Page 14 of Solemn Vow

“But you know him.” I ease my hand out of her hair, taking a step back from her. It’s only a few inches, but enough for her to breathe easier. Enough for her to find some safety.

She lets out a harsh breath, putting her hand to her forehead.

There’s trouble here.

“What is it?” My patience, what little I possess, is gone.

“Nothing.” She shoves me in the chest and scoots away from the wall. “Just leave, Viktor. Please. I don’t need this today. Just go!”

She rushes away, through the kitchen and down the short hallway to the single bedroom. Once inside, she slams the door and the small sound of the lock turning echoes in my ears.

She ran.

She locked herself in her bedroom.

A grin crosses my lips.

She actually thinks she’s safe from me in there.

I double-check the apartment door is locked, then take my time heading to the room. Enough secrets.

Whatever she’s hiding will only serve to hurt her.

“I’ll give you one chance. Open the door,moy sladkiy voin. If you don’t, I’ll kick it down.” I won’t have any problem doing so; much like the rest of the place, the door is made only slightly stronger than a cardboard box.

“Why won’t you just go away!” she yells through the door, just from the other side. If I kick it down now, I’ll harm her.

“Because I know you’re in trouble and I won’t let you stay that way. I won’t let harm come to you.” She needs help here; I can sense it. I won’t stand idle while she’s hurting.

Moments tick by in silence, and I calculate how to get through the door without injuring her. One way or another, the barrier will come down.

Finally, the lock clicks and soft footsteps fall away from the door on the other side.

I turn the knob and throw the door open.

I take slow steps toward her. She matches my steps backward, until I make a sharp turn toward the closet. Flinging open the door, I find half of what was there only weeks ago.

“Where are all your clothes?”

“Viktor.” She sounds tired.

I look at her over my shoulder. “Tell me where your things are.”

She swallows.

My phone goes off in my pocket.

She scratches the back of her neck, then stretches her back until she’s standing as tall and straight as a soldier standing in line.

“The TV broke. I’m getting a new one.”

She’s lying again. Her eyes won’t meet mine completely. She looks just below my gaze, trying to make it look as though she’s confident in her deceit.

The signs are easy when you know what to look for, and living in the life I’ve been handed, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to learn what dishonesty looks like.

My phone goes off again.

Dammit.

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