Primal God (The Defiant God Brotherhood #4)

Chapter 13

13

Lilith

Dimitri didn’t get home until nearly two in the morning, and I couldn’t help but notice that he stopped outside my door after checking in on the kids. There’s a part of me that wished he would have come inside. I even left the door unlocked. Call it tempting fate. But he didn’t enter, and I slept like crap.

At least I get to enjoy my day off. But even the thought of seeing Adam doesn’t seem as exciting today. No, I’d much rather find Dimitri and ask why he stopped and why he didn’t come in…

My phone dings, bringing me out of my thoughts.

Adam

How mad would you be if I asked if we could meet earlier?

How early?

Now?

Is everything okay?

My old man is on a roll today and I just want to get out of the house.

I haven’t had a shower yet…

I’m sure you’re beautiful as you are.

Please.

Sure. Where are we going today? Do I need to dress up?

Just wear shorts, a t-shirt, and comfortable shoes.

Okay. Want to meet at the library?

Or I can come and get you…

I think for a moment before replying.

I’m not sure how my employer will feel about that.

Damn. Forgot about that. Could you ask?

Sure. I’ll let you know what he says.

You’re the best, Lili.

I don’t reply, because I don’t know if I am ‘the best’. There’s a part of me that really wants to wait a bit and tell him that Dimitri said no. I sigh as I get out of bed. But that’s not who I am. No, I’m the girl who makes her bed as soon as she gets up and then goes right into the bathroom for my morning skincare routine. Which also means I’m the girl who’s going to march down to Dimitri’s office and ask him if it’s okay if Adam picks me up.

I stall a bit longer by putting on make-up and pulling my hair into a high ponytail and dress in denim shorts and a dark blue t-shirt. My sneakers are khaki colored, in case we’re going hiking or something, which I really hope we aren’t.

Okay. Time to do this.

Out of habit, I check on the kids. Isadora isn’t in her crib, which means she’s likely with Dimitri. The twins are still fast asleep, so I close their door softly, so I don’t wake them.

I’m about to go downstairs when I hear Dimitri’s voice coming from the opposite direction. Of course, I knew his room was this way, but I’ve never had a reason to seek it out. Isadora’s giggle has me moving. His door is slightly ajar. I peek around the door to find him wearing grey sweatpants and nothing else. Isadora is on his bed, watching him as he holds up different shirts.

“What do you think of this one, my sweet girl? No? Me, either.” He tosses it aside. “This one?”

I clear my throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but I have a quick question. Well, two, really.”

Dimitri says, “Ask away.”

“One, what are you doing?”

His lips lift. “I was asking my fashion advisor which shirt she thinks I should wear.”

I move into the room, unable to stop myself. His scent lingers in the air, calling to me.

The room isn’t what I expected, making me wonder if he changed the style after his wife passed away. I only think this because there’s a definite vibe around the house that doesn’t carry to this room. The rest of the house is done in florals and has a feminine touch. This room is dark. Black walls, dark furniture, dark bedding, and not a personal effect in sight other than a photo of all four of his kids that sit on the dresser. My chest is tight because I know the truth. I know there’s one more child that should be in the photo…

I say, “And how is Miss. Isadora doing at her job?”

“Well, she thinks I should wear the blue shirt, though I was leaning toward the black one.”

He holds up each respective shirt, but all I see is his sculpted chest. I immediately regret not feeling it when I had the chance in the pool.

Blinking, I ask, “What’s the occasion?”

“A date.”

That is literally the last thing I expect to come out of his mouth and my gaze snaps to his. He seems…unsure of himself.

“A date?” I let out a shaky laugh. “Wow. That’s not what I was expecting you to say.”

Especially considering what happened in the pool…mainly the part when he pushed me away. I thought at the time it was guilt over his wife, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe it was guilt because he’s been talking to someone else and felt like he was cheating on that person.

His gaze searches mine. “Well? Which one?”

“You always look good in black.” I back up. “I should go.”

“Lilith.”

The one word has me stopping.

“Yes?”

“You said you had two questions.”

“Oh. Right. Would it be okay if my friend picked me up here? He’s not going to stay or?—”

“It’s fine.” He smiles. “Enjoy your day off.”

I nod and take a step toward the door before stopping. I’m so damn conflicted that it’s hard to think, much less walk. He’s been pestering me, wanting to know my boyfriend’s name, and then today it’s like none of that matters. Dread swirls through me. What if I’ve read the situation wrong this entire time? What if he wanted to know Adam’s name because he wants to make sure I’m safe? What if I’m the one who made it into something it’s not?

“Thanks,” I call over my shoulder. “See you later.”

I rush away from his room as fast as I can. When I get to my room, I’m shocked to find my hands are shaking. What in the heck was that?

Adam

You still there?

Yeah. Sorry. My boss said it’s cool if you pick me up.

I text the address.

And I’m ready whenever you are.

I’ll be there in twenty.

See you then!

I send Cecely a text, letting her know I won’t be by until after my date. In response, I get a cute photo of Raquel and Harvey napping on the couch.

Twenty minutes later, I get another text from Adam.

I’m here!

Be right out.

When I reach the first floor, I almost trip over a pair of shoes. This time it’s Dimitri’s. Guess he doesn’t think he should use the shoe rack. I kick them aside and hurry outside to find Adam sitting in his car.

He makes no moves to get out, so I go to the passenger door and get in. I don’t expect a guy to open my door for me, but it’s a nice gesture…

“Hey.”

“Hey.” He points past me. “Damn. This is an impressive house. What does your boss do?”

“He’s an orthopedic surgeon.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say he’s one of the best, but I don’t. I mean, I’m sure Adam doesn’t care what Dimitri does or if he’s the best.

I ask, “So, what do you want to do today?”

“I was hoping we could go hiking. Is that okay?”

Ugh. I literally hate hiking. My thick thighs are not made for being outdoors, especially in this summer heat.

“Uh, sure.” I smile. “It’s only fair since we did something geared toward me last time.”

“Right on.”

He starts the car and peels out of the driveway. When I look back, I spot black marks on the pavement. I’m sure I’ll hear about that later.

“Just remember, there are little kids around here.”

He flashes a smile at me. “Sorry, babe. Just ready to get out in nature and clear my head. Last night was rough.”

I feel bad for chiding him and even worse for not liking that he calls me ‘babe’. It’s just the way he says it. It’s in an almost demeaning way. And I don’t like it.

“Want to talk about it?”

He sighs, gripping the steering wheel. “My old man is just full of shit, ya know? It’s hard to deal with him when he gets something in his head. All he cares about is his legacy. He doesn’t care that I have my own goals in life.”

“That sounds rough. What does he have in his head that he’s being unreasonable about?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Well, where are we hiking?”

“Rowlett Nature Trail.”

“That’s about an hour from here, if we don’t hit any major traffic.” I pause. “Enough time for a long story.”

“I’d rather not talk about him, if that’s okay.”

The mood shifts in the car, so I nod. “Of course.”

We ride in uncomfortable silence until Adam leans forward, flipping on the radio. I cringe as country music plays. Guess we don’t have the same taste in music. That’s okay. It’s not a deal breaker.

We arrive at the nature center in less than thirty-minutes, mostly because Adam drives over the speed limit. Again, not a deal breaker. A lot of people drive fast in Texas. And it’s not his fault that I panic when the car I’m in rides up on the car in front of us, like he did several times.

As soon as we’ve parked, I get out of the car and take in a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Adam doesn’t seem to notice my turmoil and reaches into the backseat, grabbing a backpack.

“Let’s go, babe.”

Ick. It’s definitely being said in a demeaning way.

“Already at the nickname stage?” I ask teasingly. “What should I call you?”

“I’m not really into the whole nickname thing. It’s weird when a guy has one.” He takes my hand. “Let’s go this way.”

“So why do you get to call me babe, but I don’t get to call you anything?”

“Is it really that big of a deal?”

I don’t answer, making him sigh as he lets go of my hand. He picks up his pace to the point that it’s hard for me to keep up.

“Whoa, can we slow down?”

He says nothing and walks even faster.

I jog up to his side, grabbing his arm. “Hey.”

He turns, swinging.

I gasp as he strikes me across my cheek, and stumble backward as pain explodes across my face.

His eyes widen in horror. “Shit! Lili, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

He tries to reach for me, but I jerk away, cupping my cheek.

“Lili, you have to believe me! I swear that I didn’t mean to hit you.” He runs his hand over his face. “Fuck!”

“I—I think we should call it a day.”

He shakes his head and moves toward me. “I have to make this up to you. Fuck! My dad is going to be so pissed when he finds out! I was supposed to warm you up before?—”

“Warm me up?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Warm me up for what?”

He’s silent for a moment, and I’m not sure he’s going to answer.

Finally, he asks, “Can we find a spot to sit and talk?”

My cheek is throbbing so badly that I’m feeling kind of woozy.

“Sitting would be nice.”

He takes my arm, leading me back down the path that we came until the picnic tables come in sight. A couple passes us, and I don’t miss that both of them look back at us, whispering after they pass.

Adam sits first and I sit across from him.

“Look, today hasn’t gone like I wanted. At all. I just wanted to show you something that I was into while getting to know you.” He runs his hand over his face. “I know I’ve mentioned that my dad isn’t my biggest fan, and all I’ve ever wanted to do is make him proud.”

“I understand that, but I don’t know how that affects me.” I exhale. “All I did was ask if I could give you a nickname. Adam, you hit me.”

Saying the words unleashes emotions I think I’ve been too stunned to process.

“Babe—”

“Don’t call me that!” I stand. “I want to go home.”

“Lili, don’t be like this. I said I was sorry.”

“That changes nothing.” I take a step away from him. “Are you going to take me home or not?”

“Please, just hear me out. We can clear this up and?—”

Shaking my head, I walk away from him.

“Lili!”

Reaching into my purse, I dig out my phone and dial without thinking.

“Hello?”

Hearing Dimitri’s voice unleashes more emotions, and a soft sob escapes my lips before I can stop it.

“Lilith? What’s wrong?”

“Can you—can you come get me?”

“Of course. Where are you?”

I glance over my shoulder to discover that Adam is stalking toward me, and the look on his face terrifies me.

Dimitri says, “Lilith! Where are you?”

I end the call, backing away from Adam.

“Adam, you’re scaring me. Please stop.”

My phone rings, but I don’t answer it. Not when Adam is still coming toward me.

“Lili, you’re overreacting.” He comes to a stop in front of me. “I promise I can explain everything. Just give me an hour. Please.”

The wild look in his eyes has me nodding.

Even if I call Dimitri back, he won’t be here for at least an hour. If I call the police, it’ll likely take them at least twenty minutes. My mind races. Maybe if I let him talk, he’ll calm down and I can go without another incident.

“Okay. Okay, let’s talk.”

He nods. “Thank you. I just need to call my dad. He’ll be able to explain everything.”

Unease courses through me. I don’t trust this at all. How is his dad going to explain anything? He turns from me, pulling his phone from his pocket. When he speaks to his dad in a low tone, I take off running. He yells my name, but I don’t stop.

All that matters is getting away from him.

This is a busy park. Surely, I’ll come across someone else who can help me.

In the distance, I spot two men. I’m about to call out to them when someone slams into me from behind, knocking me to the ground. The impact on my knees is almost unbearable and I cry out as they scrape against the dirt path.

Adam wraps himself around me so I can’t move. Instead, I lie face down on the path.

“Why can’t you listen?” His grip tightens on my arm. “You’re going to make this worse for both of us when they get here!”

“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice trembling.

He doesn’t answer.

My mind races as I close my eyes as tears stream down my face, hitting the dirt beneath me. Someone will come along and see us. Right?

But that never happens, and Adam doesn’t move off me until a deep voice scoffs from my left.

“Jesus, Adam. Get off the girl this instant.”

Adam moves off me, and I push myself to my feet, even though it hurts like hell. Glancing down, I can see that the fall scraped up both of my knees. Blood and dirt are mixed in the cuts, and my right knee throbs. Brushing my hands on the side of my shorts, I look at the man who must be Adam’s father.

The man is an older version of Adam, but carries himself in a way that Adam could never. He’s dressed in a designer suit that is hilariously out of place in our current setting. Right now he’s assessing me with dark eyes that show no sign of what he’s thinking.

“Sir, I just want to go home.”

He ignores me and turns to Adam. “You hit the girl? What were you thinking?”

Adam dips his head in what I assume is shame and doesn’t answer.

His father turns to me. “Come, Ms. Wolfe. Let’s get you to my car.”

My phone buzzes in my purse. It must have switched to silent mode when I fell. God. Dimitri is probably worried sick about me.

“I’d suggest not answering that, Ms. Wolfe.” I meet Adam’s father’s hard gaze. “Or I will be forced to take your phone from you.”

I nod my understanding. When he’s sure that I’m not going to answer it, he walks away. No one speaks as we make our way back to the parking lot. A black sedan is parked next to Adam’s car, but what has me stopping is the SUV next to it.

Uncle Wolfe steps out and goes to Adam’s father, shaking his hand.

“Damn unfortunate that we’re having to do this here, Yemi.”

Adam’s father, Yemi, nods. “Agreed, but it seems my youngest son can’t do anything right.”

“What’s going on?”

Both men turn to me, and I wish they hadn’t.

Uncle Wolfe shakes his head. “You’re a mess. Why am I not surprised?”

“I’m a mess because he attacked me!”

Adam doesn’t respond. Instead, he looks at his feet, like a child who knows he’s done something wrong.

“Alastor, I read over the proposal you sent. I am agreeable to it, and I say the sooner the better.”

What in the heck is going on?

Uncle Wolfe nods. “Excellent. And what of your son? Does he have anything to add?”

Adam says, “No, sir.”

“Wonderful. Well, this is a joyous day for both our families.” Uncle Wolfe turns to me. “As I am sure you have guessed, Adam is your betrothed.”

“No.”

“Girl, I’m not asking. I’m telling you. Mr. Montgomery and I have made a deal, and the paperwork will be signed tonight. It’s done. The wedding will take place in three months. Long enough for you to finish your contract at Santos’ house without raising suspicions, and long enough for you and Adam to get to know each other a bit more before the wedding.”

“I’m not marrying him!”

Yemi is the one who speaks this time. “My child, you’ll learn how to work together soon enough. Adam is a reasonable young man and simply made a mistake.”

“Do you hear yourself? This is madness!”

Yemi opens his mouth, but it’s Adam who steps forward.

“If I may?” After his father nods, Adam turns to me. “Lili, what happened today was a mistake. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s the truth. I’ve been under a ton of stress, but now that you know, everything can go back to the way it was.” He moves closer and I flinch. “Hey. Don’t be like that. We’re friends, remember?”

I glance past him to find Uncle Wolfe watching me with a hard glint in his eyes.

He says, “I’d like a word with my niece, gentlemen.”

He motions for me to follow him to the side of his SUV, where we’re out of sight. I don’t like this one bit, but at least I’m not next to Adam.

“Why are you so hell bent on having me marry him?”

“Because I need the money his family brings.” He gives me a smile. “Don’t fret. You’re finally going to have a family of your own.”

“No.”

Uncle Wolfe grabs my arm. “I’m only going to say this once. You’re going to marry the boy, but before you get any ideas in that head of yours, I’d like to remind you of something. I know your secret, Lilith, and I’m not afraid to use it. Understand?” He leans in. “In case I’m not being clear, that means I’ll tell Santos about the baby, and we both know how that will go for you. If you want your daughter in your life, then you best go along with this plan.”

Defeat courses through me.

I’m trapped.

There’s nothing I can do.

“I understand.”

“Good.”

My phone buzzes and Uncle Wolfe glances at my purse.

“Answer it. Tell Santos that you got separated from your date and got scared.”

“How—how do you know that I called him?”

“I know everything you do. Remember that.” He gestures. “Tell him you’re fine.”

I reach for my phone when Uncle Wolfe speaks again.

“Make it believable.”

I nod and clear my throat.

“Hello?”

“Lilith! What in the fuck happened? Where are you?” The panic in Dimitri’s voice has my eyes watering.

“Hey,” I let out a small laugh to cover the emotion in my voice. “I’m so sorry about that. I lost my friend on a hike and got a bit freaked out.”

“But you’re fine now?”

“I’m fine.”

I’m anything but fine.

Dimitri exhales. “Thank fucking god. Do you still need me to come get you?”

I meet Uncle Wolfe’s gaze and have to swallow down a sob.

“No. No, I’m fine now. I’ll be home later. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“Don’t apologize, Lilith. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“Thanks.” I brush the tears streaming down my face. “Bye.”

Ending the call, I look at Uncle Wolfe, who smiles.

“Excellent. Now, let’s get back to the others. We have a wedding to plan.”