Page 78 of Unbreakable Vow

“I did.” I pull Cora closer to me and move my hand to her back. “We were just on our way out.”

“Yes, of course. I’m glad I ran into you, actually,” Victoria says. “I’ve been meaning to get in touch. There were a few things we didn’t discuss after I left. Some business things.”

“What business things?” I narrow my eyes at her. What is she playing at?

“I’m not sure this is the right venue for the conversation. Maybe we can meet tomorrow afternoon?” She pulls out a card from her clutch and offers it to me. “We can meet at our old spot, or I can come to the house?”

“No.” I take the card. Her name and phone number are embossed on the card with gold ink.

“Oh, well, wherever you want is fine.” Her smile never wavers.

“I’ll meet you at Kraze. Two o’clock.” I tuck the card into my suit jacket. “Like I said, we were leaving.”

“Yes. Of course.” She steps to the side. “It was nice to meet you. Cora.”

“Thanks.” I tug Cora along with me before she can say anything else. The sooner I get away from that woman, the better I’ll be able to breathe.

It’s been years since I’ve seen her.

She is nothing like the woman I had etched in my memory, yet she hasn’t changed a bit.

“Sergei?” Cora’s voice is soft.

“What?” I shake my head loose of memories I no longer trust and turn to Cora.

We’ve already pulled into the evening traffic. Our driver, Dimitri, has the windows cracked to allow the crisp air into the cab.

“Are you alright?” She reaches across and places her hand on my knee. “You got really quiet after we ran into Victoria.”

“I’m fine.” I grip her hand, giving it a squeeze.

The silence in the car builds until we’re pulling up in front of the house. I climb out first, then help Cora down. The dress is long in the back, so I’m careful not to step on it as we make our way to the door.

Once inside, she turns me to me, a playful smile on her lips. “So, bedtime?”

“I have to do some work. I’ll be up in a bit.” I kiss her cheek.

“Oh. I thought… all right.” Her smile falters. “Right. Of course. Business.”

I already have my phone out of my jacket as I walk away.

“Good night.” Her voice follows me as my shoes click along the flooring.

The house isquiet when I get home. A soft scent of chocolate wafts in the air when I get closer to the kitchen.

A double layered cake sits on the kitchen island. One piece is missing.

“Oh, you’re home.” Cora’s soft voice comes from behind me. The kitchen door swings gently behind her. She’s holding a dessert plate with a fork laid across it and chocolate crumbs strewn about.

“You’re up late.” I check my watch, but I don’t need to. It was midnight when I finally left Kraze and headed home.

Cora should be in bed. Asleep.

“I wanted something sweet.” She gives a pointed look at the cake before bringing her dish to the sink. “Do you want a piece? It’s devil’s food.”

“No. I’m fine.” I unbutton the top button of my shirt. “You made a whole cake because you wanted something sweet? Aren’t there cookies in the pantry?” Mrs. Yugov makes a batch ofpryanikevery week.

Cora winces. “I ate the last one yesterday.” She washes the plate. “Besides, I wanted chocolate. I love those honey cookies though. Too much.” She rinses the plate and places it in the drainer along with her fork.

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