Page 12 of Shatter Me

Despite myself, I laugh. “Seriously?”

“He had it coming.” Dmitri’s shoulder brushes mine as he reaches for the wine. “He changed all my spreadsheets to Comic Sans.”

“The font of kings,” Alexi declares solemnly, making Sofia giggle.

The conversation flows easier after that, with stories and jokes passing back and forth across the table. I find myself relaxing incrementally, drawn into their dynamic despite my reservations. A small amount of jealousy blossoms in the pit of my stomach seeing what Sofia has found here as she easily fits into their dynamic. Could I fit in also with Dmitri? I almost shake my head to myself as the idea is ridiculous. However, even Dmitri seems less intimidating when trading barbs with his brothers, though I’m acutely aware of his presence beside me.

I slip away from the dining room, needing space from Dmitri’s overwhelming presence and my thoughts about somehow fitting into his family when I categorically dislike him. The kitchen’s cool air hits my flushed skin as I head for the wine rack. My mind is miles away as I scan the labels.

“The ’82 Bordeaux.” Dmitri’s voice makes me jump. “Third shelf.”

I spin around, nearly dropping the bottle I’m holding. “Do you always sneak up on people?”

“Only when they’re running away.” He moves closer, reaching past me for a corkscrew. His chest brushes my shoulder.

“I’m not running.” I step sideways, creating distance. “I’m getting more wine.”

“Of course.” He takes the bottle from my hands, his fingers lingering against mine. “Nothing to do with avoiding me.”

“Not everything revolves around you.” But my voice lacks bite.

He studies me while opening the wine, his movements precise and controlled. “Tell me something true, Natasha.”

"What?"

“One honest thing. No deflection, no sharp comments.” He sets the bottle down. “Just truth.”

I meet his eyes, surprised by the genuine interest there. “I... I’m scared.”

"Of me?"

“Of what you represent.” The words spill out before I can stop them. “Power, control, danger. Everything I shouldn’t want.”

He steps closer, his hand coming up to brush my cheek. “And what do you want?”

My breath catches. An electric tension fills the space between us as his thumb traces my bottom lip.

“I don’t know anymore,” I whisper.

His gaze turns stormy as he leans in?—

“Hey, where’s that wine?” Alexi’s voice shatters the moment. “Some of us are dying of thirst out here!”

I jerk back, my heart pounding. Dmitri’s jaw clenches as he grabs the bottle.

“Coming,” he calls, never taking his eyes off me. “We’re not finished here.”

The moment Dmitri leaves, my knees give out, and I sink against the counter, pressing my forehead against the cool marble.

“Get it together,” I mutter. “He’s just another rich asshole who thinks he owns the world.”

But the lingering warmth of his thumb on my lip says otherwise. I can still smell his cologne and feel the electricity crackling between us. My whole body hums with awareness, and I hate myself for it.

“This is exactly what he wants.” I straighten up, smoothing my dress. “He’s used to people falling at his feet, swooning over his perfect suits and that stupid accent.”

God, what is wrong with me? I’ve dealt with powerful men before. Half of my job is schmoozing with entitled collectors who think their bank accounts make them irresistible.

But Dmitri... he’s different. He doesn’t just want to possess art or status. He wants to possess people. To own them completely. I’ve seen how the staff at his companies look at him with fear and devotion.

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