She flinched as I gathered her into my arms and climbed into the bed. I held her back against my chest, her ass nestled against my groin. Emma sucked in a breath as I leaned over her and turned off the light. Darkness engulfed us. Her fans were already on to give her the white noise she needed.
If she wanted to, she could have left and I wouldn’t have stopped her.
“Let me hold you,” I whispered. “I won’t hurt you.”
That must’ve helped ease her worries, because she relaxed. She sighed and released the ties of fear which held her down. She curled under the blankets with me, sharing her body heat.
“Promise me that you’ll tell me if you remember anything,” I murmured.
“I promise.” Her voice softened and slurred as sleep took hold of her.
Even though she was back to fearing me, I vowed I wouldn’t give up on her. I’d fight for her. Forus.
The car accident weighed on me. I swore I’d find the person who crashed into us and got away. I’d ensure their death was slow, and that their last breath would be wasted on asking for forgiveness I wouldn’t give.
My demon rumbled in agreement.
I couldn’t fully rest until I shed their blood.
Since learning about Dimitri being a demon—or was he a half-demon?—I’d kept space between us. It terrified me to know he wasn’t human. It also petrified me that I still wanted him. I should have been screaming and running for the hills, but the tight, warm feeling in my chest each time I was near him held me silently in place.
I peeked at his empty desk from where I sat on the leather couch in his office. He went to a meeting and said I didn’t have to attend it this time.
How did people not realize he wasn’t human?
Whenever he was around, I’d steal glances at him. The longer I looked at Mr. Volkov, the more I recognized his inhuman qualities. His eyes were golden, and if I watched close enough, his pupils would constrict into reptilian slits. It happened so quickly that most people wouldn’t notice, but I did. I’d also noticed the tips of his ears were slightly more pointed, and I couldn’t believe it didn’t raise any red flags when I first saw them. Then there was his monster dick. No human man could have an enormous cock like he did. It baffled me because I’d had that thing inside me and hadn’t split in half.
Does that make me a monster fucker? Or, well, ademonfucker?
My phone notification dinged. I snapped out of my thoughts and grabbed my cell phone to read the text message from Mr. Volkov.
Dimitri Volkov:Grab us coffee. We’ll need it.
“We’ll need it?” I whispered. What for? Was something big about to happen?
Not lingering on that thought, I put my laptop back in its bag. After I stood up from my seat, I grabbed my purse and Mr. Volkov’s car keys. I left the office and glanced at the closed door to the meeting room. I imagined Dimitri sitting at the head of the table, hands folded and scowling at everyone. A giggle made its way out of me. Even though he scared me, there were times like this when he amused me. He showed the world that he was angry, but behind closed doors, he’d been so gentle with me. If I concentrated enough, I could feel the ghost of his touches on my skin and the feeling of him sliding inside me.
I left the fourth floor and walked through the lobby. I didn’t spot Susan’s familiar face at the guest desk. Her replacement—Mia—sat in the seat, facing the computer and playing solitaire. My steps slowed, and I debated if I should stop and talk to her. She was new here, and I wanted to make her feel welcome. Dimitri’s warning echoed in my head. Even though he’d told me to stay away from her, I couldn’t let someone here feel left out. I knew what it was like to be ostracized.
Raising my chin, I approached the desk and went to the front so she would see me. Mia popped her head up with rounded eyes full of surprise before she relaxed and smiled.
“Emma,” she said. “I’m so glad to see you. How are you doing?”
I grinned and warmth filled me. She remembered me. Unlike all the other people here who made me feel like I was some animal at the zoo, she was being nice to me. “I’m doing great. My boss is sending me out to get coffee. Would you like to join?”
Mia glanced around the room, searching for someone who would stop her. When the coast was clear, she got up from her seat and placed a sign that read, “Sorry, I had to step away. I’ll be back soon. If you need help, please dial #111.” She picked up the help-desk phone and sat it next to the sign.
“Thank you so much for letting me join you,” Mia said as she gathered her things and walked beside me toward the doors.
“Oh, it’s no problem at all. I know what it’s like to be new with no one to talk to.” I left out the reason behind my understanding. I had experienced schizophrenia symptoms while working more times than I could count. That put off a lot of people who didn’t understand. Tyler was the only person who was nice to me. I lowered my eyes and watched my feet as we walked outside. I missed my friend so much and hoped he’d return from Russia.
“I can’t see why no one would want to talk to you,” Mia said, drawing me out of my little pity party. “I think you’re so sweet.”
I forced a smile. “Thank you. People tend to find me weird.”
Mia’s eyebrows drew together, and she scoffed with a friendly smile. “Puh-lease.I don’t think you’re weird at all. Anyone who thinks you are can go kick rocks.”
I laughed and unlocked Dimitri’s car with the key fob. We slipped inside, and I turned the ignition. I buckled my seatbelt and glanced at Mia to ensure she did, too. “You should buckle up,” I said finally. “I’m a pretty safe driver, but accidents can happen.”
