Page 72 of Dark Promise (Suvorov Bratva 1)

But was I ever? This has always been my life. Nothing has ever been simple or easy for the daughter of a don. And not just any don—anexecuteddon. I’ve always been on the run. Absolutely nothing about my life has changed.

Except now, I sleep with a killer. I spread my legs open to him when he asks. I fall to my knees before him when he commands. I let him enter me when he pleases. Use me when he wants. Leave me aching and sore and hungry for more—his cum running down my thigh—when he’s done.

Night after night.

I shudder as my next thought invites the nausea to return at full force.

And I like it.

The limo stops in front of the penthouse. Brigadiers flood toward the door and create a barrier that leads to the entrance. It’s surreal how dedicated Pavel’s men are to his protection, almost inspiring.

But it’s also a striking reminder of what my life will be like from now on.

Pavel guides me inside, his touch firm yet gentle. We ride the elevator in silence. We walk to the front door in silence. We wander into the living room in silence.

Viktoria greets us with an offer of tea. Lavender. Something to ease the nerves and help us sleep.

She must have heard. I stare at her concerned expression.Word travels fast around here.

It’s such a sweet gesture that I almost accept.

But I don’t.

I glance at Pavel, my eyelids stuttering as I force myself to speak. “I…I just need to…”

My vision blurs.

I clear my throat, blink away the rest of the tears, and force myself to stand tall. “I need space for the night.”

Pavel glances at Viktoria. Something passes between them, the seconds drawing on seemingly forever until he looks at me. “The evening is yours, Liya. I’ll be gone most of the day tomorrow as well, so you’ll have more space to yourself.”

I take a few stunned steps toward the hallway. “Thank you.”

And then I lock myself in my tower, hoping that the monster outside my door won’t decide he’s changing his mind.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Liya

My head pounds when I walk into the kitchen. A hot cup of tea sits on the counter from Viktoria. She knows my late morning stress hangover is draining me so badly that stepping onto the terrace feels like an insurmountable task.

Everything feels impossible today, but I try not to think about it, try not to consider what Pavel is up to while he’s not here. Maybe it’s better I’m left in the dark.

Then things like last night wouldn’t happen so often.

Tough luck, his voice spits in my mind.You’re in. And I’m not letting you out.

I shudder to think how I would ever manage to get out. At this point, it looks like death or dishonor.

And dishonor would most certainly lead to death.

I close my eyes while cradling the mug in my hands.Don’t think about it, Liya. Just take your space. He’ll be gone until noon and—

The doorbell rings.

I hear Viktoria bustle into the foyer before I can even wrap my head around the fact that we have a visitor. Volodya speaks in a low murmur to Viktoria. Another voice joins them that sounds familiar, but my head is still pounding, muscles aching with defeat over my demise. I can’t quite make it out.

I sigh.

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