Page 26 of Sinful Promise

We drive for hours and stop for a break. Alex stands guard while I use the bathroom, and Roman grab sandwiches from a small shop carrying souvenirs, magazines, and sundries for travelers.

We stand by a picnic bench to eat. I scarf down the turkey sandwich as if I’m homeless and hungry. The irony is that I’m both.

Alex finishes his food and tosses me a bottle of water. He lights a cigarette, and Roman paces. He’s talking on his phone, but he’s smart enough to stay out of my range. I wish I were a fly on a wall and could hear what he’s saying.

I finish my bag of chips and toss my garbage in the bin like a model citizen. I remain standing and pull my foot to my butt to stretch my cramped legs.

A car with a family drives by and parks. I contemplate taking my chances with them, but Roman would be on me in a hot minute, and I want to keep on his good side. Besides, I could end up with the wrong crowd.

I’m comforted by the fact that another woman will be on the yacht. If there is a yacht, but so far, I haven’t caught Roman or Alex in a lie.

I took a big chance when I followed him through the woods. I was at the end of my rope and didn’t care what happened to me at that point. It’s been a while since Papa hit me, but it’s never far from my mind. Andrian would have been the same way or worse. I may as well take my chances with the handsome stranger and see how this plays out.

Have I traded one cage for another? Maybe.

Roman’s sultry blue eyes and deep voice make me feel things I’ve never experienced. When he’s near, a tingling sensation between my legs leaves me longing for his touch.

I’m curious what it would feel like to have his lips on mine. This attraction is different from the crush I had in secondary school. That was just puppy love, it flamed out when our personalities weren’t a good match. I had to keep too many secrets from him. Papa’s reputation got around to him as well.

Katsia is the only person I share secrets with, and never anything that can be used against my family. I miss her and wish she were here. Papa let me keep her around as a friend to pacify me. He considers all women who challenge the status quo in our country a threat to national security.

In other countries, women have careers and a choice about having children. In this country, I am treated as a servant by my family, something to barter and use to their advantage. My life has been forfeited, and I’m tired of accepting my role.

If I run from Roman, I’ll have to keep running, and life on the run sounds like another prison sentence. I will keep lying to get to the next step. At some point, though, I will have to escape, and I will. I’ve done it once, and I can do it again.

“So, you’ve never been outside of Minsk?” Roman asks once we’re back in the car.

“I’ve been to Russia a few times, but I mostly stay at home,” I say, thinking of my controlling father.

“I find that hard to believe. Young women your age go to clubs and make friends and date. Don’t you have friends?”

“I’ve been out a few times,” I say defensively.

Why does it matter? For all I know, he plans to lock me in a windowless cabin on his yacht.

Roman can assume whatever he wants. Who am I to correct him? I will give him as little information as possible and watch for subtle clues that tell me who he is.

I’m staring out the window at the passing countryside when I see a sign in Cyrillic letters that readsRussia.People told me the border is open, and they’re right. There’s no checkpoint or guard.

I will need a passport eventually, and Roman claims he can get me one with my new name. I’m not stupid. I know he will expect something in return. Will he force himself on me, or will it be consensual?

I would prefer it to be consensual. I’m curious about seeing his naked body, and the thought of having it pressed up against me is exciting. But when it comes to the particulars, I’m terrified.

Sex, according to my trashy novels, is like soaring on a wave of euphoria. It’s about time I rode that wave, if for no other reason than to lose my virginity so that Andrian loses interest.

The whole idea of virginity seems like much fuss about nothing. What’s so special about being the first man to put his dick inside me? Plus, the last thing I need is to get pregnant. I’ve got enough problems.

“So, where are we going on your fancy yacht?” My voice is challenging. I’m waiting to see if there really is a huge boat or if he’s nothing but talk, like Papa.

“You’ll see.” He gives me a devilish grin that makes me wonder if he’s had this trip planned all along. He doesn’t impress me as someone who leaves much to chance. Was he asking me where I wanted to go to test me? Did he change his plans to accommodate me?

Roman assumes I was at the church to marry Ratmim. He doesn’t know Ratmim is my father. As long as I’m worth more to him as Ratmim’s fiancée, let him believe it. For the first time in my life, I have leverage.

“How do you know Ratmim?” I ask.

“Business.” Roman shrugs as if a one-word answer should suffice.

It doesn’t.

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