Page 29 of King’s Promise

“We assume Darci. Your sister knew her name.” He stands and paces, “She’s in the wind.” He rubs his hand over the more than five o’clock shadow on his face.

“I thought it was strange, the way she was talking last night. She seemed to know a lot about me. She recognized me from the picture the media obtained outside my flat. Who does that? I mean, who would put two and two together that quickly?”

“Really? Interesting.” He paces and contemplates before asking. “Any details worth sharing?”

“No, she was overly familiar, saying things she would never have known. She insisted on buying me a drink. After I drank the martini, I started to feel sick. I thought she was my friend. I never dreamed she would drug me.”

“One never does, it happens so often, and is easily accomplished. The bartender is being questioned.

“She knew who you were?” He continues to pace and think out loud as the sexual tension builds between us. I’m in his bed, wearing a large, monogrammed long sleeved shirt of his to keep the draft off my shoulders I presume. I’m embarrassed he must have seen me naked, unless he tasked Hazel to change me out of my skimpy dress. No, the outfit is befitting of a single girl who likes to go clubbing. I have no doubt he wouldn’t want anyone he knows to see me in it, he’d probably chastise me for being too young, again. On the other hand, maybe it’s his possessive demeanor taking over.

I don’t know why he didn’t walk to my room and get my clothes. I touch the fabric bunched up over my hips; the heavy fabric is an exquisite weave. I love how it feels on my naked body. I love it more because it’s been on his chest and is an extension of him. It’s as if he’s saying I’m his and he’s sharing one of his most intimate possessions with me.

“I mean, she knew I came from money and where I lived. But last night, she knew my real name, and that’s what confused me. I never told her.”

“This is why we have rules. I have to assume an enemy of your father’s or someone who wants to unseat me is going to go after you. When our Bratvas combine, we’ll be the strongest Russian family in the eastern bloc outside Russia. Can you think of anyone who would have a motive to hurt you, or prevent our wedding?”

“No, who all knew of the wedding? Only our family and possibly staff, maybe guards? What of your brothers?”

“We have always done what is best for the Bratva. Nothing can come between us. Don’t ever cast doubt on my family or my family name.” His tone is scary and intimidates the shit out of me when he’s in such a snit as the moment. I’ll never question his family’s loyalty again.

I’m reminded Nikolay is a control freak and a powerful man who has a reputation to protect and uphold, and I have no doubt he will. I can forget about ever wiggling out of the mess I’ve caused by outsmarting the guards. Clearly, we have enemies lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to strike, and they did. I shrug, feeling coldness creep over me when I imagine what might have happened had Nikolay not known where I was and rescuing me.

Truth is, I’m to blame for this and should be thanking him. If he didn’t own that club and have his spies everywhere, I would not be sitting here gazing at his amazing bone structure and checking out his ass every time he turns his back. I admire his confidence and resolve. If anyone can find who’s behind this, my money is on him.

“You’re the one who broke rules and now you’ll know what it’s like to be a prisoner in my home.” His delivery is as cold as his eyes when they meet mine. I hate being on the outs with him. I thought we were making progress, now I’m not so sure.

“What about today? Kat and I were to shop.”

“You will. However, Pavel, Alex and I will be along to make sure you’re not followed or taken.”

My spine buckles at the thought of being taken and I pull the blanket up under my chin. I’ve read about Russia and their torture techniques. I know I don’t have the will power to withstand it like Nikolay.

He hovers beside the bed, towering over me, using it to his advantage. “You need to remember your place, it’s beside me, and it’s non-negotiable. Don’t embarrass me again with your childish pranks. I’m not amused. Now go shower and dress appropriately for shopping. The wedding can’t be delayed. We’re in a race to beat the clock. Every day, from now until the wedding, puts us at risk.”

I throw the covers back, leap from the bed, and thankfully his shirt covers my butt cheeks as my feet fly as if a swarm of hornets were chasing me. As soon as I’m in my bedroom, I close the door and catch my breath. Nikolay is as sexy as he is scary.

Overnight, my circumstances have changed. I am no longer as safe as I wanted to believe. I wanted life to be normal again, and now I realize I’ve been selfish, jeopardizing our future and possibly my life, over a few hours at a bar with a girl who turned out to not be my friend after all. I have to count on Nikolay to protect me, and as much as I hate giving in to him, I know my survival depends on following his orders.

Darci. I should have known something was suspicious when she was the first to befriend me at school last semester. Why would I ever be included with the popular students? I’m not a social butterfly like my sister. I was careless last night. I shudder to think of how badly things could have been. I’m grateful to Nikolay, and yet, I didn’t thank him.

My head is still a bit hazy, and I have a pounding headache. I assume Kat is fine. I’ll have to text her later.

Hazel appears as if she knew I needed her.

“You’re to take these aspirin and meet Nikolay downstairs. He’s had to rearrange his entire day,” she adds as if I need another reminder of how I’ve ruined everything. God forbid the man is inconvenienced. But the look of disappointment in Hazel’s eyes hurts me just as much. We’re friends. She’s the mum and best friend I always wanted, and I hope this won’t ruin it.

I’m hurt by her words. It’s the first time Hazel’s eyes have shown displeasure with me, and the repercussions of my antics are delivered to me like ocean waves that keep rolling in with the tide. I wonder if Nikolay will allow me to return to class. If Darci knew my name, I assume others might as well. I bet she’s mixed in with some scary men to do what she did.

“I’m sorry, Hazel.”

“You’ll learn,” she murmurs as she leaves.

I take a quick shower; blow dry my hair and apply a tinted foundation to my fair skin followed by a light bronzer. I wear a colorful blouse, skinny jeans, and boots with a zipper so I can easily take them off to try on clothes.

I grab my small purse and frown. It brings back memories of last night’s debacle. I make a note to get something different today. I finish the glass of water Hazel left and hold the railing as I make my way to the foyer where Nikolay hangs up his phone. Pavel and Alex flank him on either side.

The threat to us is real. Having enjoyed a life out of the public spotlight, I was naïve and out of my element to venture out alone. I can’t risk losing Nikolay, if something were to happen to him, I shudder to think of what will happen to me, Mum or Katerynia.

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