Page 23 of King’s Promise

“That you are,” she agrees, no doubt she’s remembering the fight with Papa over school. “I feel guilty you can’t marry for love.”

“It’s what a big sister is for, to protect you. I can take care of myself. Don’t worry about me. Promise me you won’t marry a douchebag.”

“I’ll try my best. Most men are fickle. Tell me, how are your studies going?”

“Good, perfect timing for all this wedding stuff.”

“Are you nervous about, y’know?”

“It won’t be much, for all I know he has a woman on the side already.”

“Anya! That’s not right.”

“Things were never ‘right’ with Papa being a part of the mafia, either.”

“True. So, what do you need me to do tonight? Your text was cryptic, I am relieved to see you, and see you are okay.” She rolls on her side and perches her head on her palm. I roll to face her.

“I have a date with my friend Darci, we’re going to a club.”

“Does Nikolay know? I’m sure he won’t be happy.”

“He doesn’t have to know. I figure it’s my chance to get out one last time. I’m sure it’s not the ‘Bratva’ way. I swear it’s like Yoda speaking a secret every time he says ‘Bratva.’”

Kat snickers, and it’s refreshing, as Papa had a dry sense of humor.

My phone beeps: Darci, she wants me to meet her at a hip new club in London.

“Can I wear your jacket and use your car? I can get past the cameras if I pose as you. I think…”

“What? What am I to do while you’re gone?”

“Wait here. I’ll be fine, I’ll be home by one, and we’ll switch back. The clubs aren’t busy until eleven anyway. No one will know. It’s like old times.”

“Won’t you get in trouble? What if someone is after you?”

“Doubtful. I’m not important. No one at school knows me. If anything, they’re more likely to be after Konstantin or Nikolay, they hold the organization together.” I sit up and hug my sister. “Please, I need to get out,” I plead with my Kat.

“What if you get hurt?” She stands. “What am I to do?”

“There’s a flat screen TV on the wall, just stay in here and text me if there are any problems.”

I stand, and she joins me. I take her hands in mine. “Through thick and thin.”

“Thick and thin, but if your bloody fiancé finds out, I’m not to blame. I don’t want to be on his shit list.” She follows me to the powder room as I use a brush and apply makeup. Kat’s hair is in a messy bun. I quickly flip mine to look like hers. It takes all of ten minutes before I hug her and assure her everything will be like old times.

“We haven’t done this in ages,” Kat adds excitedly as she moves behind me at the vanity in the bathroom and plays with my hair.

“Shit,” she looks around the huge bathroom, “you have a tub and a shower. Man, this is so cool.”

“I know, right?” I glance at her reflection in the mirror as she checks out my walk-in closet, which has the clothes Nikolay had pre-arranged to be here when I arrived. It’s a sweet collection of expensive shoes, and then there is the tiny corner where my clothes live; three dresses, a business suit in pink and black, and a spring coat.

“Where did the nice stuff come from?”

“Nikolay, I have no idea how he accomplished it but it’s awesome, don’t you think?”

“Of course.” She stands enamored with what is the basis of what will become my new wardrobe.

“We’ll get you cool new stuff, too,” I explain.

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