So Chelle.
He hadn’t made any moves, and she hadn’t been uncomfortable with him. He still didn’t know what conclusion she’d drawn to make her change toward him at all.
Before Luka got up, Dmitri kind of wanted to clear things up between Chelle and himself.
He sat across from her and clasped his hands. “Look, I, um… I’m glad you let us both stay here. But things have been different since that day.”
She gave him a nervous look, then nodded slightly. “I guess so.”
“You said you understood me, and ever since then, you haven’t been weird when we’re alone.” His heart was pounding so loud he wondered if she could hear it.
Was it possible she could be okay if he had feelings for her? Was it possible she knew and was fine now that she knew where he stood?
She bit her lower lip, worrying it back and forth. “I mean, I think things have been good, though.”
He scooted his chair a bit closer. “Because, even though we’re friends, you used to be a bit nervous about me, and—”
She leaned in as if to whisper a secret. “Well, I misunderstood you then. Now that I know how you feel…”
He leaned in as well. God, why were her lips so beautiful? Why was she letting him so close? “How do I feel?”
She sighed, almost in exasperation, as if she expected him to know what she meant without saying it. “You know, how you’re… into a certain someone.”
It was an odd way to talk about herself, but Dmitri nodded hesitantly. “It’s true. I am. Into someone.” His eyes dipped to her lips again.
She nodded sagely, their faces only inches apart. “You don’t need to hold back because of me anymore. I’m in full support.”
He blinked, his heart racing like an avalanche down a mountain. “You are?”
“Of course. If you love someone, you should be happy.” She smiled. “If you wait, who knows what will happen?”
She was right. There was only this moment. This was his second chance at life, and he wasn’t going to waste it. He leaned in, closed the distance between them, and, before she could gasp, kissed her right on the lips.
Chapter 4
It took a second for Chelle to analyze what was happening. Dmitri was kissing her. Kissing. Her. She blinked and then pulled back with a shocked gasp, putting her hands over her mouth and staring at Dmitri with a horrified expression.
Had she misunderstood everything? How could he just do that? It didn’t matter that it had been kind of… hot and stimulating. Or that her body had started to respond in treacherous ways.
Another part of her was panicking, her skin icing over. Worry clouding her mind. Everything was different than she’d thought.
If Dmitri did have feelings for her…
“You’ve ruined everything,” she said, standing angrily. “Why the hell would you do that?”
Dmitri stood as well, glaring down at her. “What do you mean?”
Her hands clenched into fists, and to her humiliation, she could feel tears forming in her eyes. “I thought you were… I mean, I felt safe because… I mean… I thought you liked Luka.”
“I do. He’s a good friend,” Dmitri said, looking frankly panicked at the sight of her tears. For such a big guy, it was a strange thing to be scared of. “But did I hurt you?”
“No,” she said, swiping at her eyes. “I just feel like an idiot. I thought you and I could finally be friends, and—”
“We can,” he said. “We are.”
“Not if you like me instead of Luka.” She let out a pathetic sniffle, wondering how things were going to work out now. “Dammit, I’m so stupid.”
“I do like Luka,” Dmitri said, rising and folding his arms proudly. “I… What we just did, in my country, we did that as friends. I was trying to thank you… for understanding.”
She blinked at him. “You were?” Hope lit in her, though she knew she was being naive.
“Yes, in fact, you’re right. I’m crazy about Luka,” Dmitri said, nodding eagerly. “So thanks for understanding about that.”
She grabbed a paper towel and blew her nose on it, shaking her head with a smile. “Phew. For reference, that’s not how we act with friends here. Ha, not that it was that bad.”
He let out a sigh of relief. “Good. So… me being into Luka, that helps you?”
“Yes,” she said. “Look, I’m… not normal. I just want to be friends with the both of you. And it’s easier for me to be around you, knowing… I won’t disappoint you like that.”
“You would never disappoint me,” he said firmly, pulling her into a hug.
“What’s going on out here?” Luka asked, appearing in the hallway, scowling at them before taking a few steps forward. “You two are being loud, and it’s early and—”
Before he could finish, Dmitri was striding over to him. When he reached Luka, Dmitri gave him a look that was almost apologetic right before he grabbed him by the front of his robe and yanked him in against him, kissing him right on the lips.
Chelle felt her mouth fall open in shock, and she stared as Dmitri laid one right on his best friend, then gave her a triumphant look as if he’d proved his point.
But while his attention was on her, he didn’t notice Luka’s fist coming.
The blow was quick, and Dmitri went sprawling on the carpet as Chelle jumped up in shock to go take care of him.
Luka stood over him, fists clenched, face red, absolutely furious by the looks of it. Chelle frowned, knowing that was probably going to hurt Dmitri. Perhaps she shouldn’t have encouraged anything after all.
“I am not some female to be rutted!” Luka snarled angrily. “If you are so hungry, then go find a mate!” Then he turned on his heel and stormed back to his room, but not before sending a huffy look at the both of them.
Chelle waited until the door of Luka’s room shut before she ran over to Dmitri to check on him. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have done that. Is that really what friends do in your world?”
Dmitri rubbed his jaw, cracking his neck back into place. “Well, not exactly. Not the way I did it to him.”
Chelle helped him over to the couch, then went to get an ice pack for him. “I’m so sorry. That didn’t go well.”
“It’s my fault,” Dmitri said, placing the ice pack on his jaw. “I’ve known him a long time. I should have known better. The males of my day are affectionate, but not that affectionate.”
“I’m sorry,” Chelle said. “Maybe we should go out and meet someone else. I’m not sure that guy is ever going to come around.” She put a hand up to stifle a giggle, trying not to think of how angry Luka had been, but she wasn’t successful. When she laughed, she looked up to see Dmitri looked relieved.
“I’m glad it entertains you,” he said.
“I’m sorry, it’s just… he’s so blunt.”
“Yes, he is,” Dmitri said. “Luka’s a lot of things, but he’s honest. And as you saw, he likes females exclusively.”
“I can see the problem,” she said. “We could go meet someone new for you. I do miss the club.” She put a hand on his. “I would love a gay friend to come along.”
“I’m not gay,” he said, pulling his hand away.
“You aren’t?” She bit her lower lip. “But I thought—”
“I’m not… Well, I don’t know what I am actually. But you’d take me to the club?”
“Yeah,” she said. “When I thought you were into me, I thought you’d just growl at people and not let me have fun. But now that I’ve seen what happened between you and Luka, I think it might be good for you to move on. I mean, most of the people at the club are straight, but I see some other types as well.” She shrugged.
He sat back in the chair, looking oddly unaffected despite how hard Luka had punched him. “So you really don’t see me differently?”
She shook her head. “Well, as I said, it’s a little safer.”
“Look, Chelle, in all honesty…”
She put
up a hand. “It’s fine. You don’t owe me any more information. Whatever you like, we’ll go find it. I just wanted to be clear that you were jealous about Luka, not me.”
His hesitation wasn’t that convincing, but she’d seen him kiss Luka and that was enough.
“I’m going out shopping,” she said. “I want something new to wear for the club.” She dipped down to place a kiss on Dmitri’s cheek, ignoring the little thrill that went through her as she did. “I… Someone is really going to like you just as you are. And you also might want to make up with Luka while I’m gone.”
Then she pulled back, studying him to make sure he looked okay. When he gave her a quick nod, she sighed in relief.
“And tonight we’ll go out in the modern world. Your first night on the town.” She straightened, already planning the stores she wanted to visit.
It was going to be a fun night, hopefully. Just her and her two friends.
* * *
“What the hell was that about?” Luka’s voice was furious as he strode into the living room almost the second Chelle was out the door.
“I…” Dmitri trailed off, as his brain was still overloaded. Why did Chelle want him to be gay so much? Why did she feel safer? None of this made sense to him. It hurt, oddly enough. And he’d gone along with it because it had been better than seeing her tears.
Could a dragon be wrong about his mate? Chelle didn’t want him. Her reaction to his kiss had said as much. He let out a sigh, rubbing his face with his hands. Right now, Luka’s anger was the least of his problems.
Luka walked over to stand in front of him, clearing his throat so that Dmitri had to look up. Luka’s light irises were burning. “I have never felt so disrespected, and—”
“I’m sorry, Luka,” Dmitri said. “I… It’s complicated.”
Luka raised his hands and cracked his knuckles. “I’ll show you complicated, you swine—”
“She thinks I’m gay,” Dmitri said, hurting even as he blurted it out, staring up at Luka and begging him to understand because he really needed a friend right now. “I kissed her. I thought it was the right moment, but I made her cry. She was only okay the past few days because she thought I was gay. That my intensity the past few weeks was because I liked you and was jealous.” He folded his hands together. “When really, I have feelings for her.”
He kept his gaze on the floor but felt the couch sag when Luka sat beside him.
“Your mate thinks you’re gay?” Luka asked quietly.
Dmitri nodded.
“She wants you to be gay?”
Dmitri nodded again, feeling like icicles were lodged in his chest.
Luka laughed hoarsely, then waved a hand when Dmitri gave him a scowl. “I have never heard the like.” He leaned forward, placing a hand on Dmitri’s knee. “I am sorry, my friend.” Then he grinned. “Though, I hope you won’t misinterpret my intentions.”
Dmitri snorted and shoved Luka’s hand away. He didn’t mind male affection, but he didn’t seek it any more than female affection. The only affection he’d wanted was from Chelle, and it had almost been… perfect.
“So your best idea was to go along with it? What about when she finds out you’re lying? What will you do then?”
Dmitri rubbed his scalp anxiously. “I hadn’t thought about it. There was no time. I just didn’t want to see her cry.”
Luka sat back with a puzzled expression. “Crying is an odd reaction to a kiss, especially from a warrior such as yourself. In our day, women flocked to you.” His eyes shuttered with regret. “I did not realize you had feelings for her. I am sorry.”
Dmitri just shrugged. “It’s my fault for keeping everything inside.”
“I did notice the intensity as well,” Luka said. “But I wasn’t sure if you simply wanted to rut with a female. I suppose it goes deeper than that.”
Dmitri nodded.
Luka leaned back and folded his legs elegantly. “So what would you like to do now?”
Dmitri groaned, rubbing his eyes until white spots appeared on his eyelids, making him open them. “Go back in time. Goddammit.”
Luka raised an eyebrow. “Barring that?”
“She wants to take us out tonight to a bar. Says it should help me get over you.”
Luka gave him a smirk. “I suppose it’s too late for me to play along with you. But then again, I’m not sure I’m that easy a man to get over. Some would say I’m irresistible.”
“Shut up,” Dmitri said, shaking his head. “Glad you’re enjoying this.”
Luka shrugged. “Not enjoying your pain, though you deserve it for assaulting me after all we’ve been through together.” He placed his hand on his chest. “You gave me a shock.”
Dmitri laughed drily. “Transferred my shock, I suppose.”
“So… going out. You’re going to act gay, then?”
“I haven’t outright confirmed it, but she’s my mate. I want her to feel safe.”
“Well, she has already made her assumption, so there is no need for lies. Though, one could say you lied by kissing me.”
Dmitri smiled, finally, glad things were returning to normal with his friend. “Well, as you said, you can be irresistible.”
Luka nodded. “I can help you at the club, though. I can observe Chelle with you, if you like. I think the best course of action is for you to remain her friend, regardless of what your feelings are, until you figure out why she would rather you were gay.”
Dmitri nodded. “It’s an odd thing, isn’t it? Is there something so wrong with me?”
Luka shook his head, his expression darkening. “No, if my theory is right, it is more like something is wrong with her.”
Dmitri’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
But Luka just shook his head, standing suddenly. “Not my place to say, but I’ve seen something like it before. I just… Well, we should be careful with her.”
“Why? She wants all men to be gay?”
“She wants you to be gay,” Luka said, staring down at him. “Think a bit about what that means. Pay attention to what you see at the club. And more than anything, be her friend, because that’s what she wants from you. To be safe.”
“Of course she’s safe from me. Why wouldn’t she be?”
“She feels safer if you’re gay. Why would that be?” Luka looked exasperated at that point, but Dmitri really had no idea.
He shrugged. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me.”
“You’re impossible,” Luka said, tying the belt on his robe tighter. “Anyway, we should go out shopping as well today. Get your mind off of it for now. You are probably only going to learn what you need to by being with Chelle. In the meantime, it’s best to not worry about it.”
“How am I supposed to stop worrying about my mate not wanting me?”
Luka put his hands on his hips. “You think you’re the first male to have a difficult time winning over a mate? What do you think this is, a fairy tale? We came from a different time, yet you might have been lucky enough to find a mate here. Chelle is an incredible girl. So just be patient for once in your life and don’t ruin it. It’s going to be okay.”
“Is it?” Dmitri asked bleakly, standing and still feeling like someone had punched him in the gut.
“Yes, you have me here, after all,” Luka said. “You be patient and I’ll keep info gathering, and, together, I think we can win over your mate.”
Dmitri thought about Chelle’s face, how relaxed she had been with him that morning. How happy. If this was what she needed, it was what he would be.
He looked at Luka, glad that someone understood him so he didn’t have to be alone anymore.
He put an arm through Luka’s and walked back toward their bedroom so they could get dressed and go out for the day.
Luka was right. He just had to be patient.
How hard could that be?
Chapter 5
Dmitri didn’t get nervous about a lot of things, but driving to a human clu
b at night with a mate who thought he was gay and a best friend who thought it was hilarious was enough to do it.
He mumbled nonsense into his hand as the limo Luka had insisted on drove through the city to whichever club Chelle had picked.
As Luka eagerly asked questions about human customs at nightclubs and what was expected of them to blend in, Dmitri could feel his jealousy slowly taking over.
Chelle went out to these places to dance with other men. Strangers.
It made no sense, given that she wouldn’t even let him look at her that way. Why would she fear him and not totally random strangers?
He was still biding his time and figuring out how to tell her the truth. He wasn’t someone who liked to get caught up in a lie, and he wasn’t patient enough to just sit by and play a role for her.
He also detested deception of any kind, even for someone’s benefit. But if he told her, would she cry again? Would she not want to hang around him? Tonight, he refused to act gay, but he would at least show her the kind of friend he could be, regardless.
He had waited hundreds of years to meet her. He could wait a little longer to make her his. When she was ready.
As the limo pulled up, Luka, who looked amazing in a deep-blue tee shirt with a leather jacket over the top, poked his head out to look around. Then he popped back in and grinned, wide-eyed, at Dmitri.
“Definitely not like anywhere we’ve been before,” Luka said as Dmitri opened the door and got out of the limo so he could help Chelle out as well. “So many people.”
Dmitri put a hand up because the lights flashing in front of the club entrance looked too bright in contrast to the darkness around them.
He was wearing a simple blue button-up shirt with cuffs rolled up to the elbows, plus tight jeans Luka had insisted on for some reason. He already felt overcrowded, just in his clothing, and based on the line winding its way out of the club, it was about to get even worse.
He looked down to see Chelle wrap her small hand around his arm and look up at him encouragingly and felt something in him just melt. He put a hand over hers. “Should we go in, then?”
Master of Frost Page 3
