Page 47 of Brutal Promise

We ask the waiter for water that comes with cucumbers in it, and when he hands us the menus, I notice there are no prices. Well, the food can’t be free, so this must be one of those places I couldn’t afford to eat at until today. I order a chicken salad, knowing I will be eating later with Dmitry.

“How are things going with your parents?”

“Not too bad. I can do without their arguments, and I hate not being able to come and go as I used to.”

“Even when you thought you were, were you really? I find it difficult to believe your father doesn’t have eyes on you all the time.”

“I’m sure he does. It’s a lie I tell myself to try and forget I was born into the family,” she says, leaning in, her voice just above a whisper in case anyone is listening.

“I don’t want to leave the States. Dmitry says we have to go to London and have a wedding there to make itofficial.” I make air quotes with my fingers, rolling my eyes when I say the wordofficial.“I never dreamed my first trip overseas would be for my unwanted wedding.”

“It is the way.” She grins at her Star Wars reference. “I hope I get to go. Who’s planning it?”

“I have no clue, but Dmitry has two brothers, and I gather the oldest is married.”

“Hm, well, I’m sure they know what they are doing. I’m told they own numerous companies, including high-end hotels. Maybe you’ll live in one of them like Eloise at the Plaza. No wait! I can’t have you living overseas.” She reaches across the table and clutches my hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze.

“See, this is why we need to hash things out now. Once that ring is on my finger, I don’t have any bargaining power,” I add.

“Good point.”

Our salads arrive, and we dig in, chewing in silence as we’re both hungry.

“This shopping works up my appetite,” I comment as I spear the chicken on my plate. They could have given me more meat for what they charge.

“Tell me about it. Wait until you attend the boring events.” She gives me a grin. “Misery loves company. Oh!” she exclaims. “The Met Gala is coming up. It’s a huge charity event, and there is a red carpet. I wonder if Dmitry will take you.”

My face pales. I lean across the table. “Okay, bad guys want me dead. Why would I show up on a red carpet?”

“It’s very public. It makes the statement you need to send.”

“The one that says I’m untouchable?”

“Exactly. See, you’re catching on. I’ve never been on a red carpet. You should do it. It would be such a rush to walk the same carpet as the celebrities.”

“They do wear incredible dresses,” I muse.

Alana knows I watch all the award events on TV to see what they’re wearing. I sketch designs in my notebook and scribble notes only I can read because of my atrocious handwriting. I’m always thinking about new designs and want desperately to be a fashion designer. I never tell anyone because I feel like a failure for graduating without a job. The stagnant economy is making my prospects worse as each day passes without a response to my myriad of job applications.

“Are you allowed to go back to your condo?” I ask.

“No, you?”

“Off limits. However, Dmitry managed to get this dress out.” I glance down and realize it’s one of the few items I own. I don’t have much, but what I have is mine. “But I still need my sketchbook and birth control pills.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. The pills should be a priority unless he wants to get you pregnant. Kirill said he’s never had a serious live-in girlfriend, so the fact he has you holed up is newsworthy.”

I give this some thought. The sex is great, but there’s no way we’re soulmates. I don’t think Dmitry is capable of love. Lust, yes. Love, no.

Alena insists on paying for lunch. We pile back into the SUV. When Anton pulls in front of the condo, Alena gets out to hug me goodbye. A deep voice behind me says, “I’ll take her from here.”

Dmitry.

How did he know I was even here?

“Hello, Alena. How are you?”

“Great, thanks.” She answers as if she expected to see him here.

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