Page 42 of Betrayal and Vows

“You know, for a guy who’s built his whole career on staying in the shadows, you’re being real loud right now.”

“Leave it alone.”

“I’m trying. But you’re not exactly subtle.”

I pause. Turn to face him.

“You want to say something, say it.”

He leans in slightly conscious of the fact there are likely cameras in here as well.

“You’re going to get yourselfkilled,Anton. You keep looking at her like that, they’ll know. And if they know?—”

“Iknowwhat happens.”

He meets my eyes. “Then act like it.”

I say nothing.

He exhales, shaking his head. “You were never good at this part.”

“What part?”

“Pretending you don’t care.”

Chapter 8

Lena

The estate is too quiet at night.

It’s not peaceful.

It’swatchful.

It feels like the walls have eyes and ears. It’s creepy. My parents are back at our house.

I feel like they’ve abandoned me. Thrown me to the wolves.

But I suppose two weeks doesn’t really matter.

In two weeks, this is where I will live without them. Except I won’t have the luxury of my own room. I’ll be forced to be in Mikhail’s bed.

The thought terrifies me.

I can’t do it.

I pretend I’m a good actress but I don’t think I’m that good.

He’s going to know and then what? Will he kill me when I puke all over him when he attempts to fuck me?

I’m sitting alone in my room, and it’s making me crazy. After dinner, Anton walked me to my bedroom. He pretended to be clearing the room while casually pointing out a secret passage.

I had been stunned to see it.

And just a little unnerved.

He made sure I understood there was an escape if I needed it.