Sixty-Seven

VALERIA

"I need to work. Please."

Other than spearing a piece of meat with his fork a little harder than was necessary, Dimitri gave no other indication that he had heard me. I stopped eating at once. I was getting slightly desperate now. The thought of having another day like yesterday was intolerable. Amelia had kept me company most of the time, but even her presence had not be enough to relive me of boredom. I was used to being really active. Why on earth was that so hard for Dimitri to understand?

"I'm fine now," I pursued. "My wounds have healed. I need to-"

"You don't need to do anything," said Dimitri, speaking for the first time since we started having dinner. "My answer about you working still remains no." As I opened my mouth, he added. "Nothing you can say will change my mind, so save your breath and eat."

Grumbling, I picked up my fork and resumed eating. I kept shooting Dimitri dirty looks. If looks could kill, I was certain Dimitri would be pushing daisies by now. As it