Primal God (The Defiant God Brotherhood #4)

Chapter 10

The next morning, I manage to sleep in, but don’t feel rested. How could I when thoughts of Dimitri kept me up all night? I was torn between being aroused and thinking about the guilt-stricken look on his face after I came. That’s the second time it’s happened, even though I’m certain he doesn’t remember the first time.

So, yeah, I didn’t sleep well at all.

My phone dings as a text message comes through.

Adam

We still on for tonight?

I sigh.

Adam presents a different problem this morning. How can I go on a date with him after what happened with Dimitri? On the other hand, how can I not go on a date with him? Dimitri made it clear that he regrets what we did, so I’d be stupid to cancel on Adam. Right?

Yeah, we’re still on.

Good. I was worried you were going to bail on me.

Why were you worried?

Let’s just say it’s happened before.

Well, it’s not happening tonight.

I’ll see you at 6 at the library.

See you at 6!

I set my phone on the nightstand next to my bed, trying not to feel guilty. It’s strange that I even feel guilty. Adam and I aren’t a thing, so it’s not like what happened last night could be considered cheating.

I exhale, covering my face.

When Dimitri asked if I trust him and then pulled me to the deep in of the pool, I was honestly up for anything he had to throw my way. And Adam, with his pretty grey eyes, didn’t cross my mind once.

Honestly, I didn’t even think about Adam until this morning, when I woke up. What kind of person does that make me?

Instead, I spent the night playing the what-if game. What if Dimitri hadn’t stopped when he did? What if I woke up next to him? What if… what if.

Today the biggest what-if is what if Dimitri fires me because of what happened. God knows we crossed a line last night. Sure, it’s been building on my end, but I wasn’t sure how he felt. Not until he reminded me of what I called him that night.

Daddy.

The same thing I called him the night Raquel was conceived in a freaking bathroom.

Rolling over, I groan into my pillow.

What a freaking mess.

I’m debating hiding in my room until it’s time to leave when my phone dings. I reach for it, thinking it might be Adam. Instead, I see my uncle’s name. ‘Uncle’ is a very loose term. Sure, he’s my father’s older brother. But I never even knew he existed until a few months ago. He sure as heck wasn’t there when I needed him most, like when I was living on the streets.

He feels the need to make up for lost time. I don’t have the same desire, but it’s hard to tell one of your only living relatives to fuck off.

I open the message.

Alastor Wolfe

Are you free today? There are some matters that I need to go over with you.

That’s another thing about him. He’s always talking in riddles that make zero sense to me. Like, what kind of matters does he have that involves me? None.

I’m sadly busy. Can we maybe do it another time?

No.

I can send a car to your house. It will be there in an hour.

I’m not at the same address, so that won’t work. I can just meet you.

Where are you living now?

There’s a part of me that wants to tell him that he doesn’t get to know everything about me.

I’m working as a nanny for a friend this summer.

Lilith, I don’t have time for this. If you don’t want to use my car, then please be here in an hour.

See you in an hour.

I drop my phone. Well, this day just gets better and better. On the bright side, at least I don’t have to hide out in my room all day.

Uncle Wolfe is kind of uptight, so I know I can’t wear the same outfit I’m planning on wearing on my date. And I sure as heck don’t want to come back early and chance running into Dimitri, especially since I was planning on going to my apartment to see my baby before the date.

In the closet, I grab an oversized bag and pack my dress and flats. I also pick a blouse and slacks to wear while I’m at Uncle Wolfe’s house. Since I won’t be back, I shower and shave my legs. When I get out, I rub lotion all over my skin before I put on make-up. I let my hair dry on its own, knowing it’s going to look so pretty. My hair is naturally wavy and has a very bohemian look when it’s dried.

By the time I get dressed, I’m running out of time to get to Uncle Wolfe’s house. The last time I was late, he lectured me and I really don’t have the mental capacity for that today. As I come down the stairs, I see Clara and Diego are in the living room. They’re watching TV and don’t notice me. In the kitchen, I hear Dimitri talking softly to Isadora in Portuguese. I bite back a groan. To get to the guest house where my car is parked, I have to go through the kitchen and out the patio door.

Keeping a smile on my face, I greet him. “Good morning.”

He turns, his own smile fading.

“Ms. Wolfe.”

I bite back a groan. Back to this?

“I’m heading out for the day,” I say as I move toward the patio door.

Outside, I ignore the pool as I rush toward the guest house garage. But, when I press the button, the door doesn’t open. I press it a few more times just to be sure. Ugh. Why is this happening today?

I glance back at the main house. Hopefully Dimitri will have a solution.

He’s still in the kitchen with Isadora when I come back in.

“Hey, the garage to the guest house won’t open and I need my car.”

“Why aren’t you taking the SUV?”

“Because it’s my day off.”

He takes a sip of his drink and hums under his breath. “The garage is out of order. You’ll have to take the SUV.”

My gut tells me he’s full of shit. I mean, nothing around this place is out of order. Not a single light bulb. Nada. So I find it hard to believe that the garage is suddenly not working. I glance at my watch. Crap. If I don’t leave now, I’m going to be really late.

I say, “Guess I’m taking the SUV.”

“What time will you be back?”

The tone he uses is very much his Daddy tone, and heat rushes to my core. Jesus, Lili! Focus!

“I wasn’t aware I had a curfew.”

His gaze darkens. “I’m simply asking for safety reasons. If you think you’ll be back by ten, and then aren’t here, I’d know to check in with you.”

Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense. Now I kind of feel bad for getting irritated.

“Sorry. I’m not used to having anyone worry about me. I should be back by eleven.”

His eyebrows lift. “Eleven?”

“Yeah, I think so.” I can sense there’s about to be something said, so I say, “Well, I need to run. See you later, Dimitri.”

I rush from the kitchen before he can say anything, going into the main garage. The door opens on this one, and I get into the driver’s seat of the SUV. I guess it’s not a bad thing that I have to drive this. I mean, I feel safer in it than I do in my car. And lord knows I don’t have to worry about it breaking down.

Pressing the button on the dash, I listen to an audiobook while I drive across town. Soon, I’m pulling into the driveway of the mansion where my uncle lives. Uncle Wolfe’s house is impressive, especially since it’s not his primary residence. Well, that’s what his wife told me. She’s a really interesting character, too. She demands that I call her Auntie, even though I don’t know her.

At the door, I make sure my clothes aren’t too wrinkled before pressing the doorbell. A butler that’s different from the last time I was here opens the door.

“Ms. Wolfe, your uncle is waiting for you in the formal living room. This way, please.”

Honestly, I’m not sure there’s a space in this house that isn’t ‘formal’. I’ve only been to the dining room, formal living room, and study and all three rooms were like museum level of formal. I was afraid to even sit on the dang white couch.

Uncle Wolfe is sitting in his chair near the fireplace reading the newspaper when I enter the room.

“Ah, late as always,” he says, glancing at me over the newspaper.

“Good morning, Uncle Wolfe.”

“The time is twelve-thirty, which means it’s afternoon now.”

I resist rolling my eyes, but barely.

“Good afternoon , Uncle Wolfe,” I correct myself.

“Sit so we can get down to business.”

He points to the same white couch that gave me nightmares last time. I mean, who on earth would think owning a piece of furniture that color is a good idea? One dirty hand could ruin it. And heaven forbid someone spill a glass of wine on it.

But I sit, crossing my ankles.

“You never said where you’re working as a nanny.”

I blink. “I’m working for Dr. Dimitri Santos, taking care of his children.”

His eyes widen. “How do you know Santos?”

Unease creeps through me. The way he asks makes me think he knows Dimitri.

I go with the safe answer.

“I went to school with Joao.”

He’s silent for a moment, as if he’s thinking.

“Well, this may just work out in our favor.”

Our favor? What is he talking about?

He continues, “I know your father died when you were young, but do you remember him going to any meetings when you were little?”

I wasn’t that young when my father died. If Uncle Wolfe had been around at all while I was growing up, then he would know that.

“Sometimes. He said it was required, but didn’t go very often.”

Honestly, I always figured it was some kind of court ordered thing, like anger management classes or something.

Uncle Wolfe nods. “Good, good. Well, your father should have made sure that you were taken care of before he passed. Since he bore no sons, he was supposed to ensure that a match was made for you.”

“Match? What are you talking about?”

Because this sounds a lot like an arranged marriage kind of thing. That’s just crazy, right? Things like that don’t happen in real life. Do they?

“I’ll explain if you let me. Your father was a member of a very important club, as am I. That membership means that our children are taken care of. Since I had no sons, my daughter married an appropriate match, and her husband gained membership into the club. The same thing must happen with you.”

I laugh before I can stop myself. When he doesn’t crack a smile, my lips part.

“You’re serious?”

“You’re twenty-three, correct?” When I nod, he says, “Then a match should have been made for you a long time ago. Which is why I’ve been talking to?—”

I jump to my feet. “I don’t care who you’ve been talking to. This is madness! You barely know me! Why on earth would I agree to anything you arrange for me, because that’s what we’re talking about, right? An arranged marriage?”

I expect him to deny what I’m saying or at least defend himself. What I don’t expect is a single word answer.

“Yes.”

“You know, I knew trusting you was a bad idea. When you first reached out, my gut said it was too good to be true. Looks like I was right.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t tremble. “Don’t contact me again because I won’t answer.”

Uncle Wolfe laughs softly, shaking his head. “I’ve been talking to an associate and things have been agreed on. You will meet your match soon and a wedding date will be set.”

“No.”

He stands, but makes no moves to come toward me. Sometimes I forget just how much he looks like my father, and right now he’s reminding me of when my father was angry. It’s a very subtle thing. A shift in his facial expressions that warns me I’m in danger.

His tone is controlled as he says, “I wasn’t asking, girl. You will meet him, and you will marry him.” I start to reply, but he holds up his hand, silencing me. “And before you tell me no again, remember this. I have the power to ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

“What does that mean?”

“Does your current employer know why you took off a year from college? Because I know, Lilith, and I’m not afraid to let Santos know.”

My stomach is heavy. “You’re lying.”

“Am I?” He smiles. “Just remember, girl. I have many resources that you can’t even dream of. Now, you may leave. I’ll be reaching out soon. And Lilith. You better answer my call.”

I nod numbly before rushing out of his living room. I don’t stop until I get into the SUV, where I promptly lock the door.

There’s no way he knows why I took off a year. I grip the steering wheel.

But if he does…

If he does and he lets Dimitri know, then I’m screwed. It’s not even a question. Luckily, most people don’t notice the gap in my employment history. But if Uncle Wolfe knows…

My breath hitches.

There’s only one solution. I’ll just have to play along with Uncle Wolfe and hope whoever he introduces me to won’t want to actually get married. My hand shakes as I start the SUV and get the hell out of Uncle Wolfe’s driveway.

By the time I get to my apartment, I’ve calmed down a bit, but not much. Cecely is waiting with Raquel when I enter and I scoop my baby into my arms, kissing the top of her head.

“Momma has missed you so much.”

Raquel coos, snuggling into me.

Cecely asks, “You okay?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Sit and tell me what’s going on.”

I tell her everything Uncle Wolfe said, and she shakes her head the entire time.

“That man is nuts.”

“I know, but what if he’s not lying? What if he knows about Raquel?”

Cecely is silent for a moment. Finally, she says, “You’re not going to like what I have to say.”

“Say it.”

“Maybe you should tell Dimitri-the-dick.”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Lili, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“Oh, I don’t know? Let’s think about it.” I snap my fingers. “That’s right. He’ll use his money to take my child from me and I’ll never see her again!”

“Do you really think that’s what he’ll do?”

“I don’t know!” The words come out in a rush of emotion. “I have no idea what he’ll do because it’s clear that he doesn’t remember hooking up!”

“Which is why you should tell him.”

“No.”

She sighs. “It’s your life, friend, so I’m not going to push you.”

“But?”

“But what are you going to do if your uncle is serious?”

I shake my head in denial. “He’s bluffing. And there’s no way I’m going to let him force me into marrying someone.”

At six on the dot, I walk into the library wearing my black dress. I’m feeling better after spending time with Raquel. I mean, there’s nothing better than baby snuggles to make all your problems fade away.

Adam is waiting for me, looking handsome in black slacks and a deep purple button-up shirt. He lets out a whistle when he sees me.

“I feel underdressed,” he says as I approach him. “You, on the other hand, look beautiful, Lili.”

“Thank you. And don’t kid yourself. You look handsome, Adam.”

He holds out his arm. “Shall we?”

I smile as I loop my arm through his. “We shall.”

Adam takes me outside, to a sporty car, and climbs into the driver’s seat. I slide into my seat and close the door.

“Not going to give me any hints?”

He grins at me as he starts the car. “Only that I promise you’ll like it.”

I hum. “Okay. Let’s see what you come up with.”

As we drive, we settle into easy conversation.

“How’s the new job going?”

“Great,” I answer. “The kids are darlings.”

“I take it you want your own kids one day?”

My breath catches in my throat. Is now a good time to tell him about Raquel? It’s our first date, and it’s only just started. What if he freaks out? I decide to give him a safe answer, to see how he responds.

“Yeah. I’ve always wanted a massive family, even as a kid.”

He chuckles. “Define massive.”

“Eight kids,” I admit. “Of course, now that I’m older, I’d be happy with three.”

His chuckle turns into an outright laugh. “Eight? Wow. You know if you have three more, you’d have your own football team.”

I snort. “That might be more kids than I can handle. What about you? Do you want kids?”

He thinks for a moment. “As an unexpected child, and the baby at that, I’d be fine with just one. I know the struggles of not living up to my parent’s expectations.” He glances at me. “But if I had the right partner, I might reconsider the number. And I’ve always been a fan of threes.”

I smile to myself, trying not to look too much into his answer.

“You never said what you were going to school for.”

“Didn’t I?” He waits a beat and says, “Business degree. Even though my old man is tough, I want to follow in his footsteps.”

“Did your brothers follow in his footsteps, too?”

“Nah. My oldest brother is an attorney, which I guess comes in handy when we need legal advice and all that. My other brother is a scientist. Thought my old man was going to disown him, but when he landed a job with the military specializing in chemical warfare, my dad backed off.”

“Well, I’m sure he’s proud of you.”

“I hope.” He points ahead. “We’re almost to our destination.”

I look and grin. “Klyde Warren Park?”

“There’s a pop-up that I think you’ll like.”

Klyde Warren Park is a five-acre park in downtown Dallas. The park hosts a variety of events and is a fun place to hang out. I spot several food trucks but what has me really excited is a mobile bookstore.

“Please tell me we’re going to the bookstore.”

Adam grins. “Well, when you meet a beautiful girl at a library, you have to take said girl to a bookstore, right?”

“Adam, this is awesome!”

We manage to find a parking spot and before I know it, we’re shopping for books. Most of the books are romances, which I don’t mind. I grin when Adam grabs a sports romance.

“You’ll have to tell me what you think.”

“You’ve read it?”

I say, “It’s one of my favorites.”

At the check-out counter, he pays for everything, even when I protest.

“It’s a gift, Lili. No strings attached. Besides, what kind of date would this be if you paid for something?”

“Fine, but I’m paying next time.”

His eyes light up. “Next time, huh? I like the sound of that.”

I do too, if I’m being honest with myself. I’ve always been on my own, well, mostly. It normally doesn’t bother me, but there are moments when it does. When being alone is the worst thing in the world. Maybe that’s why I even agreed to go on this date. I’ve definitely been feeling lonely…

“What are you doing next Saturday?”

Because I might see if I can ask for Saturday off…

He frowns. “I have a family thing.”

“No worries. Next Sunday?”

“It’s a date, pretty girl. Now, I see a hot dog that’s calling my name.”

Hand-in-hand, we make our way to the hot dog stand, where he orders one for each of us.

I smile up at him as we sit on a bench. This relationship might go nowhere, but I’m not going to worry about that. No, I’m going to live in the moment and see where things go.