Page 47 of Betrayal and Vows

I walk across the hall to the door that hides the passage.

Then—I see it.

A shadow at the end of the corridor.

My blood runs cold.

I freeze.

It can’t be. It’s my mind playing tricks on me.

I quickly dash inside the dark passage and practically run back to my room.

Once inside my room, I press my ear to the door, straining to hear. If they saw me, they’d come to my room to verify, right?

Maybe.

I try to calm my racing heart. It could be anyone. A guard doing rounds. A servant. Someone who couldn't sleep, just like me.

If anyone asks, I'll say I couldn't sleep. That I was walking around my room. Pacing.

Nervous about the wedding.

It's not a lie. I am nervous about the wedding.

I slide into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin.

Every sound makes me jump. Every shadow on the wall looks like a person watching me.

I close my eyes and try to hold onto the memory of Anton's arms around me.

Safe.

When I was in his arms I felt safe.

But I can't shake the feeling that our secret isn't as safe as we thought.

Chapter 9

Anton

We are playing with fire.

I never believed in gravity until I met her.

She has me locked in her orbit, and I don’t think I will ever be free.

This is hell. I’m being punished for all the men I’ve killed. I’m forced to be near her without touching her.

“Come,” Lena says.

I arch one eyebrow.

“I need to change. Then I’m meeting the caterer.”

I’d love to spank her little ass for bossing me around, but I get it.

This is Lena—Bratva princess.