chapter 13

                                    

                                          
Dimitri guided Crystal through the grand
hallways of his house, his hand lightly
resting on the small of her back as he
spoke. She pretended not to notice,
focusing on the lavish surroundings
instead. It was impossible not to be
impressed, even if she tried to hide it.
He caught her lingering gaze on a
painting. "Do you like it?" he asked, his
voice smooth and knowing.
Crystal glanced at him, forcing a casual
shrug. "It's... okay, I guess."
He smirked, clearly seeing through her
attempt to downplay her awe. "Right."
They continued walking until they
reacheda door at the end of the hall.
Dimitri pushed it open, revealing an
expansive room. "And this... is my room."
He stepped aside, motioning for her to
enter. She hesitated, glancing at him.
"Come on," he urged, his voice playful. "I
won't bite."
Reluctantly, Crystal stepped inside, her
eyes immediately drawn to the massive
picture of Dimitri hanging above his bed.
It dominated the space, a larger-than-life
version of him staring down from the
wall. She couldn't help but stifle a laugh,
raising an eyebrow.
"Don't you get scared sleeping under
that?" she teased, but before she could
finish, something in the air shifted.
Her eyes widened as she saw Dimitri
casually turning the lock on the door, his
gaze never leaving hers. A smirk tugged
at the corner of his lips.
Her heart raced. "What are you doing?"
she asked, her voice shaky.
Dimitri leaned against the door, eyes
gleaming with amusement. "What do
couples usually do when they're alone in
a bedroom?"
"We're not a couple," she retorted, taking
a step back, her pulse quickening.
His smirk deepened as he began
walking toward her, slowly, like a
predator cornering its prey. " just Not yet," he murmured, the words dripping with
promise.
Crystal's breath caught in her throat.
She tried to move to the side, but Dimitri
was faster, cutting off her escape. She
darted in the opposite direction, but he
was there too, his body blocking her way
out. He took another step forward, and
she backed up instinctively until she felt
the edge of the bed behind her. Panic
surged through her.
"Stop it," she whispered, her voice
trembling. "What are you doing?"
Dimitri tilted his head, eyes darkening
with intent. "Exactly what you think l'm
doing." His smile grew, enjoying the way
her fear flickered in her eyes.
Her legs hit the bed, and before she
could regain her balance, she fell
backward onto the mattress. Dimitri
moved swiftly, pinning her down, his
hands gripping her wrists as he held
them above her head. Crystal's heart
pounded wildly, her chest heaving.
"Please..." she begged, her voice barely
above a whisper, fear consuming her.
Dimitri's only response was a low laugh,
leaning down until his face was inches
from hers. "Why didn't you tell me you're
Maria's daughter?"
Her eyes flew open in shock. His grip on
her wrists tightened as he waited for her
answer.
She blinked, confused and terrified. "I.. 
didn't think it mattered."
He raised an eyebrow, his fingers
brushing a strand of hair from her face
as he studied her. "It doesn't scare you?
The name Maria?"
Crystal frowned, trying to steady her
voice. "There's nothing to be afraid of
when it comes to my family."
Dimitri let out a dark, amused chuckle.
"Don't tell me you really don't know what
your family's been involved in."
Her confused expression told him
everything. She truly didn't know. He
laughed again, this time in disbelief,
shaking his head. "God, is it even
possible to be this clueless?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, her
voice shaky, completely lost.
"Nothing, my innocent little doll" he
whispered, his tone suddenly soft,
mocking as he leaned down, pressing
his face into her neck. He inhaled her
scent deeply, his lips grazing her skin,
sending a shiver through her body. "You
really are oblivious, aren't you?"
Crystal was too stunned to respond, her
heart hammering in her chest as Dimitri
lingered, breathing her in, his smirk
never leaving his face. His plans had
just changed.