Page 44 of Wrapped in Perfection

He crosses his arms. "Don't be ridiculous, Anna."

I point to everything. "This is creating a large mess, and it's stacked neatly right now."

He sets my laptop on the table, goes to the pile, and starts laying tile and wood pieces all over the floor.

"What are you doing?"

"You can't see what things are if they aren't spread out, can you?"

"I have a way to keep it neater."

He snorts. "Well, this seems like a better way to me."

"But then you're going to have a bigger mess."

"Are we having a party tonight I'm not aware of?"

"What?"

He spreads mini countertop slabs next to the flooring. "If you can't see it, you don't know it exists."

"Not true."

He moves the wallpaper and paint sample books several feet away from each other.

My chest tightens. "You need to stop."

He gives me a challenging stare. "Why?" He drops another book on the floor, and it lands with a thud.

I jump.

He steps in front of me.

I cringe and put my hands in the air, as if to block him.

His face drops and eyes widen. He lowers his voice. "Do you think I am going to hurt you, Anna?"

"I'm sorry. I don't know... I didn't mean..." I spin and put my hands over my face. My lungs feel smaller. I struggle to get enough oxygen.

Dmitri wraps his arms around me. His body is flush to my back. "You're shaking."

I keep trying to breathe.

He holds me tighter and puts his cheek against mine. "I would never lay a finger on any woman, especially not you."

I nod.What is wrong with me?

"I will not have you worrying about making a mess while you are here. You need space and light to work. If you need a table and chair, you will have it. If you need a second or tenth computer, I will provide it. If you tell me I need to go to the store and buy a roll of white paper and finger paints, I will."

I manage a laugh. "Finger paints?"

"If that is what you need, my little kotik, you shall have it. Are we clear?"

Stop screwing everything up.

"Yes. I'm sorry."

He kisses my cheek and spins me into him. "No apologies. Now, what about paper and pens? Pencils? What do you need?"

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