The cool night air stung her cheeks as she stumbled through the deserted alley, her heart racing with panic. The echoes of her footsteps bounced off the walls, but no matter how fast she ran, the shadows behind her seemed to close in.
"Keep running...
Dimitri slipped into Crystal’s room, finding her seated on the edge of her bed, eyes fixed on her feet. She barely glanced up as he entered.
"Feeling better?" he asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Thanks to my exclusive pick-up service, right?”
Crystal rolled her eyes. "Sure. Only cost me a bruised ankle."
Dimitri chuckled, undeterred. Dropping to his knees in front of her, he held her gaze, a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes.
“What?” she questioned, feeling slightly unnerved under his steady gaze.
“Just admiring,” he replied smoothly, producing a small ring box from behind his back. Her eyes widened slightly as he opened it to reveal a beautiful gold ring with a delicate knot design.
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“What’s this?” she asked, intrigued despite herself.
“A knot ring,” he replied simply, picking it up and bringing it toward her.
“A knot ring?” she echoed, a bit confused.
“It symbolizes a connection,” he explained, taking her hand before she could protest. His grip was gentle but firm, his gaze warm as he slid the ring onto her finger. “It’s a knot that’s not quite tied yet, but it has every intention of being bound one day.”
“Looks perfect on you—just like us.”
She gave him a skeptical look, rolling her eyes. “Right… perfect,” she muttered, glancing down at the ring, trying to ignore the subtle warmth spreading through her chest. But her curiosity got the best of her, and she cleared her throat, glancing up at him. “So… did you give one of these to your fiancée too?”
Dimitri’s smile faltered, and his gaze darkened a fraction. “Excuse me?”
“I saw the pictures,” she said with a forced laugh, shrugging like it didn’t mean anything. “She’s way prettier than me. Honestly, you two look great together. Why didn’t you marry her instead?”
Dimitri’s face went from confused to stone-cold, his jaw tightening as he listened. His eyes held hers, narrowing with a dangerous edge, his silence pressing down on her like a heavy weight. She could feel the intensity building in him, and a part of her regretted bringing it up, but she couldn’t back down now.
Finally, he snapped, grabbing her wrist with a grip that sent a jolt of pain through her arm. His expression was fierce, possessive. “Only we look good together,” he said in a low, controlled tone. “Only you’re my partner. Understand?”
Crystal flinched, wincing at the pressure of his hand on her wrist. “Dimitri, you’re hurting me…” she whispered, her voice soft and pleading as she looked up at him, fear flickering in her eyes.
His expression didn’t soften. “Don’t ever mention her again,” he warned, his tone icy, daring her to defy him.
“OK, ok, I won’t,” she answered quickly, her voice barely a breath as his grip tightened momentarily .
"Dimitri ” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Realizing he was gripping her too tightly, he released her arm and stormed out of the room, his anger radiating as he disappeared down the hallway. Crystal stayed frozen, glancing down at her wrist, now marked with red. Her fingers brushed over the bruise forming there, and she murmured to herself, "What’s wrong with him?"
The ring sparkled on her finger, a reminder of the connection he wanted, but also of his intensity—both thrilling and terrifying.
