Page 36 of Betrayal and Vows

“I don’t deserve you.”

“No, you really don’t,” she says. “Now take off that god-awful gown before you suffocate.”

I do.

But I still can’t breathe.

Chapter 7

Anton

Moving into the Orlov estate is like willingly walking into a pit of vipers.

Every man here is loyal to Vadim.

Technically, I am, too.

On paper, it’s a security reassignment.

Temporary. Routine.

Nothing that should raise eyebrows. But I know better. Something is up.

Although, I don’t believe anyone knows about Lena and me. I’d already be dead.

This feels different.

I’m exposed.

I’ve operated on the fringes of this world for years. Enforcer. Ghost. Loyal, efficient, and invisible. I do just enough to avoid punishment but not enough to bring attention to myself.

Living under the same roof as Vadim Orlov? That’s another level of exposure. It puts me a little too close to the past I’ve spent thirty years trying to hide from.

Do they know?

Do theyremember?

I don’t think so. Not yet. My face isn’t the same as it was when I was a boy. And the name Anton Malikov doesn’t show up on any family tree. But still—blood recognizes blood.

And if someone looks too closely, if Vadimfeelsit...

I might not walk back out of this house alive.

The room they assign me is on the east wing of the compound, not far from the maids’ quarters. It’s the size of a closet with nothing more than a narrow bed, a dresser and a chair. It’s a far cry from my luxury apartment.

Part of me wonders if that’s intentional. A reminder of my station in the organization. It’s a message.

We trust you to be a good soldier.

I’m not worthy of anything more than modest accommodations.

Fine. I’ve slept in worse places. Places with mold on the walls and nothing but an old, dank mattress tossed in the corner of a dark room. I don’t need comfort. I never sleep deep. Not anymore.

That’s the kind of thing that gets you dead.

I unpack my bag that’s filled with weapons. I slide one under the mattress. Another in the bottom dresser drawer because everyone always looks in the top drawer. I’ve just finished replacing the vent where my knife is stashed when there’s a knock.

Death doesn’t knock.