Kidnapped to love

chapter 40

Dimitri was in his office, absorbed in his work when the door swung open, and a girl stormed in, her eyes wild and unfocused.

“What are you doing here, darling?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She didn't answer, only stared at him, her expression shifting rapidly, uncertain. His gaze softened as he noted the tension in her shoulders, the slight tremor in her hands.

“Where are your guards?” he asked gently, a hint of concern in his voice. “Does your dad know you’re out?”

Ignoring his questions, she took a step closer. “What’s this I’m hearing… that girl is living in your house with you?” Her voice wavered, but there was an edge of accusation in her tone.

Dimitri sighed, standing up and moving toward her. “So what?” he said, attempting to sound nonchalant.

“Are you cheating on me?” Her eyes narrowed, searching his face for any sign of guilt.

“Why would I?” He tried to smile, reaching out to steady her.

“If I find out…” Her voice trailed off, eyes widening with panic.

“Hey,” he murmured softly, pulling her into his arms, feeling her tense frame relax just a little. “Relax, darling. You know you're the only one for me.”

“You’re only mine, … right?” Her voice was barely a whisper, laced with fragility.

“Yes. I am.” He held her closer, brushing a reassuring hand down her back. “I promise.”

“Promise?” Her gaze met his, desperate for reassurance.

“Promise.”

“… is she pretty?” Her voice was a small, hesitant whisper, and he could see the fear brewing behind her eyes.

Dimitri tilted her chin up gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Why do we care about that, hmm?”

She swallowed, trembling. “Tell me.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “She is… but that doesn’t mean anything.”

Her breath caught, her eyes widening. “She’ll steal you away from me. She’s going to take you from me,” she whispered, her voice cracking as panic set in, her breathing quickening.

“Hey, hey,” Dimitri said softly, taking her hands. “Relax. No one’s going to take me from you.”

“No!” She gasped, clutching her chest, struggling to breathe. “She’s… she’s going to separate us!”

“Where’s your inhaler?” He quickly scanned her bag, retrieving the small device and gently pressing it to her lips. “Here. Take a deep breath.”

She inhaled, her breath still ragged, but slowly calming as he rubbed soothing circles on her back. “I’m right here,” he whispered, his voice warm and steady. “No one can separate us.”

As she leaned into his touch, her breathing gradually eased, though he could see her mind still racing with worry. He kept his hand on her back, grounding her, as he murmured soft reassurances, his heart aching for the weight she carried.

“Look at me,” he said quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re together, and nothing will change that. Okay?”

She nodded slowly, her eyes finally meeting his, and in that moment, he hoped she could feel just how deeply he cared.