Page 101 of Betrayal and Vows

This whole arranged wedding is to protect the Rostovas. They are selling their souls to Vadim because they believe it will make them powerful.

Lena is giving herself up for a family that’s already been marked for death.

Rage twists in my gut. I shove the papers back, slam the safe shut, and lock it with shaking hands. I want to scream.

I quickly exit the office.

My mind is spinning with everything I’ve learned.

Vadim is much smarter than I knew.

He knows I’m his son. What is his game?

I casually slip into place at the end of the hall with the other guards.

I have to talk to Lena. Warn her.

After a long night, I walk Lena to her room as always.

She says nothing.

Doesn’t look at me.

Nothing.

I go to my room and wait. Pacing until it’s been long enough for the rest of the house to fall asleep.

Then I go to her using the passage.

I cross the room silently and slip into her bed.

“Don’t,” she says the second my arms go around her.

I freeze. “Lena?—”

“No.” She pulls away like I’ve burned her. “You can’t be here. You have to go.”

Something cold settles in my stomach. “What happened?”

She doesn’t answer.

I reach for her, but she recoils. “Don’t touch me.”

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Leave, Anton. Do not come back to my bed.”

I sit up. “Lena?—”

“No. You have to go. I will not die for you. You will not die for me. Leave, Anton. Leave and never come back.”

“The fuck I will,” I growl.

I reach for her, jerking her against me.

For a brief second, she sags into me. And then my little sunshine is gone.

She climbs out of bed like she can’t physically be near me.