Kidnapped to love

chapter 54

She was still in thoughts when,  Dimitri strolled into her room, carrying a tray with a glass of water and a mysterious drink. He grinned, clearly amused. “Oh, you’re already awake?” he said with a teasing smile.

Crystal’s eyes widened. “What… happened last night?” she asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

Dimitri handed her the drink, chuckling. “You don’t remember?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Here, drink this. It’ll help with that headache.”

She took a hesitant sip, watching him cautiously. “We… kissed,” she ventured, her voice uncertain.

Dimitri’s smile grew wider, and he leaned in, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, so that’s all you remember?” he teased. “What about the *other* things?”

Her face flushed. “Other things?” she echoed, shocked. “You’re lying, right?”

He gave a little shrug, smirking. “Why would I, doll?”

Crystal’s mind raced, and her annoyance grew. “Why can’t I remember anything?” she muttered, frustrated.

Dimitri chuckled. “It’s nothing new, is it?” he teased, clearly enjoying her flustered state. He leaned closer, his eyes fixed on her, leaving her backed against the headboard, trapped by his gaze. “A lot happened, you know.”

Crystal’s heart pounded as she inched back. “What… what do you mean?” she stammered, hoping nothing serious happened.

“Oh, you’d be surprised,” he murmured, leaning so close she could feel his breath against her ear. “You even admitted something.”

Her eyes widened, searching his face in confusion. “Admitted what?”

He smiled, his voice low. “You admitted that you’re falling in love with me.”

Crystal blinked, then burst into laughter. “Falling in love? With *you*? What a joke!”

Dimitri leaned back, eyebrow raised. “You don’t believe me?”

“Of course not!” She gave him a playful shove and stood up, grabbing the drink he’d brought. Taking a sip, she cringed and set it back on the tray. “I should’ve known you were just messing with me. I almost fell for it,” she sighed in relief, shaking her head.

But in a flash, Dimitri grabbed her arm roughly, pulling her back toward him. His playful look had vanished, replaced by something dark and intense. Crystal winced, a gasp escaping her lips as his grip tightened painfully. “Dimitri…!” she managed, her voice tinged with pain.

“Why?” he said, his voice low but laced with anger. “Why can’t you just fall in love with me?”

Her eyes darted to his, wide with shock. “Dimitri, you’re hurting me,” she whispered, trying to pull her arm free.

He didn’t loosen his grip. Instead, he pulled her even closer, his gaze burning into hers. “Answer me,” he demanded, his voice cold and harsh. “Why won’t you?”

“Dimitri, please…” she whispered, her voice trembling as tears pricked her eyes. She could feel her heart hammering against her ribs, her skin prickling with fear.

In that moment, his expression softened slightly, realizing the pain in her eyes. He loosened his grip just a bit, looking away as if catching himself. Crystal took a shaky breath, stepping back, but the tension hung thick in the air between them.