“What about me makes you think that?”
“You’re probably one of the most upfront people I’ve met. You say what you think and don’t seem to be afraid of the consequences of it.”
I’ve never heard myself described in such away, but maybe there’s a little truth to it. My inability to sugarcoat my opinions has gotten me into plenty of trouble over the years. It’s one of the things my family hates most about me.
“The alarm is going to go off, so last chance.” He steps out of the elevator, putting his free hand out to me.
A loud buzzing sound starts the moment I step out of the elevator, and he lets go of the doors.
“Just in time.” He winks, snapping up my hand again. “I’m just down here.”
As we make our way down the hall, I start noticing men dressed in suits staring outside several of the doors. When we pass one of them, Dmitri gives a subtle nod.
Outside his own door another man stands with his hands folded in front of him. Dmitri stops, leans in and speaks softly to him, sending him away.
I watch as he walks down the hall, going to stand with another of the security-looking men and striking up a conversation.
“A business acquisitor needs security?” I ask as Dmitri unlocks the door with his key card.
He holds the door open for me, glancing down the hall. “Can’t be too careful in a city like New York.”
I take another look over my shoulder before entering the room.
He lets the door slam shut behind him and heads into the living room area of his suite. The entranceway opens up into a dining area and living room area, with a hallway branching off, leading to the bedrooms, I assume. There’s even a small kitchen.
“How long are you in town for?”
“Few more days. I’m sorry, I have to take this.” He plucks his phone out of his back pocket and steps into the hallway.
I take the opportunity to shoot the room number to Kara. As I tuck the phone back into my bag, I notice several missed messages from my uncle. Reminding myself that tonight is for me and me alone, I push the phone all the way into the bag and close it.
He’s already marrying me off to a monster, what else can he do to me?
From where I stand, I can’t hear Dmitri clearly, but it doesn’t sound like he’s speaking English.
Deciding it’s not my business, I drop my handbag on the coffee table and sink into the lush couch. Running my hands over the soft fabric, I start thinking about what my new home might look like.
Is he going to expect me to redecorate? I have no flair for home decor.
“Sorry. My brother.” Dmitri steps between me and the coffee table then sinks onto the table.
“You have a brother? Older or younger?” I ask.
“Two older brothers and a sister.” He slides his phone onto the table beside him. “What about you? Siblings?”
“No.” None that are living, so I suppose I’m still being truthful.
“Hmm, an only child.” He reaches between us and picks up my leg, sliding my heel off and dropping it to the floor.
I laugh as he begins to rub his thumbs into the heel of my foot. “I’m ticklish there.”
He raises his eyebrows playfully but stops touching my foot.
“I want to be clear with you, Christiana. I was telling the truth at the club when I said I don’t play games. I can’t have anything more than tonight with you.”
I roll my eyes as I bring my feet to the floor and lean into him. Pressing my hand against his cheek, I smile.
“Yes. We already discussed that. Hence, the fake names. I’m not looking for anything from you. Just one night that has nothing to do with work or family obligations.”
