Page 9 of Dmitri

“I need time,” I say, testing his response.

“That’s fine, Cora. I can give you time.”

I nod, pleased with his answer, and then say, “Um, and I’ll need my clothes.”

“Yes. I’m bringing in a stylist with a lot of garments for you to choose from while I work today. I gave them the measurements from your outfit, so the clothes should be your size, but a tailor will be here as well.”

“I don’t understand. Wouldn’t it just be easier to go get my things from my hotel room?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure if there will be a problem acquiring them.” Of course, he doesn’t have a key to the room, and I’m theonly one registered at the hotel. My purse is on the dining room sideboard, so I snatch it up.

I dug through my purse and handed him the keycard. “Here’s my keycard.”

“I’ll deal with the hotel and your belongings. Until your clothes arrive, you’re more than welcome to keep to the bedroom. If not, there is a small library down this way.” I can tell he doesn’t like that I’m half-naked and roaming the house.

We eat “It doesn’t make sense. How did this guy know I would be in Italy and know about my relationship with my stepfather?” I asked as I continue to dig through the purse for my phone. “Where is my phone?”

“It’s safe. What kind of relationship do you have with him?” he asks with a growl, standing up and closing the distance. “Come on, tell me. Has that fucker touched you?”

“No, ew. That’s not the kind of relationship I was talking about. I mean we’re close. He has been a part of my life since I was ten.” I roll my eyes, taking a step back.

He moves in and grasps my chin. “Then you need to be a little clearer.”

“You need to keep your head out of the gutter.” Again, he clamps his mouth shut like he wants to say something.

“It means stop being so filthy minded.”

“Yes, I know what it means. It is just you made it sound like there was some other relationship than a normal father daughter one.” I supposed I had said it awkwardly, but it’s not what I meant.

“Not all stepchildren get along with their stepfathers. He’s always taken good care of me, especially after my mother died.”

He huffs and says, “Sit down. Your breakfast is getting cold.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Tough. Eat.” I sit down and take a couple bites of my toast and jam and then pour some juice. He reaches over the table and places his hand over mine. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you need to take better care of yourself or let me take care of you.”

“I understand. However, I’m just confused about all of this.”

“Are you attracted to me?” he asks.

“Without a doubt,” I confess swiftly. Attracted is an understatement because I want to crawl into his lap and grind on him until he makes me come.

“Then that’s all we need to know right now,” he explains.

“Maybe for you, but I need to call my stepfather. I haven’t heard from him in two days.”

“Like I said last night, if you want to call him, you’ll wait until tonight.”

Mikhail enters the dining room, clearing his throat before saying, “Dmitri, the stylist and her team are here.”

Dmitri doesn’t bother to stop looking at me when he responds to him. “Search them and then let them in.”

“Very well. Where would you like them to meet you?”

“In my bedroom,” he answers. Mikhail nods and leaves, attending to the matter while I sit there and wonder how I’m supposed to get over the instant arousal Dmitri’s command sends through me. It’s automatic and intense. My gaze lingers on his tattoo-covered hands, admiring the strength and wanting them on me again.

“What’s on your mind?” He takes my hand and laces our fingers.

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