Page 43 of Brutal Promise

“For now, keeping loved ones safe and tracking down thieves.”

The elevator dings, and the doors open. Dmitry exits first.

Loved ones.He must know what love is. I’m not sure I do. My mother loved me, and she’s gone. Dad is gone. I can’t lose Alena. Everything I’ve been told my whole life seems to be a colossal lie. I have to know the truth. If I find my mother’s or my father’s family, maybe it will fill the emptiness I live with daily.

I want to ask Aunt Emma questions, but Dmitry said it could be dangerous. Whom do I trust? The person who raised me or my spanking new fiancé?

We arrive downstairs, and a black Escalade pulls up. Dmitry opens the door for me. I climb in, and he sits beside me. He tells our driver, Anton, to take us to a location on Broome Street.

“Alena will be there to take you to her secret place.” He hands me a black credit card. “Spend. I know you’re not used to blowing money, but I want you to buy everything you like and get some fun stuff I’ll enjoy. Stick together.”

“I got it.”

“Hand me your phone.” I pull it out of my purse and hand it to him. Our fingers brush, and for some reason, I don’t want him to leave. Is it because I feel safe with him, or is there more to it?

I’m being silly. It’s as if I’m a teenager with her first crush.

“Should I text you my number?”

“Nope, already have it,” he replies and hands my phone back. “Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

The car stops, and I see Alena standing with two huge men wearing dark sunglasses and dressed in black, clearly bodyguards.

Dmitry gets out and takes my hand to help me. These heels are treacherous. One wrong move, and it won’t be pretty. As soon as we reach the curb, his lips cover mine in a deep kiss that makes my pussy tingle. Then he’s gone, leaving me wanting more.

Damn him.

I decide I’m going to buy sexy clothes he’ll love and drive him crazy. He deserves to be teased, too.

“Izzy.” Alena squeals and throws her arms around me like I’ve been missing for days. I wrap my arms around her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t text you back last night. Dmitry has kept me busy, if you know what I mean.”

She links her arm through my elbow. We walk with the two men flanking us. I notice they’re wearing ear devices like government agents.

“Man, he’s intense. So, now you get to see what my life is really like. We have two bodyguards, and we can shop for whatever you like. We’re not here to worry about prices, and we’re not finished until you are buried under the weight of the shopping bags. You need a ton of stuff, like elegant cocktail dresses, party dresses, and formal dresses. I could go on and on, so let’s get started.”

Clearly, Alena is on a shopping high. She’s dressed in a black pantsuit with gold buttons down the top jacket. It must be made of fine wool due to its thick, soft-looking texture. Her trench coat is open but matches her outfit. She could pass as a modern-day slayer of vampires with how she carries herself. I wish I was that confident.

“Dmitry requested I buy something for him.”

“I’m sure he did.” She scoffs. “So, tell me what he’s like. He’s so mysterious.”

“Yes, he is. Do you know why he’s here?” I ask as we take a corner and walk down an unfamiliar street.

“He’s working with Kirill on something. It’s best not to ask questions.”

“I get that. Do you think I’m related to the Morettis?”

“Maybe. If you are, it’s better your mother left that crazy father of hers.”

“That bad?”

“Really bad. The worst. I heard one of his daughters died under mysterious circumstances, and there wasn’t even a funeral. No one talked about it or asked questions. I was just a kid, and it was the first time I’d heard of anyone dying. I don’t know any of the Morettis. In fact, until now, I kinda forgot about them. They’ve had bad blood with the Russians since the beginning of time. They only tolerate each other for lucrative deals.”

A chill runs up my spine at the thought of domestic violence. Was the daughter murdered? Was it covered up? Am I being too nonchalant with Dmitry?

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