Page 33 of Sinful Promise

I glance at Alex. He’s on his phone. Roman turns to me, and I offer him a half smile. I don’t want him to guess how scared I was. I have to act like I belong.

“So, how was your first plane ride?” Roman asks as the aircraft rolls to a stop.

“Great.” I fake a smile as I push the annoying belt I forgot to fasten aside and stand. I shift from leg to leg to warm up my muscles. I assume we’ll be walking.

The men seem happy we’ve landed. Alex grins at Roman before he steps off the plane. Roman goes next, and I see another vehicle waiting for us.

Where the hell are we going now?

I follow the guys, and they load the car. I’m wondering if a yacht exists at this point. But I play along and get in the car, watching the men load it with their gear, and then we’re whisked off by the driver to God knows where.

I assume we’re in France because the driver greets them in French, not that I’m an expert. The hills surrounding us are beautiful. Wherever we are, the scenery is breathtaking, and daylight is approaching, the horizon lighter than the rest of the sky.

Roman notices me looking around. “If you think this is pretty, you won’t be disappointed when we get to the helipad,” he says.

Heli what?

The car travels along curvy roads. A sign statesMonacoin large letters. We continue for five more minutes, passing more signs which are in French. I don’t know what they mean.What does an H stand for, a hospital?I assumed we were going on a boat or yacht.

“I’m glad you did so well on the flight. I’d hate for you to get sick on this.” Roman flashes me an impish grin.

The car stops, and I’m looking at a helicopter. It’s gigantic and intimidating.

Oh, my goodness, what is happening? I wanted adventure, but this is the equivalent of skydiving, something I’d be too afraid to ever try.

“Let’s go,” Alex says as he opens the door. I wait by the car as the men load the helicopter.

I feel like a criminal. I’ve been in a car and then on a plane for over a day. I can’t wait to shower and wash the road dirt off. An SUV pulls up. The helicopter lights shine brightly. I stay close to the vehicle we arrived in. The SUV’s headlights are still on, even though it’s parked. Two men get out and methodically walk to the trunk, unload luggage, and load it in the helicopter. The helicopter’s lights illuminate the bags. They are brown, with gold lettering and tanned leather straps. Holy crap.

I observe the situation with fascination. Everyone moves precisely and in unison, as though this were rehearsed, but I know that’s ridiculous. The men shake Roman’s hand, and he motions for me to enter the helicopter.

I can do this. I run the mantra through my head on repeat.

I take a firm step in his direction. The helicopter blades are rotating, making a whop-whop noise that disrupts the quiet morning. I’m terrified the blade will chop my head off. It’s silly. I’m not that tall, but I duck my head anyway, just to be sure.

“Step up,” Roman says, taking my hand and helping me into the helicopter. He climbs behind me, sits beside me, and hands me noise-canceling headphones. I fasten my seatbelt. I’m never taking it off, but it’s not comforting to think we’re probably flying over the water. Monaco is on the French Rivera, famous worldwide for its prestige, ambiance, and notable people. Not to mention the museums, history, and food. I know enough about every country to be considered “well-read,” as Katsia puts it.

I can’t wait to meet Irina. I miss Katsia. Having another woman around will be a refreshing break from the two men. They don’t talk much. Every time Roman opens his mouth, I know he wants information from me. It’s only a matter of time before he finds out the truth, and then what will happen to me?

This is a game where the winner takes all. I’m not good at games, and Katsia says I wear my heart on my sleeve. I need to change that. I need to seduce Roman and not fall in love. He must have women throwing themselves at his feet. He has money, which buys men’s silence and power, at least where I come from. Men who run their mouths or don’t comply with orders end up missing and presumed dead.

I don’t want to die a virgin. I want to know what it’s like to be with a man. If I can make Roman fall for me, maybe he’ll set me free when this is over.

14

ROMAN

The helicopter lands on the helipad of the yachtSevernoye Siyaniye. In Russian, it means “Northern Lights.” Seeing the aurora borealis never ceases to amaze me, so I named the yacht after one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles.

Dasha falls into that category as well, but she doesn’t know it. I love watching her experience life outside of Belarus for the first time. It’s like watching a kid in a candy store, in awe of everything.

The boat is a haven for me and one I don’t get to enjoy often. My original plan was to stay two weeks, but it might be shorter with the recent turn of events.

The Mediterranean Sea is warmer than the Black Sea, twenty-one degrees Celsius this time of year, balmy by European standards. It will be warmer next month. I hope Dasha can swim. I can’t wait to teach her how to ski, assuming she’s never been on the water.

I want to win Dasha’s trust. There are no apparent signs of abuse, but my gut tells me she’s been mistreated. I need to convince her that not all men are assholes.

While deckhands unload our possessions, I lead the way, and Dasha follows me down to the sun deck with the infinity pool. The morning sun is glistening on the sea like an aquatic welcome mat. I extend my arms over my head and stretch, inhaling the salty air. Closing my eyes, I commit this moment to memory. Living in the moment is important, and we often forget to enjoy the beauty around us.

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