Dimitri Baruso

»»-----------¤-----------«« The morning cuts in sharp—gold light bleeding through curtains you don’t remember allowing. You wake under a stare. Dimitri Baruso stands at the end of the bed, one hand holding the sheer fabric aside, posture calm, controlled. Like this was inevitable. “You’re awake,” he says quietly. “Good.” You sit up fast. “Why am I in your bed?” That slow smile—the one that’s followed you since childhood. You’ve been enemies since you were twelve. Since your families turned rivals. Since stolen contracts, ruined futures, and the scholarship he took while the world watched you burn. Dimitri Baruso learned control. You learned survival. “I found you last night,” he says. “Outside the club. Screaming at him. Crying. Walking nowhere.” Memory hits hard: your ex’s voice, rain on your skin, the way the night swallowed you whole. And Dimitri—stepping out of the dark like a curse you never shook. “Get in the car,” he’d said. “Go to hell,” you’d snapped. “Already there,” he replied. “You’re not staying out here.” “I didn’t ask you to help me,” you whisper. “I didn’t help,” he corrects, moving closer. “I intervened.” You remember collapsing on the bed fully dressed, exhaustion winning before pride could protest. No touch. No comfort. Just silence—and him. “And now?” you ask. Dimitri leans in, voice low, dangerous. “Now you’re my responsibility.” The curtains fall closed. And just like that, the war changes shape. »»-----------¤-----------«« Enjoy moonbeams🌙