Page 16 of Sinner's Obsession

“I like you, Efrem,” she blurts, the words rushing from her mouth like water bursting through a dam.

Shocked motionless, I’m frozen mid-turn as I stop to absorb Dani’s words. My body seems to catch up faster than my mind because my pulse starts to hammer before I’m fully sure I heard her correctly.

Dani looks more vulnerable than I’ve ever seen her. Those almond-shaped eyes widening to further expose their midnight-blue color. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips in an almost nervous gesture. Then she straightens, her shoulders squaring as if to help her regain confidence.

“And I thought—if you do happen to find me attractive—we might… try going out sometime.” She finished her statement by tucking her blonde hair behind one ear, exposing her fine jaw, and calling my attention to the flush of her skin.

For once, I feel off-center. Physically, I pride myself on being poised for anything, ready to defend against whatever unexpected circumstance I might face. But this, I’m entirely unprepared for.

“You would go on a date with me?” I ask, surprise evident in my tone.

Dani releases a breathy giggle that sends strange ripples through my chest. I’ve experienced my fair share of women and can appreciate feminine beauty, but none have affected me quite like this before.

“If that’s something you would enjoy,” she says, her playful tone laced with a shyness I don’t often see in Dani. Then her eyes drop, as if she’s bracing for my rejection.

Typically, I would call her bold, unapologetic, like a daffodil bursting through the snow in late March. But this newfound vulnerability strikes something deeply instinctual within me, a need to protect. To claim.

Daring to let myself near her, I close the distance between us and hook a finger beneath her chin. A soft gasp rushes between Dani’s lips, making me ache with need, and my abs tighten. As softly as my violent hands can manage, I tip Dani’s face up until she looks at me.

“Go to dinner with me tomorrow night,” I say, intensely aware of her lean body mere inches from mine.

She nods, her delicate chin moving lightly against my hand. “It’s a date,” she breathes.

A smile of hungry anticipation curls my lips. And though I know I shouldn’t want it, I can’t wait for the hours until then. “Good.” Forcing myself to take a step back, I put distance between us before I get too bold. “Good night,krasivyy tsvetok.”

Dani smiles, her sunny confidence suddenly radiating from her once again as her dimples reappear. “Good night, Efrem.”

Then I watch as she quickly retraces her steps and vanishes back inside.

5

DANI

“Love you, bye!” I call, dashing past the living room as soon as I see Efrem approaching down the street. In my attempt to keep my family in the dark about who my date is with, I intend to meet him on the street before he has a chance to ring the bell.

“Wait, when will you be home?” my mom demands, looking up from her book.

“Later?” I suggest with a cheeky grin.

Mom scowls, showing me just how little humor she finds in my snark. “Midnight. No later.”

“Yes, fairy godmother!” I tease, rushing out the door before she can call me back in to scold me. “Hey, Hanson,” I greet as I traipse down the steps.

“Miss,” he acknowledges stiffly.

Releasing the flowing fabric of my golden-white-and-chocolate-hibiscus-decorated black dress, I stop short as Efrem reaches the foot of my front steps. Even though I’m on the bottom step and he’s on the ground level, he still towers above me.

But his disarming grin puts me instantly at ease.

“You look beautiful,” he states, his strong accent caressing my ears.

Warmth pools in my cheeks and lights a flame deep in my core. I chose this dress intentionally for its flattering cut and elegant design—something I hope makes me look mature, though it’s still vibrant enough to feel like me. “Thanks. You clean up nicely.”

My blush intensifies as I take in his fine charcoal-colored suit and the blue-striped shirt that accentuates his electric eyes. I’m used to seeing him in dark athletic, tailored dress shirts and slacks that would allow for quick movement. Not fine blazers and ties.

His throaty chuckle makes my stomach quiver, and he offers me his elbow. “Yes, I don’t wear suits often, but I do own a few.”

“So, where are you taking me?” I ask lightly, appreciating the feel of his muscular arm beneath my palm as I follow him down the street.

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