Page 16 of Deceitful Promises

“What?”

“I don’t want to lie to you.”

I let out the meanest, most mocking laugh I’ve ever aimed at anybody. Maybe that’s the only way I can make this work—laugh, mock, and be a bully. Can I be that person?

“So you can kidnap me, but lying is off the table.”

He shrugs. “You tried to … get physical with me.”

I roll my eyes, but somehow, on a deep level, I know he’s right. “Yeah, ofcourse,I did,” I say sarcastically.

“I’m happy to pretend it never happened,” he grunts.

I push past him, heading for the bathroom. He steps into my path. I don’t want him to read the hurt in my eyes. I shouldn’t care if he wants me or not. Heck, I should forget aboutmewanting to be withhim.

“Ania,” he says.

“Can you move, please?”

He sighs. “Listen, I’m not here to be your therapist, but you’re keeping that snack bar in you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do,” he growls. “Like I said, no therapy, no judgment, but you need those calories.”

“Justmove.”

I grab his shirt, meaning to push him out of the way. All that does is hammer home how muscular he is, how powerful. His chest seems to expand against my touch, heat burning my palm. He doesn’t move a single inch. He stares down at me, his dark eyes haunted and almost hurt.

“Not today, Ania,” he snarls. “Do yourself a favor.”

I almost squeeze my hand down to feel his muscles pushing against me. I want to feel how powerful he is. When I touch him, it’s weird. For a moment, I think maybe I can listen to his advice.

“You’re reading into something that isn’t there,” I tell him, forcing myself to let him go. “You seriously need to chill.”

He looks at me for a long time, then says, “Hmm,” and steps aside.

I go into the bathroom, and I try. I really try not to. I always give it my best shot. With the faucet running and the water drowning out the noise, I do what’s best for my future career. I make the sacrifice that has to be made.

Aiden eats a giant breakfast: sausage, bacon, eggs, waffles, and pancakes. He lays out a small plate for me but says nothing as I stare at it. The tension in the air is icy and taut, as though it’s ready to snap.

I’ve had a shower and changed into some simple clothes Aiden bought for me: jeans and a hoodie. I pull the sleeves up, hugging my arms around myself. He glances up quickly as though seeing me like this makes him want to hold me. Or maybe I’m projecting, wishing, and dreaming things into reality that just aren’t there.

“You’ll be meeting your mom soon,” he says after a pause. “Are you excited?”

“It still doesn’t feel real,” I admit. “So I guess I’m not letting myself get excited.”

“You can now,” he says with a small smile. “I know this hasn’t been … usual, but because of your family, I had to take certain steps.”

“My brothers aren’t monsters.”

“Your brothers are Bratva. They’re criminals.”

“And you’re not?” I snap. “Kidnapping is a crime.”

“They do it for money. I do it?—”

“Because you’re a hero. Got it.”

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