Page 97 of Like An Animal

Alex was with Jeremy long before he brought me here, but he’s truly loyal. Jeremy assigned Alex to watch after me when he isn’t here and he takes that job seriously.

“Thank you.”

I head to my room and change out of my bathing suit into a baby blue pant suit, knowing the fucker will look down on me for the slightest irritation.

I swear, I hate that man.

Alex meets me at the bottom of the stairs with a smile on his face.

“Let’s go,” I say and Alex walks directly behind me all the way to the lounge. Pushing open the door, I stroll in to find Dimitri leaning back against the desk, staring off into space.

“Mrs. Borza has arrived,” Alex announces and remains behind me, having my back the whole way.

Dimitri turns his head and nods before looking down at his watch.

“Twelve minutes. That’s a new record for how long someone has kept me waiting,” he quips and I cross my arms over my chest.

“That’s what happens when someone stops by unexpectedly. Next time, call before you head over and we can avoid this issue.” He nods, but says nothing as he eyes Alex behind me. “What do you want, Dimitri? Jeremy isn’t here.”

“I’m not here for my grandson. I’m here to have a discussion with you. Could we get some privacy?” He tries to shoo Alex but I swat his hand away.

“Alex is here for my protection because I don’t trust you. That’s something that shouldn’t come as a shock.”

Dimitri sighs with frustration. “Fair enough. I may have contributed to the distrust.”

I throw my head back laughing. “Oh, dear.Mayhave? You have done enough to never earn any trust back. My husband may still have a shred of faith in you, but I’m not nearly as forgiving. I tolerate you for his sake, not mine.”

“I think we can be frank with each other, Bronwyn. You don’t like me and I don’t think you are worthy of my grandson.However, it’s clear I can’t do anything to remove you from our lives. My grandson married you behind my back even though he knew I would never approve of it, but you are the mother of my only great-grandchild. The DNA test was irrefutable.”

Clearly this man has never heard of divorce or he just doesn’t believe in it, but either way it's not happening. I’m just as much a part of this family as anyone else.

“That’s true.”

He nods. “So, it seems the only healthy way we can move forward for Jeremy and Charlotte is to learn some mutual respect for each other. Wouldn’t you say so?”

Well, he’s not wrong. The man probably only has maybe ten years left in him max. What could it hurt to try to be civil? It doesn’t mean I have to trust him.

“And how exactly do you expect us to do that?”

He smirks as he shoves his hands in his pocket. “I have something I’d like to show you. If we go now, we can be back before Charlotte is done with her tutoring session.” He motions toward the door as if he expects me to just go with whatever he says.

The last thing I want is to create a toxic family environment for Charlotte, but I also need to be careful.

“I’m not going anywhere alone with you,” I refuse.

He looks surprised by my rejection. “I have a dozen of my own guards. You’ll be safe.”

“Well, I don’t trust your guards. I only trust my own.” I turn my head to Alex. “Grab Max and Tobias, please. They should suffice.” Honestly, I would’ve rather have Massimo, Boris, and Xavi but Boris is with Xavi who is with my husband. I’ll make due with who I have at my disposal.

“Yes, Mrs. Borza,” Alex quickly responds. He talks in a hushed voice into his earpiece as I arch a brow at Dimitri.

“That’s fine by me if that’s what you need.” He shrugs as if it doesn’t make a difference. Maybe he has good intentions after all, but I can’t risk it.

A moment later, Massimo and Tobias, one of the new guards brought in after my arrival, walks in.

“What’s going on?” Massimo presses before narrowing his eyes at Dimitri.

“We’re going for a short outing at the request of Mr. Borza.”