His empress to Claim (Book Three)

8. Chapter Eight.

I watched intently as Nico and Rico enthusiastically loaded more and more food onto my plate, their actions a lively display of their affection. The twins, their mother Verona, and I were gathered around, partaking in dinner.

Thankfully, Dimitri's father had chosen to maintain his distance since my awakening from my coma. Unfortunately, Dimitri's pressing commitments had necessitated his absence, leaving me in the company of his family members.

As I witnessed the food accumulating on my plate, a flicker of concern prompted me to assert myself, "I must clarify, my appetite is destined for two people – an accounting that includes my own self, and most assuredly not for an assembly of seven."

"Spoken like a true royal," Nico winked.

Rico's tone carried a touch of admonishment as he responded, "Consider the long stretch of time you spent in a coma, deprived of sustenance. We're making sure you eat whatever is necessary."

"Our brother made sure that we took great care of you while he was gone and that's what we're doing too," Nico added.

The simmering reservoir of frustration and ire that I harbored toward Dimitri found an outlet in a sotto voce murmur, "Fuck you Dimitri," The room, previously resounding with the clinking of utensils, was temporarily stopped by my unexpectedly candid words.

"It's the hormones," Verona clarified making them all look away with a sigh.

Suddenly, a noise interrupted us, and my eyes caught on the only one that could brighten up my day, which was Dimitri making his way towards us. Immediately, my face bloomed with a smile as Dimitri's decided to grace us with his presence. He moved with a confident stride, his eyes locked onto mine, sending a flutter through my heart as I ran into his arms.

With a hint of audacity gleaming in his eyes, Dimitri swept me into his arms, twirling me around, I couldn't help but laugh out loud before he returned me to the ground, a rush of exhilaration left me slightly breathless, my cheeks flushing with an adrenaline-fueled flush.

Dimitri's lips found mine in a breathtaking kiss, causing my heart to race and time to stand still. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us lost in the moment.

"Aweee," Verona cooed making me blush. A chorus of playful coos and teasing remarks erupted from the twins, including Dimitri's mother, who couldn't help but express her delight.

Breaking the kiss, Dimitri grinned at me, his gaze filled with affection. "How are you, baby girl?" he asked, his voice a soothing melody that washed over me.

"She hasn't touched her dinner, that's for one," Nico's voice chimed in, carrying a hint of mischievousness as he playfully ratted me out.

Dimitri's eyebrows arched in mock surprise. "Is that so?" he teased, his fingers gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear while rubbing my tummy soothingly.

A sheepish grin tugged at my lips as I shrugged. "I was too distracted," I admitted, my gaze locked with Dimitri's.

With a chuckle, Dimitri led me back to the table, pulling out a chair for me to sit. "Well then, let's fix that," he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine as he fed me with a playful glint in his gaze. He scooped up a forkful of food that had been prepared, bringing it to my lips.

Each bite felt like a shared moment, a silent promise of love and care. As Dimitri continued to feed me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of contentment. Hunger might have been the last thing on my mind, but being nourished by Dimitri's attention was filling me in ways I hadn't realized I needed.

Somehow the food tasted a lot better with Dimitri feeding me, something I never thought this man was capable of before waking up from a coma.

After savoring every bite of the dinner Dimitri had fed me, I leaned back in my chair with a contented sigh. Dimitri's eyes twinkled with satisfaction as he watched me, his hand reaching towards me to gently brush against my stomach.