Page 89 of Shatter Me

The resolve settles into my bones, feeling right for the first time since that night in the warehouse. I've spent too long letting myself be swept along by his current. It's time to stand my ground.

37

DMITRI

No response from Tash in three days, despite the gifts. The roses. The orchids. The Cartier. Even that first edition art book she'd mentioned wanting months ago.

"You look like shit," Nikolai says from my office doorway.

"Thanks for that assessment." I wave him in, needing his counsel even if I hate admitting it. "The gifts aren't working."

"Of course they're not. You imprisoned Katarina. Tash needs more than material things to trust you again. That one act broke down everything she knew about you, and she thinks you're a monster."

"Perhaps I am." I run a hand through my hair. "I'm planning something. A series of moments to show her who I am. Not just the monster who takes hostages."

"Do tell." Nikolai settles into the chair across from me.

"First, I'll have the museum close early. Fill the Egyptian wing with candles and all her favorite exhibits.I'll tell her everything. Show her the man beneath the mask."

"How disgustingly romantic." Alexi's voice cuts in as he and Erik enter uninvited. "Are you going to read her poetry too?"

"Fuck off," I growl, but there's no real heat behind it.

Erik smirks. "Never thought I'd see the day. The great Dmitri Ivanov, planning candlelit confessions."

"At least I'm doing something about it," I shoot back, thinking of his situation with Katarina.

"He's got you there," Alexi laughs, dodging Erik's half-hearted punch.

"The point is," Nikolai interrupts, "you need to be genuine. No games, no manipulation."

I nod, already mapping out the next steps in my head. "I know. I'll show her everything, the good and the ugly. Let her decide if she can accept both."

"Ten bucks says he cries during his confession," Alexi stage-whispers to Erik.

"Twenty says Tash makes him grovel first," Erik counters.

I grab the nearest object, a paperweight, and chuck it in their direction. "Out. Both of you." The act only makes my chest ache, as I remember when mykulkolkathrew one at me.

Their laughter echoes down the hall as they retreat, leaving me with Nikolai's knowing look.

"You love her, don't you?" he asks quietly.

I don't answer Nikolai's question. I don't need to. I’ve already admitted it once in the throes of fear for her safety. The way my hands clench on the desk says enough.

"How do you plan to get her there?" Nikolai asks, leaning forward. "She won't even take your calls."

"Sofia." I tap my phone. "She's the only one Tash still talks to. And since Sofia's married to you..."

"Using my wife now?" His lips quirk. "Bold move."

"I'm out of options." The admission burns. I, Dmitri Ivanov, am reduced to begging favors through intermediaries. "Sofia understands what's at stake. She knows I never meant for Tash to get hurt."

"And if Sofia refuses?"

"She won't." I hold his gaze. "Because, unlike me, she gets to talk to Tash. She sees how miserable she is. How this distance is eating at her, too."

Nikolai's expression softens marginally. "You're sure about this? Laying everything bare?"

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