggests.

“Negligible.”

“She’s an attorney.”

“She’s married to the Don. I have to follow the rules,” I murmur. Even if I don’t know all the rules, I know not to piss Nikolay off.

“Okay, I’m meeting you at the Palace tomorrow.” Then, she whispers, “You can do this.”

“I know.” It doesn’t mean I’m happy about it.

Everyone lingers another hour. The ride home is quiet. Dmitry knows I’m not happy with him but says nothing. He speaks to Milan instead.

I’m emotionally drained when we arrive home. I have so many thoughts percolating in my head that I pray I’ll fall asleep.

“Did you enjoy tonight?” Dmitry asks as he changes into loungewear.

“Very nice.” I placate him. The food was excellent. “The ambiance was nice. Your family is on guard.”

“Give them time. My mother is depressed. She lost the love of her life. They were together for over thirty years. It takes time to get over that. She’ll adjust. Give my brothers the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure they will come around, too. We’re not trusting. It comes with the territory.”

As much as I want to believe him, I’m not sure it’s in my best interest to do so.

“I’m tired. I need to sleep.” I feign a yawn.

He kisses my lips. I want to hate him. Knowing I keep my suspicions to myself and it becomes more challenging when he slides his hand down my arm. He raises my hand and kisses the ring he gave me.

My breath catches in my throat. I will try to resist him.

“Goodnight,” he murmurs against my hand. His warm breath stirs a familiar longing in me.

He slips out of the room. Exhausted, I fall asleep.

I have mixed dreams. I’m in danger. I’m running with a baby in my arms. I have to save my baby. I dart about, looking for someone to help.

I bolt upright. My eyes fly open. I’m awake and sitting in bed. I’m sweating. The room is dark and quiet. I remember where I am and tell myself I’m fine.

I search the bed for Dmitry, only to discover he never returned. I pick up my phone. It’s two in the morning.

Will my nightmares return? Why was I running? Is it predicting my future, or is it my worst fears manifesting?

I fluff my pillow and lay my head on it. Pulling the covers tight, I know I need to feel protected. I need Dmitry. After last night, I decided I would become self-sufficient no matter what the circumstances are. The sooner I do, the better off I’ll be.

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