Chapter Three
Chapter Three
A melia wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders as the cool night air swept her skin. The moonless sky cast Shadowfield Manor’s gardens in an otherworldly glow, dark silhouettes of towering old trees and tall hedges. Crickets chattered an incessant serenade, while an owl hooted from a nearby tree. Fireflies flickered like tiny lanterns, their light gleaming across the fragrant blooms.
“Are you cold, lyubimaya?” Dimitri’s pronunciation was a deep rumble, his accent lending an exotic touch to the endearment.
“Just a little,” Amelia admitted, shivering. “What does lyubimaya mean?”
“Allow me.” He draped his tailored jacket over her shoulders with a gallant gesture. “It means beloved.”
His fingers grazed her collarbone, lingering just enough to send a jolt of heat through her body. She looked up into his face and smiled.
“Chivalrous,” she teased. “You don’t see that much these days.”
“Old habits die hard.” He shrugged, his lips curving into a smile that made her heart flutter.
“Well, I must say, your old-fashioned manners are nice.”
“You think so?” His tone was flirtatious, yet there was an undercurrent of sincerity that made her pulse speed up.
Amelia smiled at her new friend. “Yes. In fact, I think more men should take lessons from you, Dimitri.” Then she averted her gaze, suddenly shy under the scrutiny of Dimitri’s sexy stare. His gaze seemed to lance right through her, igniting a fire deep within that both electrified and terrified her.
“You flatter me, lyubimaya.” The endearment rolled off his tongue, smooth and sensual. “Though I fear my manners are merely a relic of a bygone era.” A wistful smile touched his lips. “Perhaps I should open a school.”
“Good idea. I bet you’ll have a line out the door.” Amelia laughed, the sound bright and musical in the night air. She drew his jacket tighter around her, savoring the warmth and the faint scent of his cologne.
“And what would you teach?” She tilted her head, studying him. “There’s something about you, Dimitri. A certain...mystery.” Her expression was light and laced with intrigue. “You can teach about the allure of a good mystery.”
His gaze was focused, making her feel like the only woman in the world. “I don’t know. Etiquette, maybe. Or the art of witty banter.”
“You seem to excel at both.”
Dimitri stepped closer, his presence exciting and unnerving. He reached out, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.
Amelia’s heart sprinted as she held his stare. There was something magnetic about Dimitri, an allure that went beyond his striking looks and old-world charm. It was as if he could see into her soul, understand her in a way no one else could.
Her cheeks flushed with heat, and she felt a rush of desire that left her breathless. His presence wrapped around her like a silk ribbon, binding her closer to him. Her attention wandered to thoughts she dared not voice—of his lips on hers, his hands exploring...
She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lust that curled low in her belly. “Dimitri...”
“Yes, lyubimaya?” His accent caressed the word, making it sound like a seduction.
Amelia knew she was treading on dangerous ground. Dimitri was unlike any man she had ever met, and the attraction between them was combustible. But she hardly knew him, and her life was complicated enough without falling for a mysterious stranger.
“Tell me, Dimitri,” she said, needing a distraction, “are the legends about Shadowfield Manor true?”
He raised an eyebrow, his expression turning somber. “Which ones do you mean?”
“Ghosts. Vampires. Things that go bump in the night.”
“Ah, those.” He chuckled softly. “Every old manor has its stories. They add character, don’t you think?”
Amelia’s heart thudded just a little faster. It wasn’t the stories themselves that intrigued her; it was the way he said it, as if he knew more than he let on. She had always been drawn to the unknown, to the mysteries that lay just beyond the veil of everyday life.
“Sure. But do you think that any of them are true?”
“Truth is often stranger than fiction, Amelia.” His accent was low, sexy. “What if I told you some legends have a grain of truth?”
Her thoughts wandered to all the tales she had heard growing up—rumors of creatures lurking in shadows and supernatural folklore that never died.
“Then I’d say you’re teasing me again,” she replied.
“Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.” He leaned closer, his cool breath against her ear. “Would you like to find out?”
The proximity of his presence started evoking a swirl of heat that enveloped her body. She had continuously felt like an outsider in her own life, trapped by expectations and obligations. Yet here was Dimitri, offering her a glimpse into a world where rules didn’t apply.
“Depends,” she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from his.
“Life’s greatest mysteries are often the most thrilling to explore.”
That resonated with something deep inside her—a longing for escape and the unknown. Was she ready to step into this world he hinted at? It felt like standing on the edge of a precipice, knowing one step could change everything.
“You’re maddening, you know that?” she teased.
“Yet here you are, walking through my garden on this moonless night. Alone and unchaperoned.”
The garden seemed to close in around them, each shadow hiding secrets she yearned to uncover. Being with him made her feel alive in ways she couldn’t explain or even fully understand.
“All true,” she said, feeling the allurement of his charm tighten around her heart.
She wondered who he really was and what he wanted from her. Her life had always been so carefully planned out and it was time for something unpredictable.
“Shall we continue our stroll?” He offered his arm.
Amelia slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and felt that this moment was a turning point. His muscles tensed at her touch, revealing the effect she had on him. While they walked, she felt the strength of his presence beside her, grounding her even as her thoughts soared.
“Amelia,” he said softly, breaking the silence.
“Yes?”
“Thank you for joining me tonight.”
“My pleasure. Now, about these legends...” she prompted, hoping for more.
“Patience, lyubimaya,” he said, staring at her lips. “All in good time.”
Her breath stalled, and she felt a longing so strong it was almost painful. As they continued their walk, she knew that she was falling, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to stop.
“Is that a promise, Dimitri?” Amelia’s expression was eager, heartfelt.
“Most definitely,” he responded, his gaze locking onto hers with a potency that made her heart race.
The garden path led them deeper into the shadows, where the air grew cooler and the fragrance of night blooming jasmine became intoxicating. They paused near a secluded alcove, hidden from the manor’s distant lights.
Dimitri turned to face her, his hand gently tracing the line of her jaw. “Amelia,” he whispered silky and gravelly, “you have bewitched me in ways I never thought possible.”
She felt herself leaning into his touch, her body responding to him with a fervor she couldn’t control. “And you, Dimitri, have awakened my interest in men.”
“Then let us not waste another moment,” he said, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and hungry, their passion igniting like a spark to dry tinder. Amelia’s hands roamed over Dimitri’s broad chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath his tailored suit. His own hands were no less exploratory, sliding down her back and jerking her closer until there was no space left between them.
Amelia’s body responded to his strength, his kisses, his undeniable attraction. She felt the heat of his erection pressing against her, sending floods of desire coursing through her. She wanted him, needed him in ways that defied logic and propriety.
“Amelia,” he groaned against her mouth, his voice thick with need.
“Dimitri,” she whispered, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed herself even closer to him.
They stumbled at the same time, finding support against the rough bark of an oak tree. His hands slid under her dress, caressing her thighs, and she gasped at the sensation, her body arching toward him in a soundless plea for more.
“Do you feel this, lyubimaya?” he asked, his breath hot against her ear as his fingers traced the edges of her panties.
“Yes.” She moaned, her body quivering with lust. “I want you, Dimitri.”
“Then take what you want.” His lips trailed down her neck, leaving a scorching path in their wake.
Her hands moved with a mindfulness of their own, exploring the planes of his body, feeling the tautness of his muscles, the heat radiating from his skin. She could sense his restraint, the careful control he held over himself, and it only made her want him more.
He groaned, lifting her up so her legs wrapped around his waist. “You are driving me mad.”
“Good,” she replied, her voice husky with yearning. “Because I’m already lost in you.”
His movements became more urgent, his kisses more frantic as they both teetered on the edge of control. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in a feverish embrace.
“Wait…” Dimitri suddenly pulled back, his breathing ragged. “We must stop, or I won’t be able to.”
Amelia panted, trying to gather her composure. Her body ached for release, but she nodded, understanding the necessity of restraint. Slowly, they disentangled themselves, straightening their clothes.
“That was...” Amelia whispered, but words failed her.
“Nice,” Dimitri finished for her, his stare still hazy with lingering passion. “Shall we walk?”
“Yeah, okay.” She felt off kilter from the kissing, every fiber of her being still thrumming with unmet need.
They resumed their stroll and passed a small graveyard, then paused at the gate.
His expression darkened, a tempest of emotions moving across his face. For a moment, she thought she glimpsed a glimmer of pain, of loneliness so profound it stole her breath away. Then, as quickly as it came, the moment passed, and his features smoothed into an inscrutable mask.
“These two gravestones...they belong to my wife and child.”
Amelia’s heart clenched at the pain in his tenor. “I’m so sorry, Dimitri,” she said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
“That is kind of you to say,” he replied, his gaze fixed on the weathered stones. “It was a long time ago, but the loss still haunts me.”
“You’re not alone in your grief, Dimitri. We all carry our own burdens.”
He exhaled, turning to face her. “So very true, and with you, I might find some solace.”
“We both can...”
“Shall we continue?” he asked, offering his arm again.
She nodded, slipping her hand into the crook of his arm. They walked farther into the garden, and she felt a slight curiosity and the need to know more about the eccentric man beside her.
“Tell me, Dimitri,” she said, “what do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing host to curious women in your eerie manor?”
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Ah, you wound me, lyubimaya. Eerie? I prefer the term ‘historically rich.’”
“Tomato, tomahto,” she teased.
He paused, smiling down at her. “I have a passion for music. In particular, the piano. It has been a constant companion through the years.”
“Really? That’s wonderful!” Amelia’s face lit up with genuine interest. “I adore music as well. Though, I must confess, my talents are limited to dancing rather than playing.”
“Then perhaps one day, we shall make a splendid pair—me at the piano and you entertaining everyone with your grace.”
“That sounds...nice, but I’m far from graceful,” she said, feeling a sudden warmth in her face.
“And what about you, Amelia?” Dimitri’s expression softened. “What brings light to your days?”
“Books,” she replied almost instantly. “Romance novels, particularly. They allow me to escape, to dream of a love that transcends time and space.”
“Ah, a true romantic at heart. I should have guessed. Romance, too, has its place in my heart, though it has often brought me more sorrow than joy.”
She felt a sudden urge to bridge the distance between them, to understand the man who had so quickly become the center of her thoughts.
His gaze was powerful and unwavering. “And I find myself grateful for your friendship.”
They resumed walking the gardens.
“You mentioned your wife and child earlier. What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Dimitri’s steps slowed, and she felt the tension return to his body. “It was a tragedy,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “My wife died in childbirth, and my child followed soon after. It shattered me in ways I never thought possible. That loss is something I carry with me every day.”
Amelia’s heart ached for him. “I’m so sorry, Dimitri. No one should have to endure such pain.”
“That means a lot to me,” he said quietly. “It’s a burden I’ve borne alone for many years. But speaking of it now, with you, somehow makes it feel lighter.”
“You’re not alone anymore,” she whispered, squeezing his arm gently. “And you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.”
“Your kindness humbles me, Amelia…and I am beginning to believe that there is hope for happiness once more.”
“Tell me more about your childhood,” she said. “What was it like growing up in Russia?”
“Ah, Russia,” he mused, a nostalgic glint in his expression. “It was a land of perspicacious polarity—harsh winters and warm summers, opulent ballrooms and humble villages. My family was noble, but our lives were far from easy. We faced many challenges, yet we found joy in simple pleasures—music, literature, and the beauty of nature.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’ve always dreamed of visiting such places, experiencing different cultures and histories.”
“One day, I can show you. There is much beauty to be found in the world, and I would love to share it with you.” He smiled. “Tell me about your childhood and upbringing. Did you grow up in Redgold Village?”
She shook her head, a wistful smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Yes, I was born and raised in Redgold Village. But it’s a gilded cage, a world of suffocating expectations and shallow pursuits. and I constantly longed for something more, something real and meaningful. To break free from the confines of my privileged life and discover who I truly am. Even dreaming of the escapades that awaited me beyond the village borders. Society and my parents expect me to follow a certain path—to marry well and uphold the family name. Yet my heart yearns for a different kind of life, one filled with passion and purpose...if that makes sense.”
Dimitri leaned closer, his expression coquettish and intimate. “I know that feeling all too well. And who are you, Amelia Lancaster? Beneath the layers of silk and lace, the polished veneer of a society darling, what does your heart truly desire?”
Her breath caught in her throat. “I...I want to be seen, to be understood for who I am, not just for my family name or the expectations placed upon me. I want to experience the world, to find love and adventure on my own terms. I believe that true happiness lies in following one’s heart, no matter the obstacles or consequences.”
“Then let me be the one to show you,” he said, his fingertips grazing the delicate skin of her wrist. “Let me be your guide. Thus, what does your heart tell you now, Amelia?”
Amelia’s pulse galloped, her skin tingling where he touched her. “It tells me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, here with you.”
“Good,” Dimitri said, his voice a fierce whisper in the moonlit garden. “Then let us explore each other further, lyubimaya. Tell me about your childhood in Redgold Village.”
“Redgold is charming,” Amelia said, her gaze reflecting the twinkle of distant stars. “It’s a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business. I grew up with five older siblings, always competing for attention but also fiercely protective of one another. My parents...well, they were more concerned with maintaining appearances than nurturing dreams.”
“Quite the lively household. In Russia, my family was smaller but no less complicated. The winters were harsh, and we found amiability in our traditions—feasts, music, and stories passed down through generations.”
“That sounds lovely. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures. What kind of traditions did you have?”
“Ah, many,” he said, his accent thickening as he delved into memories. “One of my favorites was the winter solstice festival. We would light candles to ward off the darkness and feast until dawn. There was dancing, laughter, and a sense of unity that I’ve not felt in many years.”
“That sounds magical,” Amelia said, her hand instinctively reaching for his. “In Redgold Village, we have the Harvest Festival. It’s simpler but filled with joy—hayrides, apple cider, and everyone coming together to celebrate the season’s bounty.”
Dimitri’s thumb caressed the back of her hand. “It seems we both come from places where community is cherished. Yet here we are, finding a friendship in the most unlikely of places.”
“Isn’t it strange?” Amelia smiled tenderly, her expression soft. “Two people from such different worlds, yet there’s a kinship between us.”
“It was inevitable. Fated some might say. Some relationships transcend time and place, lyubimaya.”
They walked in silence for a moment, the perfume of night-blooming flowers enveloping them. They approached the gates at the edge of the garden, and Dimitri stopped and turned to face her.
“Amelia, would you like to come inside? To my bedroom?”
Her body froze, a flow of excitement and trepidation flooding her senses. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the promise of passion in his heated stare. Her head was crowded with images of what could be, the feel of his hands on her skin, the taste of his lips on hers.
“I want to,” she admitted. “But it’s too soon.”
“Understandable. No pressure.” Dimitri stepped closer. “When you are ready, you know where to find me,” he whispered, his lips brushing her temple in a tender kiss.
Once they parted ways at the gate, Amelia’s heart was aching with a longing she had never known before. She wanted more—more of him, more of this newfound connection, more of everything that Dimitri represented.