Page 69 of Brassy Bigwig

CHAPTER TWENTY

DIMITRIOS

While Chloe was in the bath, I texted Ivan and asked that he tell Shelby to message me. I was planning on looking in to this Blake eventually, but that’s when I thought he was no longer a threat. Now that he’s made contact with her again, it’s time to move him to the top of my to-do list.

I’m even more pissed because I made a promise I was going to tell Chloe about Emilia tonight, before our weekend went any further. But I can’t bring it up now. The last thing Chloe needs is another bomb to go off and more stress added to her plate.

While waiting for a response, I change out of my dress clothes and into a pair of gray sweatpants. I was hoping Shelby would text me before Chloe got out, but I hear the water draining out of the tub, and there’s been no message from her.

I watch as my théa walks out of my bathroom, wrapped up in a towel. I ache to see her, but this isn’t the time to be sexual with her. I’m livid the little prick ruined her night. From the texts I'd gotten throughout the day, it seemed like they were having an incredible time.

Then, when I walked into the bar and saw her in that fucking dress…

O, thee mu. Oh my god.

It was all I could do to keep myself from dragging her into the bathroom or the back of my limo and having my way with her. She was stunning. Even more so than in the black number she had on in Greece.

But the fear I saw in her face when she spotted him nearly gutted me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I never see that look on her face again.

“How was your bath, théa?”

“It was really nice, thank you. Those oils you used, what were they?”

“It’s a blend of olive oil, lavender, and almond.”

“It smells wonderful, and my skin feels like it just got a body polish.”

She sidles up to me and leans into my chest. My heart warms as I wrap her in my arms. It feels like they were made to hold her close. I rub my hand over her back reassuringly.

“You’re safe here, théa,” I ensure her softly as I lay a kiss on the crown of her head.

“I know,” she whispers.

“Here.” Taking her by the hand, I lead her into my dressing area. I grab an undershirt from my drawer and hand it to her. “You can wear this until we get you some pajamas to keep here.”

“Thank you, D. For everything.”

I give her a wink.

“Go ahead and get dressed. I’ll start on the popcorn.

She smiles sweetly before I turn away from her and leave the room. I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, and I pull it out to see an unknown number has sent me a message.

212-555-9187: Hey, it’s Shelby. Lurch said you wanted me to text you. Is Chloe okay?

Me: Lurch? Yes, Chloe is fine.

212-555-9187: Your tall-ass driver. He’s giving off serious creepy, silent guy vibes.

Me: Oh. He’s harmless. Did you guys make it home okay?

While I wait for her next reply, I add her number to my contact list.

Shelby: Yes, thank you for the ride. What did you need?

Me: I wanted to get some more information on this Blake asshole, but I didn’t want to involve Chloe in it. Do you know his last name or anything else about him?

I watch as three dots appear as she types out her response. They stay there, blinking over and over for several minutes, so I put my phone back in my pocket and start the popcorn. When it’s all finished and my penthouse smells like a movie theater, I take the bowl and some water out to the great room and place it on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

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