Page 90 of Shatter Me

"What choice do I have?" I spread my hands. "She deserves the truth. All of it. Even the parts that might make her run."

"Especially those parts," Nikolai agrees. "I'll talk to Sofia tonight. But Dmitri?" He stands, straightening his jacket. "If you fuck this up again..."

"I know." My voice is rough. "I won't."

Nikolai walks out, leaving me to my work.

I shut down my computer and grab my coat, unable to sit still. The parking garage is empty except for my Mercedes and other executive vehicles.

Akim opens the driver's door, but I wave him off. "I'll drive myself."

His eyebrows lift slightly. I rarely drive myself, but he nods and steps back. I need the control right now. I need to feel like I'm doing something besides sitting in my office planning grand gestures.

I know Tash's schedule by heart. Thursday nights are her standing dinner date with Sofia at Le Petit Bistro. My security team keeps me updated on her movements, but lately, I have preferred to see for myself.

The restaurant's warm lights spill onto the sidewalk as I park across the street. I choose a spot with a clear view of their usual table by the window. Right on schedule, Sofia's car pulls up, and Tash steps out.

My hands tighten on the steering wheel. She's wearing the black vintage Chanel dress I love that shows off her legs. Her hair is loose around her shoulders, and even from here, I can see the shadows under her eyes that makeup can't quite hide.

She's hurting, too. The knowledge twists in my chest.

I watch her and Sofia sit, mykulkolka'sback to the window. Perfect. I exit my car and slip into the restaurant, choosing a corner booth to observe without being seen.

Tash's laugh carries across the room, but it sounds hollow and forced. Sofia is animated, gesturing as she talks, but I can see the tension in Natasha's shoulders as she keeps checking her phone.

Is she looking for messages from me?

I order a scotch when it becomes clear they're settling in for a long dinner. I shouldn't be here or watching her like this, but I can't help myself. I need to see her, even if only from afar.

I wait until they finish their meal, then time my exit to coincide with theirs. Sofia sees me first, her eyes widening before she makes a quick excuse and heads to her car.

Tash turns and freezes when she spots me. The light from the restaurant catches the gold flecks in her eyes, but her face falls, closing off.

"How have you been?" I keep my voice soft, battling the impulse to reach for her.

"Fine." She clutches her purse tighter, taking a step back. "I need to go."

"Tash, please." I move closer, careful not to crowd her. "Just talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about." Her voice wavers. "I learned who you were in that warehouse."

"That's not—" I reach for her arm, but she jerks away.

"Don't." Her eyes flash with anger and hurt. "I'm leaving. Now."

"Five minutes. That's all I'm asking for."

"I said no." She backs away. "Stay away from me, Dmitri. I mean it."

I could stop her and prevent her from walking away. But that would only prove I'm exactly the monster she thinks I am. So I watch her go, each step feeling like a knife in my chest.

38

TASH

Igrip my coffee cup tighter, walking into the boardroom. The familiar scent of his cologne hits me before I see him. My heart skips, but I force my expression to remain neutral.

"Good morning." I sit, deliberately avoiding his piercing gaze from across the table. "Today's agenda includes the upcoming Impressionist exhibition."

---