Page 131 of Betrayal and Vows

Dmitri chuckles. “Temper, temper.”

Anton glares at his friend.

I’m far from naked, but Anton is a very possessive, protective man.

And that’s why I love him.

Luda is mumbling under her breath as she peels away the layers of the dress.

When I’m down to my panties, Anton tucks the blanket around me, leaving my arm exposed.

“Can I turn around now?” Dmitri asks.

“Yes,” Luda says.

Dmitri kneels next to the couch and holds up the towels.

“Get my kit,” Luda orders.

Dmitri jumps up again.

She pokes at my arm, causing me to wince.

“I’ll need to sew this up,” she says.

“Do you want a drink?” Anton asks me.

“I’m okay.”

Dmitri brings a box. Luda opens it and flips through supplies.

I get the feeling she’s very familiar with patching up injuries.

After she cleans the area and inspects it once again, I watch her thread a needle.

“Vodka, Dmitri.”

“I’m fine.”

“This is going to hurt,” Luda says softly.

“Take the drink,solnyshko.” Anton’s voice is gentle as he rubs my knee over the blanket.

Dmitri hands me a glass of clear liquid. I take it, slam it down and wince as the liquid fire burns all the way down.

And then she starts sewing.

She's right. It does hurt. The needle piercing my skin feels like fire, but I grit my teeth and focus on Anton's face. He's standing close enough to touch, his jaw clenched as he watches every stitch.

Luda bandages my arm and offers a smile. “You’re a tough girl.”

“Will you please help, Anton?” I ask.

"I'm fine."

"You're bleeding from your head and you can barely stand upright." I say and sit up.

I ignore the way the movement pulls at my stitches. "Sit."