Page 100 of Avenging Azalea

“It was a bit of both,” I said, making a show of sipping my wine to be polite before setting it aside.

“Please explain.”

“As you are aware, I came into Titus’s world, and by extension yours, because of a gambling debt. Titus couldn’t know how long I would stay, and to be honest, neither did I. He made it clear from the start that I was free to leave if that was what I wanted. We both put up boundaries separating the other parts of our lives. He gave me a safe space, and I respected his rules. At no time was Titus shunning his family, if that is what you’re insinuating.”

“I’m not insinuating anything. I only wish to get to the bottom of the mystery that is Fawn Rayburn. It is interesting that you never took your stepfather’s last name.”

A lick of fear inched down my spine at the way he said my name. Like he knew things.

“I’m not much of a mystery, I’m afraid.”

“Very well, I’ll leave that for now. I invited you to dinner because I genuinely want to help you. Becoming a veterinarian is quite the feat, and I understand that you hope to open your own practice. That will take quite a long time.”

“That’s true, but I’m willing to put in the work,” I said as our appetizers arrived.

I was happy to have something to focus on other than Dimitri and quickly stabbed a strawberry with my fork.

“I’m sure you are. But what if the process was easier? What if the dream was attainable right away?”

“I am not sure what you mean,” I said.

“Your tuition has been paid in full. Titus was paying yearly, but I contacted the Bursar’s Office and took care of everything. Also, twenty acres of land have been purchased, in your name, for your rescue and clinic. What do you say to that?”

My mouth dropped open as the wheels in my head ground to a halt.

“I’m sorry…you did what?”

Dimitri certainly loved a good cliffhanger. He polished off his risotto and dabbed his mouth before picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip. Meanwhile, I’d frozen in place. My hand still held the fork full of salad halfway to my mouth.

“It’s all true.” He pulled a piece of paper out from inside his suit and placed it on the table. “These are all the details and conditions of my offer.”

Setting my fork down, I picked up the ominous paperwork. Unfolding the pages, I began to read, and just like that, everything clicked into place. Whether it was because of Vera or not, Mr. Mikhailov wanted me out of Titus’s house.

It was all right there in black and white. I was to move out, and future contact with Titus was limited to emergencies. In return, Dimitri dangled a golden carrot.

In addition to my school tuition and the land, I now possessed a bank account with a million dollars. He wanted me out of Titus’s life so desperately that he had offered me all of this to go away and never come back. The whole situation made me ill. Dimitri was despicable, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t listened to Titus’s warnings.

“This is far too generous. I cannot accept,” I said, and placed the contract down.

Dimitri smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. This was not a man who took ‘No’ for an answer.

“I was afraid you’d say that,” he said, sighing. “It really would be in your best interest to take the offer.”

“Why are you doing this? I’m no threat to you or your family.”

“Threats come in many forms. No matter what you believe, it has become clear that you are meddling in my son’s life. Your presence hasn’t changed him for the better.”

“I disagree with you there. Titus is kind, smart, hardworking, and extremely loyal.”

“That is how you see it. Unfortunately, in this world, Titus’s kindness is a weakness that will get him killed. You will get him killed.”

The statement hung in the air between us as our appetizers were cleared and our entrées delivered. I no longer had an appetite. That was not the case for Dimitri, who cut into his steak and ate a piece of meat so red it made me gag.

Gripping my fork tighter, I shook my head.

“No, I’m sorry. I’m declining your offer, and please don’t add to it. That’s not why I’m saying no. Titus has been wonderful to me, and…” I paused, trying to find the right words that wouldn’t make this situation worse. “We are as close as family. Taking your money and never speaking to him again is wrong, and I won’t do it.”

I watched Dimitri calmly eat his steak and waited for him to respond. Each mouthful had my heart pounding harder and not for a good reason. There was a maliciousness wafting off him like a cologne. I’d gotten way too good at reading men with ill intentions toward me. The look in their eyes and how they carried themselves. Without saying a word, he told me that there was a good chance I wouldn’t be breathing tomorrow morning.