Page 121 of No Longer Mine

His eyes darkened, his fingers still curled around his glass. “I’m starting to.”

Heat curled in my chest, spreading outward like wildfire. He took a bite out of his food, and there was silence as we ate. I wasn’t sure it was the best meal of my life, but I could appreciate it for Dimitri. He’d put a lot of thought into this date, this was a special place for him. I was glad he’d shared why it was so special to him. It felt like a door had opened between us, and I was excited to see what was on the other side.

“Why would you want to be paraded around if you’ve lived your life hidden for so long?”

I considered his words carefully. “Since I was eighteen, I’ve lived my life because I was afraid. I was afraid of the men who hurt me, and I was afraid of the men who were lurking, trying to take control of me. I never truly lived, and now, I realize I’m so tired of living my life for others. I want to live for me. Whateverthis is,” I motioned between us with my fork. “It’s the most alive I’ve ever felt and I don’t want it to go away. I want to feel more, I want to experience more. If that means we don’t live our lives hidden… So be it.”

“That’s a dangerous thing to want,” he said, his voice rough. “Living in the open. Being seen.”

I tilted my head, challenging him. “Then why are you here with me? Why did you ask me out on a date? Why did you bring me to a place that means something to you if you want to keep me in the dark?”

His jaw ticked. “Because I can’t stay away from you.”

The honesty in his words—the raw admission—sent a shiver down my spine. My grip tightened around my fork.

“Then stop trying,” I whispered.

Dimitri let out a slow exhale, like he was trying to temper something wild inside him. “Scarlett…” he warned, but it was only half-hearted.

I leaned forward, my voice softer now—coaxing. “I know it’s complicated, Dimitri. I know you want to keep me safe. But I don’t need you to put me in a cage to do that.” I licked my lips, my chest tightening. “I want to be something that you’re proud to have. Something you claim—not just in the dark.”

His fingers flexed around the stem of his wine glass, the candlelight casting sharp shadows over his face. He was at war with himself, I could see it.

“I’ve spent my whole life watching powerful men take whatever they want,” I continued, voice steady, gaze unwavering. “But you—you’re different. You have a choice.” My lips curled slightly. “So, tell me, Dimitri. What do you want?”

Silence stretched between us, thick with tension. His nostrils flared, his pupils blown wide. And then, finally, his resolve snapped.

“I want you,” he growled.

The air whooshed from my lungs.

“Then take me,” I whispered.

Dimitri’s chair scraped against the floor as he stood as his eyes burned into mine. “Dinner’s over.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Dimitri

We’d bouncedaround the truth and my secrets easily. I could tell she didn’t want to push me too far. It made my chest ache considering I wasn’t afraid of pushing her too far. We hadn’t even made it through the third course, and I didn’t care at all. I hardly had an appetite for food anyway. I’d done it so we could talk and hopefully fight through these raging feelings between us, but none of that mattered.

My hand found the small of her back as I led her through the intricate hallways, which was what the restaurant was somewhat known for. It was private, elusive. We could slip out the back, and before I knew it, I was hailing a cab.

Scarlett raised a brow as I guided her toward the curb, her breath coming out in soft puffs in the cool night air. “A cab?” she teased. “I thought you were all about luxury.”

I smirked, sliding my hand lower on her back, fingers pressing into the soft fabric of her dress. “I don’t want to wait for Don. I don’t want to be trapped in the back of an SUV with too many reasons to behave myself.” My grip tightened. “And I don’t want to wait a second longer than I have to.”

Her pupils dilated, her lips parting slightly, but she didn’t protest. She wanted this just as much as I did.

The cab pulled up, and I helped her inside, sliding in next to her. The driver barely glanced at us before pulling away from the curb. I gave him Scarlett’s address, my voice low.

Scarlett shifted beside me, and I felt the warmth of her leg brush against mine.

I turned my head, watching her through hooded eyes. “Behave,” I murmured.

Scarlett tilted her chin, her expression all challenge. “Or what?”

I leaned in, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear. “Or I won’t be gentle when we get back to your place.”