Page 8 of No Promises, No Lies

Adrik is the type of man to deal only in rare literature. There are likely many first editions on those shelves. I’ve long since wished to explore his collection, but never dared ask. This study was strictly off limits and to be called in here...

“Have a seat Aurora.” The elder Kostalov finally looks up from the paperwork covering his desk. “Nikolai.” He nods curtly at my brother behind me.

I sink slowly into one of the leather armchairs positioned in front of his desk, doing my best to act like this is normal.

Nothing about my life in the last year has beennormal.

Adrik folds his hands in front of him, settling his gaze on me. I fight the urge to shrink back under the weight of his full attention. My father is a powerful man. Far greater men than me have pissed themselves after a single stern glance from Adrik Kostalov.

“Aurora, you look well. Despite a disappointing showing at the rink today…” I clench my jaw and carefully school my face. “Are you feeling well? Still experiencing lasting effects from the concussion?”

“I’m feeling fine Papa,” I say, a little too quickly. “The new meds are working, and I hardly ever need to take them…” My eyes flicker between my brother and my father. Both watching me with the same unreadable, hardened stare. “Today was an off day. Nothing to worry about.” I smile, though it doesn’t touch my eyes.

My father studies me intently. I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat, not sure what he’s looking for. He leans back in his chair with a sigh, “The attack on you and your mother…” he pauses, unable to go on. A brief flash of grief breaking through his stony expression.

“Have you found out who ordered the attack yet?” I ask softly

Adrik rarely speaks of my mother; the attack that killed her even less. But the question haunts me, keeping me up most nights.

Why her?

There’s no question it was a mafia hit. You don’t justhappenacross a car bomb placed under your car by accident. She never stood a chance. That day’s images are forever seared into my brain.I wasn’t supposed to be there.It’s never made sense. Shehad nothing to do with this world. But no one ever claimed responsibility.

“Unfortunately, no,” Adrik shakes his head, regaining his composure. The little balloon of hope deflates inside of me. “Which makes the matter of your safety even more imperative. I called you in here today, Aurora, because it’s time we discuss your future in this family.”

Dread fills me, knowing exactly where he’s going with this. What I’ve known was coming since I set foot in this mansion a year ago; since he cancelled my college plans, citingsecurity concerns, and dragged me back to Boston….

“Okay.” My voice is small and I keep my eyes down.

“Since you’ve been living under an assumed name all these years, your role in this family has mostly gone unnoticed by outsiders.”

I nod solemnly.For safety reasons, or to protect Adrik’s reputation?The Bratva Pakhan has many enemies, many of whom wouldn’t hesitate to take out a vendetta on the Russian Lion’s only daughter.

Using my true name, Aurora Adrikova Kostalova, while powerful, would also be a death sentence.As far as the rest of the world was concerned, I was justRory Annabelle Collins:Rising Figure Skating Prodigyfrom Canada.

“Understand, as the daughter of the Pakhan, there are certain—expectations.” Adrik pauses for only a moment, his eyes studying me. “We’ve discussed already…”

We discussedonce, and hepromisedme...

“I hope to present youofficiallyas the daughter of Adrik Kostalov at my birthday party,” he smiles. It’s far worse than his frown.

I bite the inside of my cheek to hold in my scream. The party is only two weeks away. It will be the event of the season—Black tie—All the city’s most influential members would be inattendance.My father knew how to command the underbelly of the city but also flourished and relished in the attention of the upper society.

“You are already nineteen, and nearing a birthday yourself.”I’m surprised he remembers,though my twentieth birthday isn’t exactly ‘coming up.’ It’s still several months away.

Niko shifts from where he leans up against the window a few feet away. He opens his mouth to say something but ultimately decides against it—slamming his jaw shut instead with a click.

“At your age, in our—culture,” he chooses his words carefully, “A girl of your age would already be married. Or at the very least, engaged.”

I shoot up in my chair, instantly on the defensive. “But you said?—”

My father raises one hand and I fall silent. Fidgeting in my chair, I fight the urge to run screaming from the room.

“I remember what we discussed, Aurora, however…” Adrik’s eyes flicker over to Niko, whose jaw stays cemented shut. My father doesn’t even bother to look apologetic as he continues. “Circumstances have changed. War is brewing within the city and the Bratva—has had its own set of recent setbacks.” His mouth twists with an air of annoyance. “An engagement would more than double your protections. It’s a dangerous time in the city.”

“Then send me back to Canada!” The words burst out of me in frustration and my father has to issue me a warning look. Doing my best to reel it back, I speak up again. “I did everything you asked! I’m on the list for qualifiers. I’ll make it to nationals. I will! Karina?—”

“Yes, but that was before your accident; the concussion. Karina has concerns.” Adrik’s frown deepens, “And from what I saw today at practice, ?????, I have to agree” I look up when he uses his nickname for me,angel. “It might be time to face thatyour skating career might be over.” He looks at me with pity in his eyes.

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