Page 88 of Solemn Vow

He cups the back of my neck and pulls me to him. The second his mouth touches mine, I’m lost to him. Even the ache in my ribs doesn’t stop me from matching his passion and his hunger.

“Fuck, Marlena.” His heavy breath washes over my face as he presses his forehead against mine. “If we don’t stop now, I’m not going to be able to stop, and if I do to you what I want to do to you, you’ll be hurt.”

I nod. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am, but it’s good that you agree so quickly. It saves us time.”

I laugh, which makes me cough, and then I wince.

And he ends up looking guilty.

“Okay, I don’t care what the doctor says. You need rest.”

“He said I can’t just lie in bed all day,” I argue as he gets up from the ottoman and scoops me up into his arms.

“That’s right. You’ll lie on the couch and watch romantic comedies with me this afternoon.” He manages to get the door open without jostling me.

“That’s your idea of a compromise?” I laugh.

“It’s the best you’re getting. I suggest you take it.”

I lean my head against his neck as he carries me down to the living room.

“I do. I take it.” I smile.

How can I not?

Viktor Petrov is my boyfriend.

“You shouldn’t have lether go in by herself.” Sergei elbows my arm as we stand at the bar of the Majestic Mile Country club.

I hate places like this. It reeks of privilege and nepotism that turns my stomach.

It’s been a month since Marlena found out Michael is her father, and it’s been two days since she asked to meet with him. This was the most neutral place. She didn’t want to go to his home where his family lives. And meeting at any business our families operate would only add unnecessary tension.

I flash Sergei a glare. Michael and Marlena have been in the private room for an hour. I can’t hear anything being said, but through the glass pane in the door, I can see her profile.

“He’s not going to hurt her,” I argue. “And she wanted to handle this on her own.”

“You’re too lenient, Viktor.” He shakes his head and folds his arms over his chest.

“Don’t give me relationship advice, cousin.” I nudge him with my shoulder.

The bartender brings Sergei a second beer and tops off my water.

“Since when do you not drink?” He points at my water.

“Water suits me fine.” I take a long sip. Marlena doesn’t mind if I have a drink, but sometimes I can still see the fear in her eyes when I pour a glass. The moment I see it, I dump it. I won’t do anything that makes my girl uncomfortable.

Sergei sips his beer and turns away from the bar, leaning his elbows back. A darkness covers his expression, and I follow his stare.

A man towers over one of the waitresses, his fists clenched at his sides. We’re too far away to understand what’s being said, but she keeps taking small steps backward until he has her cornered.

“Sergei, don’t cause trouble,” I warn, sensing his own body gearing up for a fight.

“I saw that woman at the party last month. With the same man. He grabbed her.” His voice tenses and he pushes off the bar.

The woman nods at the man, while he’s poking his finger in her face.

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