Page 83 of Savage Little Lies

Cara

My body feels heavy and sore when I wake up the next morning, surrounded by Dmitri—his sheets, his scent, his heat.

I slowly blink open my eyes, having to squint at first against the light spilling through his bedroom windows. It takes a moment for my brain to catch up with everything that happened yesterday and last night, and when it does, it leaves me reeling.

I didn’t just nudge him into calling off the marriage.

I got paid $100,000 for the best night of my life.

I turn my head to see Dmitri sleeping on his stomach next to me, his cheek nestled against his pillow. I suddenly feel guilty for what I’ve done to him, with him. I don’t regret it, though. I only wish I didn’t have to lie to him.

My pulse quickens as I peer at him, studying the details of his face. I’ve never seen him look so relaxed.

And after what he shared with me last night, I understand why he always seems to keep himself at a distance. His father was an asshole like mine. Maybe worse. Sean’s punishments were usually a backhand. Dmitri’s sounded like survival.

I didn’t expect him to offer me something that personal.

But I probably would’ve shared more about myself with him if I could. I feel like he would understand more than anyone else.

Dmitri suddenly stirs, like my thoughts are loud enough for him to hear. He slowly opens one eye, the side of his mouth curling up at the sight of me.

Is he really that happy to see me? Why does that make my heart race so fast?

“Were you watching me sleep?” he mumbles, sounding amused.

“I was thinking. You just happened to be there,” I reply, sounding too defensive to be believable. My face burns as he laughs and lifts his head.

“I should send my men home,” he murmurs, “and let you guard me.”

I roll my eyes at him, despite the fluttering in my chest. “Are you always so funny this early in the morning?”

Dmitri responds by suddenly rolling on top of me, easily pinning my hands on either sides of my head. “You know, I let you get away with a lot.”

“Is it because of my irresistible charm?” I tease him.

Dmitri smirks. “Might be part of it. Don’t let it get to your head, though.”

I feign a concerned look. “Why? Are you going to punish me?”

His gaze immediately darkens, and I become more aware of how good it feels to be pinned down by him. He tightens his grip on my wrists, drawing my eyes to the way his muscles contract and flex.

“Maybe I should,” he says.

Heated excitement stirs within me as he leans down to kiss me, my eyes already fluttering shut in eagerness. The third-round last night was supposed to be the last time, but maybe one more won’t hurt. Not when Dmitri likes to ensure that I’m soaking wet before filling me.

Before our lips can touch, though, a loud knock slams through the penthouse.

Dmitri lifts his head, looking confused and annoyed. “This better be important.”

I watch him draw away from me and pull on a pair of black jogging pants before heading out of the bedroom, leaving me alone and naked in his bed. I scramble for clothes, digging around in the overnight bag that I packed, pulling out a pair of jeans and a cute top before I go see what’s going on.

“What is it, Emil?” Dmitri’s voice sounds from the foyer.

“Sir, there’s been an attack.”

My eyes widen as I freeze. What did he say?

“An attack? What are you talking about?” Dmitri questions him. “All of you, come in. What the hell happened?”