Page 21 of Betrayal and Vows

“Anton?” she says. “You saw him again?”

My chest tightens.

“I didn’t plan it,” I whisper. “I didn’t even know he was there. I was dancing, and then… he was justthere.”

Her mouth tightens into a thin line. “Lena.”

“I couldn’t stop it.”

“Igetit,” she says gently. “I do. You kissed him once and you’ve never stopped wanting him.”

I feel tears burning my eyes as we move to sit on the couch.

She pulls her legs up. “So... was it worth it?”

I look away.

Her brows lift. “Oh my God.”

“It wasn’t just sex,” I whisper. “It was…everything.”

I feel her watching me, but I can’t look at her. Not when I still feel his hands on me. His mouth. His voice in my ear, saying my name like a curse and a prayer all at once.

“I’ve been walking around half-dead for so long I forgot what it feels like to want something,” I murmur. “Toneedit. And then he touched me and I remembered.”

Kira stays quiet.

“I remembered what it’s like tofeel.” My voice cracks. “And now I don’t know how to shut it off again.”

She doesn’t lecture me. Doesn’t say I told you so. She just reaches over and takes my hand.

“You’re going to have to, though.”

“I know.”

“No more secret Anton hook-ups. If you love him, then stay the hell away from him.”

“I’ll try.”

She eyes me. “Liar.”

She's right. I am a liar. How can I stay away from Anton when my body is still humming from his touch? When I can still taste him on my lips despite scrubbing them raw?

A sharp knock on the door makes us both freeze.

"Lena?" It's my father's voice, cold and commanding even through the thick hotel door.

My blood turns to ice. He's here. In Moscow. He wasn't supposed to arrive until tomorrow.

Kira's face goes white. "Shit," she mouths.

He knows.

I force myself to stand, tightening the robe around me. "Just a minute, Dad."

My hands shake as I run them through my wet hair, trying to look like I've been innocently showering.

"Answer the door," my father commands. "Now."