Kidnapped to love

chapter 46

The car rolled to a stop outside the grand venue, and the guard moved to open Crystal's door. But before he could, Dimitri raised a hand. “I’ll get it,” he said, a hint of possessiveness in his tone.

Crystal blinked in surprise as he circled around to her side and opened the door himself, extending a hand. “Come on, doll,” he murmured, his gaze warm and inviting.

She hesitated, but then placed her hand in his. He pulled her gently from the car, steadying her as the bright camera flashes from the waiting photographers hit her all at once, blurring her vision.

“Don’t worry,” Dimitri whispered close to her ear. “You’ll get used to them soon.”

Crystal squinted, still adjusting, as the reporters began shouting questions. "Is she your girlfriend, Dimitri?" "Are you two getting married?"

Dimitri’s arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close enough that she could feel his steady, calming presence. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, his voice soft and teasing, “I wouldn’t mind”

Crystal shot him a startled look, her cheeks warming under his gaze. He simply smiled, guiding her through the crowd without answering any of the questions. “Let’s go, doll,” he said, his voice calm as he led her into the building.

Once inside, the bustling noise of guests mingling surrounded them. Crystal looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. “You’re pretty popular, aren’t you?”

He grinned, smug as ever. “Any doubts, doll?”

She glanced around, noticing the admiring glances he was receiving, especially from several women who were watching him with open interest. “I see that your popularity extends to women, too,” she muttered, barely hiding the irritation in her voice.

Dimitri chuckled, clearly noticing her reaction. “I smell something burning. Is it your heart, doll?” he teased.

Crystal scoffed, trying to hide her annoyance. “As if I care,” she said, crossing her arms.

But Dimitri saw through her, his smirk deepening as he leaned in. “I can see it in your eyes, doll,” he whispered, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

Before she could respond, a tall, blonde woman in a sparkling red dress sauntered over, a flirtatious smile on her lips. “Well, if it isn’t the handsome Dimitri,” she purred, her voice dripping with charm.

Dimitri returned her smile, giving her his full attention, much to Crystal’s irritation. “Evening, gorgeous. How’ve you been?”

The woman placed a hand on his arm, her laugh light and sweet. “Better now that you’re here.”

Crystal clenched her fists, watching as Dimitri laughed with the woman, clearly enjoying the attention. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze narrowed as she watched the woman practically drape herself over him.

Dimitri glanced over, catching the glint of jealousy in Crystal’s eyes. With a mischievous grin, he pulled her close, slipping his arm around her waist possessively. “Don’t be so quiet,doll”

Crystal met his gaze, heat rising in her cheeks. But she kept her voice steady, refusing to let him see just how much his attention toward the other woman bothered her. “Where’s my brother?” she asked coolly, changing the subject.

Dimitri shrugged, still holding her close. “He’ll be here soon”

He pulled her even closer, his hand lingering on her waist as he leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. “ don’t worry about the others, doll. You’re the only one I have eyes for,” he whispered, his voice sending a thrill through her despite her best efforts to stay composed.

Crystal tried to push him away, but his grip tightened, keeping her close. She looked up at him, exasperation mixing with a spark of something else she couldn’t quite name. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Dimitri just grinned, his gaze softening as he admired her. “Maybe. But you wouldn’t have it any other way.”