Page 117 of Wrapped in Perfection

"Is he coming after you?" I ask.

"No. Don't worry about it."

"Dmitri!"

His eyes widen. I've never yelled at him before.

"You can't act like I wasn't even in the room. I'm not a child. Do not treat me like one."

He closes his eyes and puts his forehead on mine. "I'm sorry. I don't want you anywhere near this."

"What does 'this' mean?"

He opens his eyes. "Him. I don't want him or any of his men near you."

"Is he coming after you?" I repeat, this time sterner. I already know the answer, and I'm not sure why I'm even bothering to ask it.

"No."

"Liar. Why are you lying to me? Just be honest," I cry out.

"You don't need to worry. He won't survive if he tries." He clenches his jaw and looks out the window.

I softly ask, "What does that mean?"

"Nothing."

"God dammit! I'm so tired of you lying to me."

"I'm not—"

I slap him. It happens so fast, I don't even know I'm doing it. My hand shakes from shock and the sting. "Oh God. I'm sorry. Dmitri." I pull his face to mine. I've never slapped anyone before. And shame fills me for hurting him.

His eyes darken. "Don't push me on this, kotik. We have a good thing going. If you push, you're going to destroy everything we have. It'll take the perfection of us and tear it to pieces until there is nothing left but painful memories."

"Why do you say that? Has this happened to you before with other women?" Jealousy skyrockets through me as I ask.

"No. I've never loved any woman the way I love you. I've not allowed anyone to get close but you."

"Then how do you know?"

"I do. You need to trust me."

The car stops, and Dmitri steps out before the driver even gets out.

I need to trust him. When does he trust me?

He reaches for my hand, and I take it without thinking. He leads me into the penthouse. As soon as we step off the elevators, he slides my coat off my shoulders.

We get into the main room, and I spin into him. I put my hands on his cheek. "I'm so sorry I slapped you."

"It's okay."

My insides quiver. "No. It's not. And this thing between us, it's not okay, either."

"Kotik—"

"I can't do this with you."

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