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And to think he’s doing this for me.
My heart soars, knowing he’s trying to put my feelings first.
I’m important to him.
But still, I can’t help but be nervous. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” I’m in no mood to argue about it, but I was looking forward to a relaxing night. And Demetri’s body language is screaming that he doesn’t want to be here.
“Then I will tell them to leave. Simple as that.” He steps forward, but I pull his hand back toward me.
“Thank you for thinking of my family.” An image of what we could be flashes across my mind. What would it be like to feel as if I belong with the rest of my siblings?
When we approach, Luca stands and greets me with a kiss on both of my cheeks before he and Demetri shake hands, and Aly and I hug. I don’t know her as well as I should a sister-in-law.
“You look well, Katrina,” Luca says as we all take our seats, Demetri pushing my chair in for me. I’ve never had a man do that before, and it pulls a dreamy smile across my face as his hand slings over the back of my chair, resting on my shoulders.
“I could say the same thing to you,” I finally reply.
An awkward silence settles over the table. I move my silverware around before a waiter comes up with a bottle of wine. He shows the men its label before uncorking it.
“I’ll have a cranberry soda, please,” I request as I decline a glass of the alcohol. Demetri rests his hand on my bouncing leg, and playfully, I tap his foot with mine while my shoulders relax slightly.
“How is the diamond business?” Luca asks, and irritation slithers its way into me.
“This isn’t a business meeting, Luca,” I remind him, while Demetri’s fingers circle my wrist. Goose bumps travel up my arm. He brings my hand up and kisses over my pulse. I’m distracted that easily, fascinated as I watch how gently he touches me. The way his lips pucker against my skin… I want to kiss him.
“Let’s not bore the girls with business details then,” Luca concedes, yet his tone is one of annoyance.
“It has nothing to do with boring us, brother. We all know your wife is a very successful madam. It’s only that this is supposed to be a relaxing evening with the four of us getting to know each other better. I dare say, maybe it’ll give us a chance to all become friends.”
“The Rossis and Bratva have never been friendly.” My brother turns to smile at my husband.
Demetri clears his throat. “Have I made a mistake by organizing this dinner, Luca?” His tone is full of authority. I love how it demands attention.
“Sorry, Katrina. I’ve been rude,” my brother responds.
What parallel universe am I in?Luca apologizes to no one, and he just did to me? The power Demetri has is mind-boggling sometimes.
“Your mother has shown me pictures of the girls together.” Aly tries to start up a conversation.
“Charlotte is a fantastic big sister. She’s been very helpful.”
Demetri’s finger draws slow circles on my leg. It has me relaxing into him until our first course begins to be served, and his lips brush my ear. “I always loved family around me as I grew up. It would be nice if our girls grew up with the same thing.”
“Just more boys to boss us girls around,” I tease as I nip his ear.
“We can’t help it. We have all been brought up as protectors and believe it is our duty to ensure everyone is protected. How well we do at that is how we measure our success.”
He trails his fingers down my arm until he links them between mine.
My brother clears his throat, and we both look up. Our food is plated in front of us, with Luca and Aly staring at us. I’m surprised to see my brother smiling. Maybe I’ve finally done something right in my life. Lord knows I’ve done enough wrong that I’m bound to figure it out sooner or later.
Demetri’s warmth around my shoulders has my stomach fluttering. His scent is intoxicating, and the idea that our two families can be friendly has me looking forward to the future. For so long, I never allowed myself to dream of anything past the present, too scared of what I would find there.
“Katrina has opened up a new gallery,” Demetri brags, his eyes intently studying my brother.
“She’s always had a keen eye,” Luca responds.
His wife adds, “We have one of her first paintings she ever did in our living room.”
