Page 1 of Vicious Vows

1

Anna

“Grandmama, this isn’t right.”

I’m rewarded with a stinging slap to my cheek for my insolence. It hurts even more because of the icy wind that swirls snow around us. We’ve been in hiding since Grandmama stepped down from her role asPrincipàle Donna, the only female to ever rule over New York’s organized crime scene.

Our family home is on an island off the north coast of Norway, calledAngrboða.Angrboðais aptly named. It meansshe who brings sorrow, and that’s all I’ve felt since we arrived nearly six months ago. Sorrow. I used to love it here when I was little. The year-round snow that covers everything on the little island seemed magical. Now it feels more like a prison, especially since I know what’s waiting for us when we return to New York City. My mother is remarrying, a move my grandmama has made to ensure our family loses no more power than it already has. A move that feels oddly timed. Why now?

“You dare to question me?”

I lower my gaze, shaking my head. “No, ma’am.”

“Maybe I’ve done you a disservice by allowing you to stay by my side. You would have been better off spending your time in a gym, losing weight.” Each word pierces my heart, like I’m sure she intends them to. “Return to your room and don’t come out until dinner is served. And know that you will be on a restricted diet until I say otherwise.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

My mother makes no moves to intervene. Why would she? She has always craved power in the same way every other person in my family does. Plus, I know she feels the same way about my weight. They can’t stand that I’m curvy and that it doesn’t bother me. And itdoesn’tbother me. Not even now, when Grandmama uses it to barb me. It’s taken me a long time to love my body and I’ll be damned if I let their words hurt me again.

As I leave the balcony, I hear Grandmama say, “This is for the best, Selma.”

“I’ll do my duty, Mother.”

Of course she will. This will make her stand out amongst her sisters.

I make it to the safety of my room, closing the door behind me. My phone is on my nightstand, and I check it. We aren’t allowed to carry our phones on our bodies—one of Grandmama’s many rules. Of course there aren’t any messages. You have to have friends to get messages. All I have are cousins who have been raised just as strictly as me. My only fun cousin lost her phone privileges when she got caught sneaking back into the house a few weeks ago, so I won’t be hearing from her, even though we’re literally on the same property.

Opening Snapchat, I type in Hans’ name in the search bar, bringing up his profile. The latest photo on his story makes my stomach flutter. He’s in Bali right now, on a beach, smiling like he’s having the best time in the world. His skin is golden brown from the sun, making his blue eyes stand out. He’s wearing board shorts with a tropical design, and I take a moment to appreciate his fit body. In the background, I spot several of his brothers. The Vilulf Family does everything together, which is something I find fascinating. What would it be like to be that close to my family? Heck, the only reason we’re all here is because Grandmama was afraid someone would try to kill us.

I sigh softly, my finger hovering over the message button. I’ve chatted a few times with Hans, but I always feel like I’m bothering him. Screw it. I’m lonely and need to talk to someone.

You look like you’re having fun. I’m jealous. I’m still freezing in Angrboða.

That sucks.

I almost drop my phone at his quick reply.

I think we’re coming home soon. My grandmother wants my mom to remarry. I think the contract will be signed soon.

Oh wow.

How long are you going to be in Bali?

Not sure.

I met some people, and they invited me to go to Australia for a bit.

I’m jealous.

You could always sneak away and meet me.

A thrill works its way through me. Is he really asking me to come with him?

I’m sure the hot chicks I met won’t be mad if you tag along.

I deflate faster than a balloon. And there it is. He’s inviting me to tag along. Nothing more. Not only that, but he just mentioned that he’s with several attractive women. Does that mean he doesn’t see me in the same way? Wait. I don’t want to know the answer to that.

Maybe.

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