Page 107 of Poison Vows

“Not at all, Young Miss,” he answers simply, as if this is common knowledge.

“Let’s backtrack here,” I start. “You don’t even know me. Why would you say such serious words like you swore your life to me in a martial arts movie or something?”

Ty smiles a bit, that easygoing nature coming back.

“Actually, Iamvowed to you, Young Miss, so I know everything I need to know,” he says simply. “You don’t have to worry. Please tell me what you need.”

I stare at him, completely confused now. Where is this coming from?

“I don’t have a command or anything sinister like that,” I whisper, looking around. “I’m not going to ask you to assassinate someone, for goodness’ sake!”

“Either way, I will do anything you ask.”

Jesus Christ.

“Why?” I whisper.

“Because it is my vow to protect you at all times, no matter what.”

It’s like a bucket of ice-cold water has just been dunked over my head.

“W-what do you mean?”

Ty looks at me for a moment. “It means exactly what it means, Young Miss. I am your shadow.”

“You know, huh?” I ask sheepishly.

“That you refer to my brother and I as shadows? Not if you don’t want me to know, Young Miss.”

Oh please, he obviously knows!

But… wait. I think back to all the things Emmett knows about me and my family.

Elaborate information that my brother has made a point to bury deep, but Emmett has known everything, which means he had someone consistently watching me and my every move.

Kai is always with Emmett and the only times I see Ty is when I’m around. Does that mean…

“Hold on, how long have you been my shadow?” Ty falls silent then and looks hesitant. “Hey, you promised that any request I have, you will fulfill it.”

“That goes without saying,” he says seriously.

“And I’m requesting for an answer.”

Ty squints his eyes as if he’s wincing from an invisible blow.

“Are you loyal to Emmett?” I ask directly.

“Without question.”

“But you’re vowed to me?”

“Yes, Young Miss.”

“So, who exactly are you loyal to? Me or that jerk?”

At this, Ty starts scratching the back of his head and shifts on the balls of his feet, looking uncomfortable. This is the most animated he’s ever been.

“Young Miss, you’re putting me in a tight spot here.”

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