Chapter 23
Inestle into Dimitris strong embrace, comforted by his presence after the days harrowing events. He runs his fingers gently through my hair as we sit on the bed. I feel my body finally relax, the adrenaline from earlier wearing off.
Looking around, I take in the details of Dimitris bedroom. Its sparsely furnished - just the large bed, a dark wood nightstand, and a dresser. The walls are painted a deep shade of gray that makes the room feel cozy and intimate. Heavy curtains cover the window, blocking out the lights.
How are you feeling? he asks, his voice gentle.
I give a small shrug. Still processing everything, I guess.
Its been a whirlwind few hours. After my fathers chauffeur brought us here from the estate, I collapsed into bed almost immediately, emotionally and physically drained.
Dimitri insisted I rest while he handled things. I dont know exactly what he did after we arrived - made some phone calls, cleaned himself up. Now hes here, showered and changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Dimitri has proven hell protect me at all costs.
He reaches over and takes my hand, his rough, calloused fingers intertwining with mine. I savor the warmth of his palm against my skin.
How did he find you? Dimitri asks, his voice soft but serious.
I know hes referring to Lorenzo ambushing me in my hospital room. I shudder thinking about Lorenzos menacing fury when he appeared.
Im not sure, I reply. He seemed to know exactly where Id be.
Dimitris jaw tightens. He must have had inside information to locate you so easily.
I consider this for a moment. Lorenzo always seemed to know more about me than I realized. Then it hits me.
My father, I say. He must have given Lorenzo access to my personal information, like my class schedule. I wouldnt put it past him to list Lorenzo as my emergency contact.
Dimitri swears under his breath. I know hes angry at the idea of Lorenzo having that kind of access to me. To be honest, it terrifies me, too.
Dimitri pulls me tighter against him. He cant ever hurt you again, he reassures me, his voice hard with determination.
I nod; after today, I know Im safe. Lorenzo is gone, and my father has accepted Dimitri.
He places a hand gently on my still-flat stomach. Our child will have a good life, he says. Everything is going according to plan now.
I hit Dimitri playfully on the shoulder, unable to contain my smile.
Dimitri grins and pulls me close, planting a tender kiss on my lips. I feel his hand cradle my face as the kiss deepens. After a blissful moment, we slowly pull apart.
I search Dimitris face, still processing everything he said. A part of me knows I should be afraid of how fiercely possessive he is of me, but instead, I feel safe, like nothing could ever harm me as long as Im with him.
Dimitri, I say softly. Can I ask you something?
He nods, his piercing blue eyes fixed steadily on me.
I take a deep breath before continuing. Are you... do you have anything to do with the campus killings?
Dimitri doesnt even flinch at my question. His expression remains neutral.
Yes, he says after a pause.
Im not surprised by his admission, the thought had obviously occurred to me, but hearing him confirm it still sends a chill down my spine.
Why? I ask.
Dimitris jaw clenched, his eyes flashing momentarily with anger before he regained his composure.
Because no one touches what is mine without paying the price, he states firmly.
I understand now - the four men Dimitri murdered, Boris Andrei, Mikhail, and Lev, had all hurt or threatened me in some way that day. Dimitri was eliminating everyone that hurt me.
I should be horrified, but part of me is oddly touched that Dimitri cares so deeply about protecting me, despite his disturbing methods. He notices my conflicted expression and cups my face in his hands.
You have nothing to fear, my love, he murmurs. I would never let anyone harm you or our child.
Despite the twisted nature of it all, I know Dimitri means every word. In his lethal way, he is devoted to me.
I snuggle deeper into Dimitris embrace, comforted by his protective presence. Yet my mind is still troubled, thinking of the sacrifice he made for me today.
Dimitri, I say softly, looking up at him. What will happen to your brother now? You should be taking over the family business from your father. But now, accepting my name...
I trail off, hating that Ive caused him to break his promise to his family. Dimitris jaw tightens, his eyes flashing with a flicker of anger, though not directed at me.
Dont worry about my brother, he says firmly. I will handle it. There are still ways I can aid the family.
He pauses, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face.
All that matters now is you finishing your studies and giving birth to our child. His voice softens. You may do anything you wish after that. I only want your happiness.
I feel a swell of emotion at his words. Despite his ruthlessness, he is willing to sacrifice so much for me. I know our life together will not be without darkness, but I also know he is devoted to me fully.
Dimitri, I... My voice falters as I struggle to find the words.
He silences me with a tender kiss, his hand cupping my cheek. I melt into it, all my worries fading away.
With him, I feel desired and protected. No one but Dimitri makes me feel this way.
As we slowly pull apart, he searches my face knowingly. You are mine, as I am yours. This is fate.
I nod, allowing myself to accept this truth Ive denied for so long. We belong together despite everything trying to tear us apart.
I stare at the ostentatious diamond ring on my left hand, which Lorenzo forced upon me when our engagement was announced. Even in the dim light it glitters mockingly. It represents everything Ive been fighting so desperately to escape - the life of servitude and abuse Lorenzo and my father tried to trap me in. I am finally free.
Slowly, I begin twisting the ring off my finger, feeling a swell of defiance. This ring never belonged on my finger. I was never Lorenzos.
With a firm tug, the ring comes loose. I clutch it in my fist tightly as if squeezing the last trace of Lorenzo from my life. Then, swiftly, I hurl the ring across the room. It hits the wall with a sharp ping before clattering to the floor.
I feel Dimitris gaze on me but I dont look at him. He understands the meaning behind this symbolic act of rebellion.
Im yours now, Dimitri, I say firmly, finally voicing the truth weve known for so long. Only yours.
I hear him inhale sharply behind me. Then suddenly, his strong arms are around my waist, pulling my back against his firm chest.
Yes, you are mine, he growls in my ear, his grip tightening possessively. And I am yours.
My heart races at his words. I finally turn in his arms to face him, prepared to give myself to him fully.
But then Dimitri steps back, his expression growing serious. Slowly, he removes the chain he always wears around his neck, on which hangs a gold ring.
My eyes widen in shock. Dimitri gently takes my hand in his and slides the ring onto my left finger. It fits perfectly, as if made for me.
I bought this for you on the first day I saw you here at this university, Dimitri says solemnly. I vowed that day to make you my wife.
My eyes fill with tears at his confession. After all this time, all the pain and heartbreak... he had planned this from the beginning. Lorenzos ring meant nothing - I had belonged to Dimitri all along.
I love you! I gasp.
A smile spreads across his face, erasing the hardness that is usually there. He pulls me into his arms again, holding me tightly.
We stand there, embracing each other for a long moment. When we finally pull apart, Dimitri takes my hand, his eyes burning intensely into mine.
Now, you are truly mine forever, he says, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing the ring he placed there.