Page 79 of Darling Dmitri

“Get your hands off me!” I yanked away from him. “You knew. You knew this all along and didn’t tell me?”

“I didn’t know about the car accident.” He stepped closer. “Just listen to me.”

I danced away from him, wanting to hurt him. Slap him from hurting me like this. “Did you find this amusing? You and Arty sharing this secret about my mother?” I lashed out, punching him in the chest. “How could you? How could you do this to me?” I hit him again, and he didn’t budge. “You asked me with a straight-face how I met Arty.” My eyes blurred as I felt my heart cracking. “You must’ve thought I was an idiot.”

“No. He made me promise not to say anything.” He reached out to me again, and I slapped his hands away. “I swear I knew nothing about the accident.”

“Stay away from me.” I ran and grabbed my purse, gathering my things in my bag, while Dmitri watched me with blood staining his face and sorrow in his eyes. I turned away. He’d lied to me. He’d protected Arty’s secret. He betrayed me.

“Sorina, don’t leave. Please let me explain.” Arty’s eyes were bloodshot, and his shoulders slumped as he cautiously took a few steps.

“Don’t you dare take a step closer,” I sneered at him. I slung my purse over my shoulder. “I’m leaving, and don’t try to stop me.” I glared at Arty in disgust. “I will never forgive you for this.”

“Don’t do this,” Dmitri growled, as if he was high-handed enough, I would listen.

I shook my head slowly. “I’m leaving, and you’re going to let me go. I’m sorry, but this time you can’t manipulate me to your will.”

He ground his teeth together but said nothing.

I stared straight ahead, willing myself not to look at Dmitri again, or I might lose my nerve and break down in front of him. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I picked up my pace as I walked around him and out of the room.

Sorina

I woke up in the middle of the night cold and alone. At first, I was disoriented because I made it home earlier, around six in the evening, and cried myself to sleep. I was wide awake after sleeping for eight hours. I grabbed the phone off my nightstand and saw several notifications from Dmitri.

Dmitri:Are you ok?

Dmitri:I’m sorry.

Dmitri:I didn’t know.

Dmitri:Give me a chance to explain.

Dmitri:Talk to me.

I closed my eyes and sighed heavily, tossing my phone aside. I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs, then winced when my breasts were pressed against my thighs.Ow. I loosened my hold, leaving some space. It must be that time of the month again.

I bit my nail, allowing the past conversation to unfold in my head again. Why? Why didn’t they tell me? Did Adriana know the truth of Mami’s death? She had to have. I assumed she was watching me that night if they were on a date. However, she never gave me the details of what happened. I sniffed and leaned my head on my knee. I’d never know since she was gone, too. My chest burned as I began to cry, mourning my losses once more.

Monday had me dragging butt. I overslept and had fifteen minutes to make it to my first class of the day, biology. I showered in record time, dressed, and was out the door with five minutes to spare. My stomach grumbled, and I wanted to stop by the student center to grab some food, but didn’t have time.

Walking down the sidewalk to the Conner building, I heard my name. Turning around, I tensed at seeing Dmitri approach with a craft paper bag in his hand. I picked up my steps.

“Wait.” He loped up to me, matching my strides.

“I’m late for class.”

“Dammit, listen to me.” He moved in front of me, blocking my path.

I stared at his chest, avoiding his eyes. “Please don’t. I can’t talk right now, and I have to get to my biology class.”

“Fine.” He held out the sack to me. “Here. Thought you might be hungry.”

I took it if only for the fact Dmitri would stand here until I did. After all, I knew he had a problem with people not falling in line with him. He wasn’t accustomed to anyone saying “no” or “leave me alone.” I only wanted to get to class before I did something stupid and broke down in front of him. “Thanks.”

I started around him and almost thought he would reach out and stop me, but he let me go.

“This isn’t over,” he warned, causing me to pause before I all but sprinted to class.

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