Page 74 of Devious Obsession
He ignores my question and vacates the SUV. The valet climbs in, just as my door pops open and his hand is there to help me down.
There’s something different about him tonight. His gaze flickers over me, followed by a tense smile. Like his skin is trying to choke him.
It’s probably the damn tie.
Before I can suggest loosening it a little, we’re swept into the restaurant, and the tall brunette at the hostess stand greets us. She leads us to a private dining room on the second level of the restaurant that has a large viewing window looking down at the main lounge.
“Daniel will be your server for the evening and will be with your shortly.” The hostess then gestures to me. “I can take your wrap if you’d like.”
“That’s all right. I think I’ll keep it.”
She smiles then leaves, hurrying down the steps and back to her post.
“Artem.” I breathe, taking in the table in the center of the room. It’s been set for two with a single white candle burning in the middle of a centerpiece made of red and black roses.
“Sit.” He drags out a chair and gestures.
As I sink into the chair, he removes the wrap from my shoulders and drapes it over the back of my seat. Before he sits, he uncorks the bottle of wine sitting on the table and fills my glass, then his.
His neck muscles are so tight, I’m afraid they’re about to snap.
“Artem.” I reach across the table and touch his hand. “I’m sorry. For the way I acted today. It was childish to threaten to get my own apartment.”
His eyes warm. “You thought I was avoiding you since we’ve been home.”
“The thought popped in my head, yeah.”
He squeezes my hand. “You’re always waiting for proof that you don’t belong. At the first sign, even when it’s made up in your head, that you may not fit, you run.”
“Okay, you don’t need to do a whole rundown. I’m aware of my insecurities.” I try to pull my hand back, but he squeezes harder.
“No more running.”
My chest aches. Not just because he’s right, but because of how desperate I am to do exactly what he says. I’m tired of always being on alert for a reason to bolt. Better to take off than to face the truth of how unwanted I really am.
And it’s such bullshit.
“Your brothers love you. They would burn the whole world down for you. No matter how much you push them, they will always stand tall.”
Tears swim in my eyes. “I know that.”
He grunts. “Do you?”
“I do.” I nod, but he’s right. My brain knows it, but my heart is the one who can’t seem to get on board most of the time.
“Good.” He squeezes my hand once more then releases me, taking up his wine glass and gulping down half of it.
“Artem.” I wet my lips and lean forward. “What’s with the suit and this place? Are you trying to impress me or something?”
He frowns. “No.”
“Because this feels like something Alexander would do. An insanely nice restaurant, private dining room…the suit.”
His expression hardens, and I know I’m on the right track.
“Alexander suggested all this.” I shake my head. “He just can’t stay out of my business. Always having to butt his nose in and try to direct my life.”
Artem grabs my hand across the table and holds it firmly until I sigh and bring my gaze back to his. Immediately, I’m warm and calm. The man has more power over me with one simple look than dictators have over their obsessed people.
