Page 72 of Sinful Promise

Once we’re back on board, the chief steward opens a bottle from the restaurant, and the drinking continues as she pours everyone a fresh glass. By the time she opens a second bottle, the room and my head are spinning. My stomach is in my throat.

“I think I need to help you to bed,” Roman says.

“I feel dizzy.” I’m not sure if my voice is too loud, but he helps me stand. The boat feels like it’s rocking when it’s not. This can’t be good.

Francesca chuckles. “Ah, I forgot to warn you, Italian wines sneak up on you.” “Really? I think I’ve had too much.”

“It will pass,” Irina says as she kicks off her shoes and curls her legs under her.

Roman escorts me to bed. He undresses me, taking off my dress and helps me to the bed. I sit on the side and sink into the mattress.

“Don’t lay down yet.” Roman shoves a bottle of cold water into my hand. “Drink.”

I chug the water and hope to God I don’t throw up. So, this is how Katsia feels when she parties too much.

“Good girl. Sleep. Call me on the intercom if you need anything.”

“Okay,” I mumble. Closing my eyes, I lay my head on the pillow.

It’s dark when I wake. I reach over, and Roman’s not there. He must still be downstairs. I need something to wear and walk to the closet. I pull on a cream-colored negligée and matching sheer robe. It’s for looks, not coverage, because you can see my pink areoles through the fabric. I find my way back to where I left everyone.

It's dark, and the running lights are the only lights on deck. I freeze when I see the glowing ember of Alex’s cigarette. Who else is here?

“I don’t know if I can trust her. The video shows she was snooping in my closet.” Roman’s voice gives me a clue as to where he’s sitting. Wow, he must have hidden cameras everywhere. Is he making a sex tape of us, too?

“I don’t know if we can trust her or her brother,” he continues. “I’m counting on him to provide us with the location of the guards Andrian will have placed at the meeting place. We’d better be prepared for a double-cross. There’s too much at stake.”

“I agree,” Francesca chimes in. My eyes are adjusting, and I have a better idea of where everyone is sitting.

Finally, Irina defends me. “I’ve talked with Dasha enough to know she’s not one to trust a man readily. But she trusts you and Alex.

“Furthermore, why would Dasha not want to find her passport?” says Francesca. “She has to know there’s a chance she will be caught in the crossfire once we come under attack from Andrian. She needs a backup plan, Roman. You’d do the same thing.”

“That’s a fair point,” Roman admits.

“Do you trust Dasha?” Alex asks him.

“For the most part. She hasn’t tried to murder me in my sleep.” His tone is one of veiled amusement.

I hide behind a small credenza. Everything is bolted down, so I don’t have to worry about knocking it over as I crouch. It’s dark, and they can’t see me. But is there a camera on me? If so, it’s too late. I’m finally getting enough information to fill in the blanks.

“Let me tell you what I think.” Irina sounds serious. “I’ve known you for years, and you never let a woman sleep over. She’s in your bed every night, and you’re not complaining. This is totally out of character, so she must mean something to you. She’s special.”

“I agree with Irina. You’re smitten with her. I think you might even be in love with her,” Alex chimes in.

“Maybe?” Roman replies.

“You’re daft. How do you not see it?” Alex scoffs.

“I thought I couldn’t love. I’m a killer, not a lover. I stay detached for a reason. I was always afraid attachments would distract me from my job, so I never looked for love.”

“Yes, but it found you.” Irina chuckles. Alex puts out his cigarette and claps Roman on the back, and they all share a laugh.

“Hey, I deliver deadly blows, and my marriage works,” Francesca chimes in. “See, there’s still hope for you. We know it’s the Volkovs or Andrian in the end. Andrian is malicious scum. He stirs shit up just because he can. He creates chaos and makes money off of it. I hear there is a plan to destabilize a European country. How long before he’s in our country doing that shit?” If Francesca were a cat, she’d have her claws out. “I’m down for wherever you need me to do,” she adds.

Now I understand why Francesca is here. Everyone has a part to play in the showdown.

“So we kill him for the greater good,” Roman says, thinking aloud.

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