Page 94 of Marked (Russian Sinners 1)

That was one thing Anastasia and I discussed together and couldn’t come to agreement. She knew she couldn’t just go shopping for a gift or order something online, nor could she transfer or withdraw money. She complained it didn’t feel right if the gift came from me. We kept going in circles until she resigned herself there was no better solution. I learned Anastasia was better at giving than receiving, and somehow it didn’t surprise me.

“Thank you but you shouldn’t have.”

Anastasia chewed on her lip, as if keeping her words at bay. She didn’t like the idea of taking the credit for the gift.

“You’re welcome. If you don't mind, Anastasia promised me a dance.”

I took her hand, and although dance music pumped through the speakers, I pulled her closer to me. Going along with me, she wrapped her hands around my neck, her fingernails gently brushing against my scalp. We moved slow on the dance floor, everyone else around us forgotten.

“It’s from both of us,” I told her again.

A heavy sigh left her lips. “Yes, except it came from your bank account and your pocket.” Pressing her body against me, I felt her words more than heard them. “I just hate that I can’t just go and get something as simple as a gift. You know?”

I rubbed her back in comfort. I could understand her struggle, having her freedom but not being able to enjoy it. She wasn’t captive under Boris’ men anymore but she still didn’t have all her freedom, not really. She had to remain on the compound to keep safe, she couldn’t dial her friends or father as she pleased, or withdraw her own money out of her account… all in fear Boris would track her down.

“What would make it better?” I couldn’t wait to bury Boris six feet under so he could no longer be a threat to her.

Her body moved in rhythm with mine, our dancing slow amidst the other dance couples.

“Let me pay you back half of it when all this is over,” she whispered hopeful. I should have known better than to ask a stupid question like that.

“No.”

“Dimitry-” She attempted to argue but I wouldn't have it.

“This is our first date and the man always settles the bill.”

A surprise flickered through her face, followed by a smile. “Darn, you got me there. But when you got the gift, it was a wedding so technically-”

“We won’t get hung up on technicalities,” I stopped her. “Now, Anastasia since this is our first date. Tell me something about yourself. How is it that a gorgeous woman such as yourself is not taken?”

She burst into laughter and I smiled at the beautiful sound. I noticed other men glancing her way, her vibrant personality drawing them in, hoping for a fraction of her attention. But to her nobody existed but the two of us. How she was capable of making me feel this way, I would never understand. Nobody had ever made me feel like I was the only one that mattered like she did. I had never been a whole world to anyone, not even to my own mother who birthed me.

“Well, Mr. Alexeyev… or can I call you Dimitry?” She batted her lashes at me, making me play her game.

“Yes, please. I would be honored to have my name on your lips”

She giggled. “Oh, Dimitry, thank you. I love your name. Well, to answer your question then. I had searched and searched this Earth for a man that would set off fireworks for me,” she leaned closer to me and whispered, “you know, in the bedroom. But all I got were firecrackers.” She took a deep sigh for dramatics and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “But then one day this guy busted through the door with a blazing gun… and boom.”

I recalled her comment in the car when she said she didn’t want to die, she still needed to experience the fireworks. I guess this was what she meant.

“You knew right away?” I egged her on.

“No, but I should have known. Because I never fell asleep next to a man before. Never.” I remembered that first day and how she fell asleep in the car surrounded by shattered glass, bullet holes, and with bruises covering her body. It made me want to go back and kill all those men. “You make me feel safe, Dimitry.”

Warmth spread through my chest at her admission. But also the fear of losing her became greater. Anastasia was a tattoo on my heart and there was no removing her even if I wanted to.

Inhaling deeply her scent, I gave her my solemn promise. “I will always save you, Anastasia. And keep you safe. No matter what.”

Her emerald gaze met mine. “Will you promise me one thing though?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t ever harm yourself in the process.” She kissed my chin. “Okay?”

I couldn’t promise her that. I would lay my life down for her.

“I promise I will keep us both safe.” That was the only promise I could give her. Because if it came down to her or me, it would always be her.

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