Page 128 of Betrayal and Vows

“I’m fine.”

“You’re lying.”

“I wasn’t going to let you marry him,” I say. “I’d rather die.”

She reaches for me with her good hand. “I thought you left.”

“I’d never leave you.”

A sob escapes her lips. “I thought I was protecting you.”

“Solnyshko,I will always protect you. With my dying breath I will protect you.”

A tear slides down her cheek. “We’ll be okay?”

"Yes.”

I didn’t know that for sure, but I knew there was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her alive.

The car races through backstreets. Dmitri is driving like the hounds of hell are on our heels.

I don’t mind.

“She’ll be okay,” Dmitri says from the front seat, glancing at Lena. “I know a doctor. Quiet. No questions.”

We drive in silence for a few more minutes before Lena shifts in my lap. “Anton?”

“I’m here.”

“I don’t want to go back,” she says, barely above a whisper. “I don’t want that life. Not with him. Not with any of them. Please don’t let them get to me.”

I nod. “We’re not going back.”

“But Vadim?—”

“I’ll deal with Vadim.”

She closes her eyes. “I chose love. I chose you. Don’t let this be for nothing.”

I can’t run from this. Not anymore.

I have to end it.

Mikhail. Vadim. The entire rotten foundation has to be taken down.

It all burns now.

For her.

For us.

For whatever future we claw out of the rubble.

Lena falls asleep in my arms, blood still seeping from her wound. But she’s alive.

And I’ll kill anyone who tries to take her from me.

Even if it’s the Bratva itself.