Page 92 of Sinful Promise

“You fit right in,” Irina says. Lifting her coffee cup, she nods to Dasha, who smiles.

“After breakfast, we’ll go check out the warehouse,” I say. “The women need outfits for the gala.”

“Man, Anya is going to hate that she’s missed this.” Nikolay pushes his plate away and sits back in his chair, rubbing his chin.

“Well, you’ll be happy she’s somewhere safe when this all goes down,” Alex adds.

“Francesca, would you mind protecting Dasha while we hunt Andrian ?” I ask. “I can use my brother’s help. I doubt anything will happen, but I need to make sure Dasha is safe, and I trust you. Irina has talked to me about your skills. I appreciate you helping Dasha with defensive drills while we were on the yacht.”

Dasha glances at Francesca, who pauses with her mimosa in midair. She meets my gaze. “I’d be happy to help any way I can, Roman.”

“Thank you.”

Francesca’s eyes drift to Dasha, and she nods. I’m used to doing my own thing and working alone or with Alex. This is a large group effort. I have to be prepared to live with the consequences of my actions on all fronts. It’s what leaders do, and Nikolay is giving me the opportunity to do what I do best.

Kill.

33

DASHA

Iwas hungry, but the eggs move at a glacial pace down my throat and sit like grease in a trap, pooling in my stomach. My father and brothers killed the father of these men, and it shames me.

I tilt my head to take in Roman’s profile. His face is roughish looking, the beginnings of a beard on his cheeks and chiseled jaw. I admire his confidence. I’m surprised that he hasn’t lied to me. He’s different from the men in my family. These are attractive qualities.

If I hadn’t had the guts to run from the church, I never would have discovered who I am. I’m still learning what I like and don’t like. I wish I were competent like Irina and Francesca. The manner in which Roman speaks to them shows that he holds them in respect. Respect is something I knew nothing about until I met him, and the knowledge that I’ll have to leave after Andrian is killed pains me.

I’m beginning to get to know myself, but I have no clue what I’ll do for a living or where I’ll live. I’m also clueless about Roman. What am I to him? I don’t know, but I’m relieved I won’t have to see Andrian again. Maybe that’s enough.

Dmitry’s eyes bore into me, and I turn my head to meet his gaze. He searches my eyes. “Dasha, how did you like Italy?”

“I loved it. I ate a ton of seafood, and I loved it all.” I give him a nervous smile.

“That’s what you do when you’re near the water. It’s the best seafood and so fresh. I love living in New York. My wife is starting her career on Broadway, and she loves being a designer there. However, it takes so long to get to Europe.”

“It’s nice that she knows what she wants to do for a career. My country doesn’t have many jobs like that. I was never allowed to further my studies.”

“Well, maybe you can now.” He gives me an encouraging nod, and I take that as a sign of acceptance. Strong men don’t need to beat women. They have confidence. It’s insecure men who berate and beat women. The men in this room are sure of themselves, and for that, I’m grateful. They have a score to settle, and I wonder if it will cost my brothers their lives.

I finish my coffee and take a breath. The men stand, and I join the women hovering at the table.

Roman double backs and slides a black card in my hand.

“What is this?”

“Use it like money. It will pay for everything today.” He slips his hand on my lower back, leans in, and kisses me. “Don’t run off anywhere, or Francesca will have to hurt you,” he murmurs.

Goosebumps cover my arms. I shoot a look at Francesca. I would never put her to the test. She excludes confidence as well and has an eye for detail. Like Irina, her presence commands attention without being showy. I imagine she’s a perfectionist.

Francesca glances over as if she knows Roman gave me the rules for the day. Maybe he did. He tends to get things done without me observing anything other than a text or the meeting last night. I assume they will solidify a plan today.

Roman leans close, his mouth hovering over my lips, and nuzzles my neck.

“Roman, leave the woman alone.” Francesca winks at me.

My face must be a thousand different shades of red. I put a hand to my cheek to see if it’s warm as Roman pulls away.

“She’s so addictive,” he replies, “but I must work. Irina, I’ll fill you in when I get back. Please show Dasha how to enjoy a town filled with billionaires.”

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