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“Why are you pushing this anyway?” I ask tiredly.
Ivan shrugs. “Because you deserve to be happy, Dimitri. And I think Sara could be good for you. Lord knows you need some softening up.”
He elbows me playfully, and I can’t help but crack a small smile.
“Yeah well, you’re one to talk,” I retort. “When’s the last time you had a real relationship, huh?”
“Hey this isn’t about me!” Ivan says with mock indignation. “I’m just saying, don’t let your issues get in the way of something good.”
I nod slowly. He’s right about that. Sara is special. From the moment I first saw her, I knew she had to be mine. And that I was already hers. There’s a fire in her that draws me like a moth to a flame. I’ve never felt this pull towards anyone before.
We arrive at the university and I park near the library. Ivan grabs the takeout bags from the passenger seat.
“Well, go get her, Romeo,” he says, shoving me. “I’ll wait here.”
I take a deep breath before pushing open the library doors, trying to ignore the strange fluttering feeling in my chest. Pull yourself together, I tell myself sternly. I’m Dimitri Morozov, heir to one of the most powerful Bratva families in the country. I eat mobsters for breakfast.
Except when it comes to Sara, I’m not as tough as I pretend to be.
I spot her right away, sitting at a table tucked into a far corner, a pile of books spread out in front of her. As usual, she has a highlighter in one hand and is absently chewing on the end of it as she studies. Her brown hair is pulled up in a messy bun, and her brow is furrowed in concentration. God, she’s beautiful.
I weave my way through the tables and slide into the seat across from her. She glances up, surprise flitting across her delicate features before her full lips curve into a tentative smile.
“Dimitri,” she says warily. “What are you doing here?”
“Bringing you dinner,” I reply, keeping my voice low. I nod at the energy drinks and some of the takeout bags I brought in. “Thought you could use a study break.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Sara says, though she looks touched.
I shrug. “I know. I wanted to. You’re mine and I take care you. Have you forgotten already, printsessa? Ivan’s outside with more food.”
At the mention of food, Sara’s friend Martha perks up from her spot across the table. “Ooh, did you bring some for me too?” she asks teasingly.
“No, you’ll have to fight for scraps,” I deadpan.
Sara smacks my arm. “Be nice,” she chides, though her eyes are dancing with laughter. God, I love those eyes.
“Fine, yes, there’s enough for you too,” I tell Martha. I stand up and hold my hand out to Sara. “Shall we?”
The girls quickly gather their belongings. I lead them outside to where Ivan is waiting at a picnic table beneath a canopy, takeout boxes and drinks spread out before him.
He grins when he sees us approaching. “About time! Food’s getting cold over here.”
Sara and Martha eagerly grab plates and start dishing up food. I settle onto the bench beside Sara, unable to keep from watching her out of the corner of my eye. She catches me looking once and smiles almost shyly.
“Thank you for this, Dimitri,” she says softly. “It was really thoughtful.”
My chest feels tight, and I must look away from her gaze’s warmth. Get it together, man.
“Anytime,” I reply gruffly.
I lean against the picnic table, watching Martha flirt shamelessly with my cousin. She flutters eyelashes and coy smiles while Ivan seems tense. He’s just trying to resist her boldness, I can tell.
“So Ivan,” Martha purrs, scooting a little closer to him on the bench. “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Ivan shakes his head, taking a swig of his energy drink. “Nah. Don’t really do the whole relationship thing.”
Martha pouts prettily. “What a shame. I would think such a handsome guy would have to beat the ladies off with a stick.” I chuckle under my breath as Ivan shifts uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to handle Martha’s advances. His father is planning an arranged marriage for him. So Ivan never succumbs to the advances of any woman.
