Free Dmitry's Closet by Latrivia S. Nelson

front door that Anatoly held open for him.
         "And he's gone just like that," she said, absently.
    ∞♥∞
         Royal had managed to stay and wait, despite her bewildered embarrassment. She was like a birthday girl at a party with no guests. All dressed up and no where to go, she sat in the same seat that Dmitry had placed her in before he left and waited faithfully, obediently and most of all perplexed.
         As she sat talking to an old man, more than likely in his eighties about the various types of caviar and its history in Russia with royal families, the front doors to the restaurant opened suddenly, and Dmitry and his large entourage of men flooded into the building. They came in by the droves, filling the place back to capacity. They came in like nothing had happened, like there had been no interruption.
         Royal sat up and watched on like everyone else who was left behind. Each man found his date and settled down to talk and smile.
         Anatoly immediately disappeared into the back again, and Dmitry came in and locked eyes on Royal. As he passed them, the women, who were left behind in the whirlwind of urgency only hours before, looked up at him like hungry wolves each pining for his attention. But he did not look their way. His eyes were fixed on Royal, glad that she had stayed and waited for him. He zoomed in on her with an irate scowl on his face. His furrowed brow straightened as he approached the table. Royal noted the transformation, giving him a curious frown. What had he been up to?
         "I'm sorry that I was taken from you for so long," he said, seriously. His voice was distant. He tried to regain his composure and get back the moment that he had clearly lost with her on the dance floor.
         "It's okay." Royal's smiled lacked all enthusiasm. "I'm going to get out of here in just a minute, anyway. Have to get ready for tomorrow. I... can just walk over," she said, trying to hide her sadness. "Cory and Renée are going back with me. I just didn't want to leave before you returned considering all that you've done for us."
         "Nonsense. I'll have you driven back over. Anatoly will take you."
         "Oh, I don't want to bother him."
         "There is no bother. As a matter of fact, Anatoly will stay at the store from now on, down in basement. It's not safe for you to be there alone. People know there are large sums of money at the shop now. I wouldn't want anyone to think they can take advantage. Someone has to be on the premises to protect you."
         "I didn't know that the place had a basement."
         "A very nice one," he said, tasting the caviar.
         "How does Anatoly feel about this?" She watched him eat, frustrated at his quick commands and the fact that he was ignoring her discomfort. "I don't like this. Now, he has to uproot himself to stay with me. I don't want to be a bother. Maybe we can just get a security system or..."
         "Anatoly does as he's told. And he's been told to stay in basement and make sure that no one disturbs you after or before hours." He wiped his face and looked at her sternly, the full strength of his prominent bone structure obvious as he gritted his teeth. He picked up his wine and took a big gulp, most unlike him.
         "It looks like everyone around here does what they are told," she huffed. "Does anyone ever ask why? Because I'm not the go fetch dog type."
         Dmitry noted her anger and possible hurt. He calmed. "I told you why," his voice was softer. "It's not safe."
         "You seem... different, Dmitry. Strange." She looked down at the table to control her own growing resentment and distress.
         Dmitry sighed. "I seem, because I am." He tried to lighten his forceful tongue. "Just... listen to me, Royal. Anatoly does not mind at all." He reasoned softly with her, smiling to make his point more agreeable for her. "The basement is nice enough. He'll be fine. You'll barely know he's