Page 35 of Cruel Promise

“How did he get it?”

“I don’t know. He’s never told me. He just came home one day with it, and that was that. I’ve learned to not ask Mr. Petrov questions. If he wants to say, he’ll say. But you’re his wife. You’re different. If you want to ask him, ask him.”

“I just assumed it was a birth mark.”

“No, it’s definitely not a birth mark.”

“He invited women over?” I don’t know why I ask. I don’t care about Nikolai’s past just like I don’t care about his present or future. He doesn’t mean anything to me.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

Mrs. Brown gives me a curious look as she rinses off a cup. “Are you sure you want to talk about that?”

“Why wouldn’t I want to talk about it?”

“No reason.”

I can tell by her tone she has an opinion, but she doesn’t offer it.

“Yes,” she says. “There were other women. Lots of them. None of them ever stuck, though. He never settled down. Until you.”

“Why me, though? Why not any of these other women?”

“Dear, you keep asking me questions I don’t have the answers to. And you know who does.”

I sigh. “But he never tells me anything.”

“That’s Mr. Petrov for you.”

I set down the plate in my hands. Nikolai’s gone for the day, I realize. He doesn’t keep guards around the place, surprisingly. That makes me more scared of him because if he has the type of reputation that can keep people away, then what could he do to me if he got angry enough? Nikolai has his code, but how long will that really last?

But if I’m not here, and he can’t find me, then he can’t hurt me.

I could find a way to go back to my old life. Return to Yale. Live my life for myself.

“Mrs. Brown, what does your schedule look like?”

“Well, since you helped me with the dishes, I have to do all the laundry. And when that’s done, I’ll clean the bathrooms. Why do you ask?”

To make sure you’re out of the way when I leave.

“No reason. Just curious.”

“You’re sweet.” She shuffles out of the kitchen, and I make my way to the front door.

Once again, Edmund is there.

“Ava, hello.”

“Hello.” I could easily run past him. He’s old; I’m young. But he’ll call Nikolai the moment I leave. I just know it.

I can’t hurt Edmund. No matter how desperate I am to leave, I could never hurt an older, sweet man. But maybe I can bargain with him.

“Edmund, you should know I’m going to walk out that door and leave.”

He sighs and shifts on his feet. “I was worried you would try again.”

“You’re not surprised?”

---