Page 28 of Betrayal and Vows

But maybe last night was different.

Maybe someone noticed she was gone.

Maybe someone followed.

Maybe someone saw us.

And now I’ve been reassigned to watch her. Guard her.

Pretend like I’m not one wrong glance away from blowing this whole thing wide open.

It’s not protection.

It’s punishment.

It’s a trap.

A test.

And Lena? She’s being watched just as closely as I am.

Maybe more.

“You’re getting promoted,” Dmitri says.

"Or executed," I mutter.

Dmitri's smile fades. "What?"

I stand, dropping money on the table. "Nothing. Let's go."

"Anton." He grabs my arm. "What aren't you telling me?"

I look down at his hand on my sleeve, then back up at his face. He releases me immediately.

"I'm telling you we have a job to do."

"Bullshit. You've been off since last night. And now you're being assigned to babysit some spoiled princess? That's not a promotion, that's?—"

I stare at him and I see the moment realization dawns. “Oh, shit.”

“Don’t.” My tone is filled with warning.

“Are you fucking crazy?”

I’m already moving out the door. I have to pack a bag. When you’re summoned, you move.

“Anton!” Dmitri grabs my arm and spins me around. “That’s what you were doing last night?”

I glare at him. We both know I’m not going to answer him.

“Fuck. It’s her. I thought you were over that.”

“We need to pack,” I say.

Dmitri doesn't move. He's staring at me like I've grown a second head.

"No," he says. "We need to talk."