Page 23 of Darling Dmitri

Before I slid into the chair Axel offered, I heard the scrape of chair legs on concrete. “Sorina, a word.” Dmitri was already rounding the table, shouldering his friend out of the way as he clasped my elbow, pulling me toward him.

I dug my heels in to keep from falling into him and asked innocently, “Yes?”

“In private.” The words squeezed out between his teeth.

“Must you be so dramatic?”

He ignored me and yanked me along with him, past the patio to the other side of the lawn. I heard a male voice behind us, sounding like Axel’s. “What the fuck is his problem?”

We passed through the side gate that led to the driveway. He released his hold and crossed his forearms over his chest. I fixated on his biceps that were muscled and tattooed. I was always curious to see his latest artwork. It seemed like every year since I knew him, he always added another tattoo. He was bigger than I remembered, his chest more defined as his muscles seemed to flex beneath his shirt. I glanced at his face that seemed harder, and dark stubble graced his jaw, giving him a more manly, reckless appearance. Dumbly, I watched how his blue eyes narrowed at me—so dark, almost black in the evening shadows.

“Are you going to stare at me all night?”

“I wasn’t staring. You said you needed a word, and I’m waiting.”

“Stop stalling, Sorina. Why are you here?”

“Do I need a reason to visit my brother?”

“Cut the bullshit. Tell me why you’re here.”

“I did tell you. Cheer camp. All cheerleaders have to report tomorrow for training.”

“You’re telling me you are attending Hillside this year?” he asked in disbelief. “You’re not returning to St. Mary’s?”

I shrugged. “Plans change. Hillside seemed to better suit me. More collegiate activities that seemed more my speed, if you know what I mean.” I waggled my eyebrows. I had my own personal reasons for transferring here and wasn’t at liberty to share it with him yet. If ever.

If I was expecting a reaction other than mild disgust, I was sorely disappointed. “Does Arty know this?”

“Of course, he knows. You think I would transfer schools without telling him?” Arty loved to travel the world and was taking a six-month sabbatical. This time, he was touring India, Nepal, and Tibet. Probably trying to find the meaning of life or some shit, I guess. At first, he wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of my transfer, but relented when I told him I’d made the cheer team and was offered a scholarship. Besides, it was easier to spread the news when FaceTiming him while he was at a base camp on Mount Everest, and the altitude caused oxygen levels to drop. A short and sweet conversation.

“He never told me.”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t know you needed to be consulted on my decisions.”

“I do when you’re attending the same school as me.” His words were calm but held a little heat. He thrust a hand in his hair.

“I wanted to surprise you.” I smiled brightly and said sarcastically, “Surprise.” If Dmitri knew I was planning to attend Hillside, he would’ve tried his best to put the kibosh on it.

“I don’t need this complication in my life,” he mumbled, swiping a hand over his face. Then, he proceeded to grumble something in Russian, probably cursing me and my ancestors to perdition. Most of the time, he saw me as a pain in the ass, but there were a few times in the past when he hadn’t. Glimpses that I’d cherished more than I should.

However, over the last few years, we’d barely seen each other, much less spoken. Only when we came home for the holidays at college break. Even then, I could count the conversations we’d had on one hand, which were only superficial and basic as we sat together for dinner with Arty. Whenever we were alone, he peered down his aristocratic nose at me like I was the bane of his existence before turning his back on me. Dmitri didn’t even bother coming home this summer since Arty was out of the country, although I’d been home most of the summer. I guess he truly couldn’t stand being around me anymore.

“There’s nothing complicated about it. I’m not your problem anymore. I’m a grown woman and don’t need you acting as my big brother to chauffeur me around and make sure I stay out of trouble.”

His eyes raked over me slowly, and his tongue rolled over his bottom lip. “Is that what you think? You’re a grown woman now?” His voice dropped in timber as he spoke slowly.

My heartbeat irrationally sped up.

He shook his head, looking off to the side. “Where are you staying?”

“Why? Did you think I was hoping to settle in here?” He looked like he’d rather drink poison, and before he could answer, I said, “Don’t worry. I have a place, and I’m already moved in.”

“Where? On campus?”

“Actually, I’m sharing an apartment with two other people on the squad. Off-campus, but not far.”

He nodded, still watching me with a look conveying he hated this whole premise. “Text me the address.”

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