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Lily took that step. One small move towards the bed, towards him, while Dmitri felt a strong beat deep inside him. It was a quiet giving in, a soft promise in her stubborn eyes. He’d seen women give in before, but never like this.

Never with a fight still in their look. My Lily. A faint, knowing smile touched his mouth. He wasn’t just taking her body tonight, he was claiming a part of her strong, fierce spirit.

The resort room felt big, but suddenly too small. The soft sounds of the ocean outside became far away. He watched her, a quiet invitation in his dark eyes, as she moved slowly, unsure, until she stood by the side of the bed. The air around them felt tense, like something was about to happen, suddenly he could almost taste the excitement, hot and strong.

He moved, sitting up, letting his eyes look all over her. He liked the soft lines of her summer dress, the gentle curve of her neck, noting how she e was truly pretty. A wild animal trying to be calm, and failing beautifully.

“Come here, Zaya,” Dmitri’s voice was a low growl. It was an invitation that didn’t need much effort, something in him already knew she would obey. It wasn’t a question. It was a clear order, but a soft one.’his little rabbit’

Lily waited only a second, then moved. She sat on the very edge of the bed, a safe distance away. Her back was straight, her shoulders tight. Like a nervous bird on a branch. Dmitri quietly laughed to himself. Stubborn, even when she gives in.

“So,” Lily began, her voice tight, “now what? Do we... just look at each other until morning?”

Dmitri leaned back against the headboard, putting his arms across his chest. He enjoyed seeing her uncomfortable. “We could. Or we could talk. You like talking, don’t you?”

“I like answers,” Lily shot back. But her eyes looked at his, then quickly away. He saw her wanting to know more, wanting this.

“Answers,” Dmitri said again, a low sound. “Always answers with you. What do you want to ask me tonight, Lily Hills?” He liked saying her full name. It felt like he owned her. To himself.

She moved her shoulders a little, a small, barely seen movement. “I don’t know. What was your childhood like? Were you always... like this?” She pointed at him, looking at his big body, the power that seemed to hum around him even when he was still.

Dmitri’s lips turned up. He usually didn’t talk about his past. But with her, it felt different.

Less like being weak, more like showing something new. “Always what? Charming? Smart? Impossible to say no to?”

He saw her roll her eyes, and he truly laughed, a deep, full sound that surprised even him. “No. My childhood was less ‘beach fun,’ more ‘cold Russian snow and even colder rules.’ No sandcastles. Just snow forts. And sometimes, practice shooting.”

Lily gave a small, nervous laugh. “Practice shooting? Of course. Did you ever... want to be anything else? Not a boss?”

“It was never my choice, moya zvezda,” he answered, his voice softer now, almost a little sad.

My star. He watched her carefully, wanting to see how she reacted to this rare look into his past. “Fate finds you, whether you want it or not. What about you? Always a writer? Always looking for trouble?”

“Always looking for a story,” Lily said softly, looking out the window, lost in her thoughts.

“My father was a journalist. He made me want to do it. He taught me to always look for the truth, no matter how bad it was.” Her voice sounded sad. Really sad.

Dmitri’s eyes got small. He remembered how much pain was in her eyes when she saw her father’s body. He remembered how she never gave up looking for answers.

Yes. The truth. And I am the truth she needs tonight. He decided to change what they were talking about quickly before the mood worsened. But she beat him to it.

“Any other big childhood stories, Mr. Kalashnikov?” Lily asked, turning back to him, a hint of her usual teasing.

“Did you have a pet bear? Learn to wrestle wolves before you could walk?”

Dmitri’s laugh was low. “Only on Tuesdays. No, my adventures were less... furry. More about learning how to keep my family alive in a very dangerous world. And how to make sure others learned to respect us. Early.” He held her gaze, letting the seriousness of his words sink in.

“It’s a different kind of childhood, Lily. One where every mistake can cost lives. Yours, and those you care about.”

Lily’s eyes widened slightly, her humor fading. She seemed to consider his words, a thoughtful look on her face. “And now?” she asked, her voice quiet. “Do you still feel like that? Every mistake costs lives?”

“Every single one,” Dmitri said, his voice flat. “The pressure never goes away. It just changes shape.” He moved his legs over the side of the bed, getting closer to her. Her breathing got short.

She got tense right away, but she didn’t move away. Good. He liked that. He liked that she stayed. He liked her quiet reaction.

“But sometimes,” Dmitri began, his voice almost a whisper, his breath warm on her ear. He moved in, very close, his hand went up to hold her cheek.

Her skin was soft, warm. He felt her fast heartbeat under his touch. “Sometimes, even a boss like me needs a distraction. A beautiful, fiery distraction.” His thumb gently rubbed her cheekbone, sending tiny bumps appearing on her skin.

He felt a strong happiness. She wanted him.

He kn
ew it.