Chapter 62 Untitled Chapter
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Dimitri's POV
Everyone in the hall froze.
Even Mikhail was not expecting that announcement. His eyes went wide with surprise.
"You're what?!" Alexei exclaimed, shock and fear evident in his expression.
His chains rattled as he tried to stand up, but the guards pushed him back down roughly.
I looked at Alexei directly. My gaze was steady and unwavering. "I do not repeat myself, brother."
Mikhail stepped forward. His expression was confused and concerned.
"Dimitri," he said carefully. "Are you joking? This is not a matter to joke about."
He studied my face, searching for any sign that I was not serious.
"I am not joking," I said firmly. "I have never been more serious in my life."
The hall erupted with whispers. Guards were murmuring to each other, looking between me and Alexei with uncertain expressions.
"You wouldn't dare!" Alexei shouted, his voice was filled with rage and desperation. "You wouldn't fucking dare marry her!"
He pulled against his chains violently. The metal cut into his wrists but he did not seem to care.
"She is mine!" He continued screaming. "The baby is mine! You cannot do this!"
His face was red with fury. Veins bulged in his neck and forehead.
"Watch me." I said simply, my voice calm and cold.
Those two words carried more weight than any long speech could.
The hall went completely quiet again. Even the guards stopped whispering. Everyone was staring at me with shock and disbelief.
"You are making a mistake," Mikhail warned. "The underworld will not accept this. There will be consequences."
"I do not care about consequences," I said. "I only care about Irina."
Alexei was breathing heavily. His chest rose and fell rapidly.
"You will regret this," he said, his voice low and threatening. "I swear on everything, you will regret this, Dimitri."
"We will see about that," I replied. Then I turned and walked out of the hall. My footsteps echoing on the marble floor.
Behind me, I could hear Alexei screaming and cursing, pulling against his chains like a wild animal.
But I did not look back. I did not care what he thought or what he said. All I cared about was getting back to Irina.
I walked through the corridors quickly. My heart was pounding in my chest.
What I had just announced was too bold. It would cause serious problems.
But I meant every word. I would marry her. I would protect her. And I would make her mine.
When I reached my bedroom door, I pushed it open quickly.
And I was shocked by what I saw.
Irina was awake. She was sitting up in bed, trying to swing her legs over the side.
The IV was pulled out of her arm, a small trickle of blood ran down from where the needle had been.
"Irina!" I exclaimed, rushing to her side. "Are you in pain? Do you need the doctor? Tell me what is wrong!”
I gently pushed her back onto the bed, checking her over with concern.
"I thought..." she said, her voice was weak and shaky. "I thought you never saved me. I thought it was all my imagination."
Her eyes were red from crying. Tears still streamed down her face.
My heart broke seeing her like this.
"No," I said softly. "No, I really saved you. I am really here. This is real, I promise."
I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly against my chest.
She cried into my shoulder. Her whole body shook with sobs.
I held her, patting her back gently, whispering soothing words until her crying slowly stopped.
When she finally pulled back to look at me, her eyes were still wet but calmer.
"You look... different," she whispered, reaching up to touch my silver hair.
I smiled shyly.
"Do you remember me now?" She asked quietly.
I saw the hope in her eyes. It made me feel guilty that I had to disappoint her.
"No," I admitted. "I do not remember. I am sorry."
Her face fell.
"But," I continued quickly, taking both her hands in mine. "My heart wants you. I want to be with you, Irina."
I cupped her face gently with one hand.
"That I know for certain," I added.
She looked down at her belly. "But the baby..."
"I know the baby belongs to Alexei," I interrupted. "But I want you nonetheless. You and the baby."
Then I leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted.
But she did not pull away. Instead, she leaned in closer.
Our lips met. The kiss was soft at first.
Then it deepened.
My hand moved to the back of her neck. My fingers tangled in her hair.
Her hands gripped my shirt, pulling me closer.
Small moans escaped from her mouth. The sounds drove me crazy with desire.
I explored her mouth with my tongue. She tasted sweet, like honey.
My other hand traced down her side, feeling the curve of her waist, her hip.
She responded eagerly. Her fingers running through my hair, ruffling the silver strands.
We kissed like we were starving. Like we needed each other to survive.
Finally, we broke apart. Both of us were breathing heavily.
I looked into her eyes. They were wide and beautiful, filled with emotion.
This was the moment. This was when I had to ask her.
My heart pounded in my chest. What if she said no? What if she refused?
But I had to try. I had to take this chance.
"Let's get married." I said, my voice was serious but warm.
Her eyes went wide with shock. Her mouth fell open slightly.
I saw the fear on her face.
My stomach dropped. She was going to refuse. She was going to say no.
"I..." she started, her voice was shaky.
I held my breath, waiting for her answer.
"I know it is dangerous," she finally said. "I know this will cause problems."
She looked down at her hands, then back up at me.
"But I will give it a try," she whispered. "I will marry you, Dimitri."
Relief flooded through me. I felt like I could breathe again.
"You will?" I asked, hardly believing it.
She nodded, a small smile appeared on her lips.
I pulled her into my arms again, holding her tight.
"I will protect you," I promised. "I swear I will keep you safe. Alexei will not get to you."
"I trust you," she whispered against my chest.
The next few days passed in a blur of activity.
We started planning the wedding immediately. Every detail had to be perfect.