Dimitri’s eyes softened. “Because I wanted you to remember on your own. I’ve been waiting for you to get your memories back.”
He shifted, and my gaze traveled down his body again. My cheeks warmed when he stared at me with a knowing look. “Can you put some clothes on?” I said.
The corner of his lip twitched, and he tucked a lock of white hair behind his ear. “Are you getting distracted?”
Yes, I’m getting distracted, you goofball.
I realized I hadn’t said that out loud when he said nothing, so I repeated what I thought and released a shaky breath when he smirked.
“That’s new. I don’t think I’ve ever been calledgoofball.” Still smiling, he brushed past me and walked away. I turned and looked him over. His ass looked like the gods had sculpted it, and the divots in the cheeks moved with each of his long strides.
I paced the living room while waiting for Dimitri to come back down. When he took longer than expected, I bounded up the stairs and entered his bedroom. He stood at his dresser, adjusting his tie. My greedy eyes roamed over him, taking in the expensive black suit and matching dress shoes. Instead of letting his hair down, he’d pulled it back in a low ponytail and left a couple of stray pieces of hair to frame his face. I couldn’t believe this man was mine and that he loved me.
“Couldn’t wait, could you?” Dimitri said with a little smirk as he dropped his arms and stuffed his hands into his pockets.
“Why didn’t you tell me anything about us?” I asked, ignoring his teasing.
He sobered, his expression changing into a stony mask. “I didn’t want to scare you.”
“But that wasn’t for you to decide. I don’t like being left in the dark.”
Dimitri stepped toward me. “The last time you learned I’m a demon, you didn’t take it very well. I assumed you’d have the same reaction as before.”
“But I didn’t, did I?” I twisted my fingers together, unable to hold still.
His expression gentled. “No, you didn’t. Not as bad as last time. You got scared, yes, but when I told you, you didn’t run from me.”
I’d been afraid when his demon chased after me until I locked him out of the guest bedroom, but after learning about him and thinking about it, I accepted it. Acceptedhimbecause I loved him.
I crossed the small space between us until I stood before him. Placing my hands on his chest, I leaned back my head and whispered, “Don’t leave me in the dark again.” I averted my gaze, unable to look him directly in the eye anymore. “I was so scared and heartbroken that you had chosen someone else.”
Dimitri gently grabbed my hand and kissed my palm while maintaining eye contact. “I’ll always choose you, sunshine. You’re the sun on my darkest days, and I never want to be alone in the dark again. Not without you.”
I smiled, and tears of happiness pricked my eyes. He stroked the stray escapees with his thumb.
Now we had to figure out this mess with Mia.
The Christmas party was in full swing. Loud music played, and some people danced and even sang along, making my ears want to bleed because of how off-key they were. Others ate the catered food in silver dishes. We were approaching midnight, when we would count down until it became New Year. I’d wanted to start a new year with Emma remembering everything about us, but now all I cared about was her and that she was alive.
I thought about it often, and what bothered me the most was how our bond broke during the accident. Sitting at a table where I watched over my mate, I searched within and felt the tie between us—our souls were once more combined. At some point in these last few weeks, the bond had reformed.
I had so many unanswered questions about all that transpired in the last month.
Who had nearly killed my mate in the car wreck? Who was the woman who had spoken to Emma as she lay dying in the snow? Why the fuck couldn’t I remember sleeping with Mia? How was she still alive if it’d really happened?
Mia still wouldn’t tell me the truth, and I imagined she would keep to her story if I kept pushing for the real answer. Emma clung to the hope that I’d told her the truth, but I still saw the worry and sadness in her eyes.
I kept my eye on Emma as she went from person to person, chatting and not at all the shy woman she believed herself to be. She was a social butterfly who talked to anyone willing to chat about anything. Everyone in my company knew this was all her idea. Some hadn’t shown up, and I didn’t know if I wanted to strangle them or let it slide.
Watching Emma talk with a lawyer in a different department, I realized no matter how paranoid she got or how much her anxiety could stop her from partaking in social settings, she still showed people kindness. On a few occasions, people hadn’t shown her the same kindness in return, but for the most part, they were eager to talk to her.
Emma gave them smiles and giggles that I wanted all for myself. Even my demon watched with a scowl and hoped someone would step out of line so he could torture them. He didn’t like that our mate spent time with others and not with us. But at the end of the night, she would be inmybed and beneath me. I didn’t care how long she took to realize she was all I wanted. No other woman could compare to her. They couldn’t hold a candle to her flame because I’d snap it in half and throw it back in their face.
I didn’t let Emma out of my eyesight as the night progressed. After an hour and a half of talking, she meandered toward our table and sat on the seat across from me. I arched an eyebrow, wondering why she didn’t sit beside me.
“Thirsty, sunshine?” I asked.
She glanced at the beverage bar and pursed her lips. “A little. I’ll get myself a drink.”