Page 71 of Betrayal and Vows

As soon as it’s been an appropriate amount of time, I make my escape.

Anton is there but says nothing as he escorts me to my room.

He says nothing as he quickly searches my room and then leaves.

Tonight, I need to feel close to him.

I strip out of the hideous dress and pull on my pajamas.

I open the door to the passage to make my way to him.

There’s a strange scent in the air. I pause and sniff. It’s cigarette smoke. Harsh. Chemical.

And then I see it.

Footprints. In the dust. Not mine. Not his.

Someone else has been here.

I crouch, heart hammering. There’s fresh cigarette ash on the floor. I pinch some between my fingers and sniff.

Still warm.

Someone’s been using this passage.

Someone’s been spying on me.

I stumble back, bile rising in my throat. How much have they seen? How much have theyheard?

The cold panic curdles into a darker fear. Not just for Anton.

But for both of us.

Because if they’ve seen the way I look at him…

We’re already dead.

My hope for comfort tonight is dashed.

I can’t risk it.

I close the door and curl up in my bed.

I have a choice to make.

Marry Mikhail and let them kill Anton.

Run with Anton and doom my family and never know the feeling of being safe.

Find a third option that doesn’t exist.

Yet.

Chapter 13

Anton

Istand at the back of the dining room, hands clasped behind my back, watching the morning light filter through silk curtains onto a scene that makes my blood feel like acid in my veins.