Page 29 of Deadly Protector
“Guest room?” Her mama’s eyebrows were raised, her tone all disbelief.
“Yes. Guest room. There’s too much going on right now to even think about…whatever.”
All her sisters just stared at her.
“Hey!” She couldn’t keep the defensive note out of her voice. “No judging me.”
“Not judging, girl. Just hoping you’ll get back out there,” Angel finally said.
Clarita nodded. “Yeah, you deserve it!”
Mila and her mom nodded and the conversation thankfully shifted in another direction. Once they started winding down, her mama told her to hold on after everyone else hung up.
“Are you sure you’re comfortable over there?” her mama asked. “Because if you feel stuck—”
“Oh no, I don’t feel stuck. I’m grateful to be here. More than that, I…really like him. Like a lot.” It didn’t seem to matter that there was so much about him she didn’t know yet; Dimitri had shown her who he was with his protectiveness. There was still a worry in the back of her head that she was making another mistake, but she was trying to silence that voice. “I mean, he’s kind of bossy, but it’s nice to have someone stepping up, taking over.” Looking out for her.
“Because you’ve been doing a lot on your own for thirteen years.”
Her mom would understand—she’d done most of the heavy lifting even before their dad died. Raising four girls, helping out anyone in the neighborhood who needed it, working crazy hours. She was like a superwoman.
“True enough, but I’ve always had you and my sisters.” They’d always helped if she’d asked—their help with childcare was the only reason she had a degree. She’d gotten scholarships, but that certainly hadn’t covered childcare. So she would be forever grateful for the help they’d given her when she’d been a young mom. She knew not everyone had that.
“So he treats you well?”
“He does. He’s cooking dinner right now.” She grinned at that—it was really, really nice not to have to cook.
“I like the sound of that. Listen, my sweet girl, don’t be afraid to take a chance because you got burned when you were young. You’re older, smarter now. And even if he’s not right for you, at least you’ll try and know. You deserve the chance at something real,” her mother said.
“So do you.”
“I know. That’s why I’m taking my next shot.”
“You think you’ll marry him?”
Her mom looked a little horrified at the question. “I don’t know about that. Right now I need to see if we’re compatible beyond the physical. He’s still keeping his place until we decide if there will be a next step.”
“Very practical.”
“I insisted.” Her mama shook her head slightly, a smile tugging at her mouth. “Now go, enjoy the rest of your night.”
“I will.” Or she would try. Even with the threat hanging over her head, at least she was under the same roof with Dimitri, a man who had brought out a side of her she forgot existed, made her feel alive in the most feminine way.
Dimitri glancedover his shoulder the moment Zamira stepped into the kitchen, turned to face her. She was quiet so he hadn’t heard her coming, but he swore his body was attuned to her presence.
When she was near, all he could think about was pulling her into his arms—and kissing her senseless. In loose pants and a fitted tank top, she looked relaxed and at home here. She’d left her hair down instead of pulling it back in a braid or ponytail and he wanted to run his hands through it as he claimed her mouth. And he really liked the sight of her being so comfortable in his house.
“Everything okay?”
She nodded, her gaze sweeping over him in a way he wondered if she was even aware of—with pure lust. “Yeah, just talked to my whole family. Are we still good to go over to Lyosha’s tomorrow?”
“Unless I hear from Ryba, yes.” And probably yes anyway. If he wasn’t with her, then he wanted her with someone he trusted. And he knew she likely needed the support of her mom and sisters right now.
“Well, that answers my other question.” She sighed and sat at the island.
He moved to pull the cork on the wine bottle he’d opened last night for her. “Would you like a glass?”
“Yes, please. I almost never drink, but with the kids gone I’m indulging a little bit.”
