Page 78 of Savage Little Lies

I should step back. I should put distance between us.

Instead, I lean into him.

“What’s wrong?” Dmitri asks as his brows knit together in confusion. “I thought you would be happy.”

“I am,” I blurt out before pulling my hand away from the back of his neck. I rest my hands on his chest, feeling his body tense. “I just can’t help but wonder what this means for you. Are you going to be safe? Is someone going to come after you for backing out?”

Dmitri’s face softens a hint. “Are you worried about me?”

My heart forgets how to beat for a second as I gaze up at him, seeing the genuine curiosity in his deep blue eyes.

“I can’t help it,” I whisper.

And that’s the most dangerous truth I’ve ever told him.

“You worry about me. Not my money, or power, but me.” Dmitri’s eyes roam over my face for a few moments before his gaze settles on my lips. He suddenly leans down and kisses me, stealing the air from my lungs.

My thoughts scatter as his hands frame my face, his lips brushing against mine slowly. Tenderly. I gladly melt into him, knowing that I’m counting down the moments.

Dmitri strokes my cheeks with his thumbs as our kiss deepens, his hold on me remaining firm like he doesn’t want to let go. Part of me doesn’t want him to.

But everything comes to an end.

“I have some things to do today,” Dmitri says as he rests his forehead against mine, his hands not leaving the frame of my flushed face just yet.

“I can come with you,” I tell him. My main job might be done, but I can still work with him until it’s safe for me to leave.

The corner of his mouth curls up a little. “Not this time. I want you to do something else for me today.”

I frown at him. He can’t possibly want me to just organize files and sit around the office, right? His entire world is going to implode after the decision that he just made!

“I want you to go to your place and pack a bag,” Dmitri tells me before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his wallet. He slips cash into my hand. “Go to my place. One of my men will let you in. Order us some takeout around six o’clock. Whatever you want.”

I raise an eyebrow at him as I tuck the hundred dollars into the front right pocket of my pants. “You’re paying for dinner too?”

Dmitri smirks. “Well, you’ll need your strength for what I’ve got planned for us tonight.”

Warmth stirs low in my stomach as my mind conjures up plenty of scenarios. I have no idea what to expect, but I can only assume it’s going to be amazing after yesterday’s encounter in the office.

One night won’t ruin anything.

That’s what I tell myself.

“You’re loving this arrangement, aren’t you?” I ask him with a teasing smile, unable to quell the excitement within me. If he needs me to take his mind off things, I’ll gladly do so tonight.

I need a temporary distraction too.

“Very much,” Dmitri replies before pressing a lingering kiss against my lips. “Now, go on. I’ll see you tonight.”

I wonder what he’ll do today besides getting my money. He didn’t even hesitate when he saw my price.

“Be careful,” I tell him seriously. If he gets confronted by his family or the Suyunovs today, I need him to keep himself safe.

“I will,” Dmitri assures me before opening the door for me.

With a small smile on my face, I walk out of the bathroom and past some of his men to leave the antique shop. The driver who picked me up is still waiting outside in the black sedan that I rode in.

“I need a ride back to my place,” I tell him before giving him the address.