Page 34 of Betrayal and Vows

I don’t know why. I don’t care.

But now, standing in this dress that feels like a cage, I realize my time is running out. His eyes roam over me like he's already undressing me in his mind.

"Two weeks," he says, voice dropping to something that makes my skin crawl. "Then you'll be mine. Completely."

His hand moves to my waist, fingers pressing into the corset. I can't breathe. Can't move. The dress traps me as effectively as his presence.

"You know what happens to wives who disobey their husbands in our world," he continues conversationally. "My father taught me well. A firm hand keeps a woman in line."

Terror claws up my throat. I've heard the stories. Seen the bruises on other wives at family gatherings, hidden beneath expensive makeup and designer clothes.

"I won't disobey," I manage.

"No," he smiles. He pulls the string for the corset.

I gasp. Relief that I can breathe and terror at the idea of him undressing me.

He’ll see the marks Anton left.

And then he’ll kill me.

His hand slowly pushes the corset open. My hand moves to hold up the front of the dress. I’m not wearing a bra.

He’ll see.

“Lena, Lena, Lena,” he whispers. “The things I’m going to do to you.”

The door bursts open.

“Oh my GOD, you guys, I broughtshoes!”

Kira’s voice stops Mikhail’s hand.

She strides in like she owns the place, holding a tray with two cups of coffee and several shopping bags hanging off her arm.

She’s wearing a pink dress that hits mid-thigh and heels that could be deadly. Her thick-white rimmed glasses cover half her face. Her hair is done and she looks just like she always does—like she’s ready to party.

It’s an act.

I’m not the only one who’s figured out how to fly under the radar.

“Lena, I found the ones you liked! And bonus, I brought caffeine!”

She pauses when she sees Mikhail.

I have no doubt in my mind she knew he was in here.

Mikhail steps back, instantly annoyed. “You can’t just barge in.”

“I’m so sorry! Lena told me she was trying on herbeautifuldress. I didn’t think I would find her fiancé in here. I’ll leave.”

He scowls.

“No! I need the shoes to make sure the hem is right.”

“Yes! I brought five pairs. We’ll have you try on all of them.”

Mikhail glares at her. Then me.