Page 64 of Betrayal and Vows

I’m just the assassin. The enforcer. I’m the guy that does the wet work.

The traitor is bound to a chair. Bloodied. Barely breathing.

In another lifetime, I might’ve taken my time. Sent a message.

But I don’t have time.

I want to get back upstairs.

Back to her.

With Mikhail pissed and drunk, I can’t risk him getting his hands on Lena.

One swift, silent motion. Knife to jugular. Arterial spray against tile.

The man gurgles. Dies.

I turn to the men guarding him. “Clean it up. Burn everything.”

They nod.

I drop the knife on the ground. If it’s evidence against me, whatever. One little knife in a pile of guns and bullets isn’t going to make a difference.

I stop in the restroom and wash my hands and make sure there’s no blood on me.

When I return to the party, I don’t immediately see her.

I spot Dmitri standing just outside the open doors.

He jerks his head, letting me know she’s outside.

The garden.

I almost smile.

She loves the garden, and I love watching her enjoy it. She smiles so little during the day.

The garden is softly lit with strings of warm lights woven through the trees. It creates an intimate space that makes everything look like a fairy tale.

And there she is.

Lena stands near the fountain, her back to me. She's changed into a midnight blue dress that hugs her curves like it was painted on her body.

The fabric is silk, flowing from her hips to just above her knees. The neckline dips low in the back, revealing the smooth line of her spine. Thin straps cross at her shoulder blades, creating a delicate pattern against her pale skin.

My mouth goes dry.

It's elegant and sexy without being obvious. Perfect for a Bratva princess who needs to look untouchable while driving men to distraction.

She's succeeded.

My body responds immediately. My cock twitches. I crave her with every breath. I want her because I can’t have her.

I want her because I can’t live without her.

As if she senses me, she turns and looks over her shoulder.

I see that look.