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“Come. I want to show you around.” He takes my hand again. “And, kisa, don’t tell a soul about this place. Not even Maks.”
Quickly, I nod.
So this is his secret? One he hasn’t told Maks about, his best friend, but he’s willing to share with me?
Butterflies erupt in my stomach. He’s letting me in, allowing me to see beneath his bad boy exterior to the heart of gold underneath. In this man is the last place I ever expected to find such a heart.
This light and airy feeling stays with me all day as I tour the orphanage, learn about everyone there, and watch Dimitri interact with the kids. He keeps his word and gives Katerina a piggyback ride. She shrieks and giggles, and the grin on his face couldn’t get any bigger. The sight further warms my heart.
So much so that on the drive home I’m quiet. I suddenly have this dreadful feeling that my heart may be more at risk than I initially thought possible.
I’ve always imagined myself with a highly educated, sophisticated man. Nothing like Dimitri Kozlov who is pure heart and raw passion. His energy is all-consuming, addicting. But there’s nothing safe or stable about him.
More and more I have to remind myself that I don’t want to be with him. He’s my captor. My stalker. He forced his agenda on me and I have no choice. I want to escape him—yet I let that opportunity come and go.
Lately I feel my convictions are not as strong as they used to be. I’m struggling to keep our relationship in perspective. Even though one thing is certain—I cannot fall for Dimitri Kozlov.
I’d be betraying the very essence of who I am.
Worst of all, that way lies heartbreak.
CHAPTER 27
Arianna
“Where are we going?” I shiver on the tarmac in my wool coat. Crisp autumn has given way to winter as we approach Thanksgiving. It’s the Tuesday prior to the holiday, and we’re hustling toward a private jet instead of cooking a feast at home.
Dimitri wraps his arm around me and I lean into his warmth. Then pull back, narrowing my eyes at him. “Are you trying to get out of having Thanksgiving with my family?” When he gives me that innocent look, I chastise him. “Dimitri.”
“I’m not trying to get out of spending the holiday with your parents.” He lifts me in his arms, and I release a startled cry as he starts climbing the jet’s stairs. His grin transforms into a dashing smirk. “I’m successfully doing just that.”
I slap his chest. “Put me down. We’re going back home. I can’t believe you’d try something like this.” Though actually, I can. The very notion of sitting around a table, surrounded by the Pontrelli family, must terrify him. After all, he’s not exactly in their good graces.
“Not trying, kisa, doing. Remember?” He sets me in a seat and immediately fastens my seat belt. “You can call them once we’re in the air and tell them we’re not coming on Thursday.”
“We’re not coming? I think you mean to say that you’re kidnapping me—again.” I cross my arms and huff in mock annoyance.
His smile widens. “Kidnapping you might be my favorite pastime. No, actually, my favorite is?—”
“Fine.” I cut him off before he can get too descriptive, because I know exactly where his head is at. “We can get out of going to my parents place for Thanksgiving, but we absolutely have to be there for Christmas.”
“Deal,” he says like he just won the better end of this bargain.
The jet begins to roll, and in minutes we’re ascending into the air.
I shift toward him. “You still haven’t answered my question. Where are we going? I’m literally your captive audience, will you tell me now?”
“It’s a surprise.” His mouth twitches with amusement.
I groan.
“You’re going to love it.” He clasps my hands in his. “If you don’t, then we’ll turn right around and come home. But you’re going to love it.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll let you know my decision after we arrive at this mystery destination.”
His smug expression gives me pause. Where could we be going that he’s this excited about? And secretive about.
Shaking my head in exasperation, I take in my surroundings. The jet is comfortable, with cream leather seats and an airy interior. Dimitri’s bad boy appearance is at odds with this posh environment. He looks like walking sin in his jeans, dark T-shirt, and leather jacket.
