Page 26 of Dangerous Vows

I live in squalor, yet I’ve not retained my desired anonymity. I should have known I was not savvy enough to pull off my disappearance without the help of professionals who live and work in the criminal underworld.

I slide out of the vehicle.

“See your father this week, or the next visit won’t be so friendly,” Elio threatens.

“I got it,” I snap before trekking up the steps because the elevator is broken again. My body trembles when I enter the apartment, a mixture of fear and stress.

My heart pounds with anger, giving way to tears of frustration. I let them fall freely as I toss my purse onto the sofa and head to the bathroom. I turn on the water, my mind blank, my body numb. I drop a raspberry vanilla bath bomb into the tub and watch it fizz and swirl as I light a candle, the soft scent of vanilla filling the tiny room.

I pull out the space heater and plug it in, turning up the dial so it will heat the tiny room. I try to forget about the electric meter moving faster than a spinning top. Luckily, I’ll have enough money from this paycheck to pay the bill.

I take a moment to breathe and regroup. It doesn’t take long before the fear and exhaustion wash over me without an invitation.

I peel off my clothes, fold them, and set them carefully on the sink.I step into the tub, wondering what Miloš will do to my father if I don’t capitulate. I lay in the water until it grew cold. I shiver as I dry myself and hope the warmth of spring kicks in soon.

Later, I curl up in bed with my phone in hand, calling the only person who can make me laugh at a time like this.

Sarah picks up on the second ring. “Tell me you’re not dead, or I’m calling the cops.”

I let out a weak laugh. “Not dead.”

“Good. Now spill. What happened at work?”

I exhale sharply. “You know last night’s mistake? It just so happens that he’s my boss.”

There’s a beat of silence before Sarah’s laughter explodes through the speaker. “Shut the fuck up. Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

“Oh my god. Please tell me his dick is as big as his ego.”

I groan. “Sarah?—”

“No, no, you don’t get to shut me down. Spill. Was it good?”

Heat creeps up my neck. “I mean… yes. But that’s not the point.”

“Oh, babe, that’s exactly the point. If you have to be stuck working for a guy, at least it’s one who can wreck you in bed.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s arrogant. A complete ass.”

“And yet?”

And yet.

I refuse to finish that sentence.

Sarah sighs dramatically. “Listen, if you’re going to be miserable at work, at least have something nice to look at. You could do a lot worse.”

“I could do a lot better, too.”

Sarah hums. “Maybe. But let’s be real, you like a challenge.”

I chew my lip. “It’s not just that. I’m stuck working with him.” I’ll never find another job that pays this well with my resume. I need the money. “You know how difficult it is to find good-paying jobs.”

Sarah’s voice softens a fraction. “Yeah, that’s the kinda of shit that makes life a bitch. But you’re good at what you do, Amara. If this guy doesn’t see it now, he will.”

“Maybe.” I rub my forehead. “I just… I don’t know. I’ve got bigger problems.”

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