Page 51 of Betrayal and Vows

All I know is that she makes mewantagain. And wanting anything in this world is dangerous. But Lena?

She’s worth it.

She’s mine.

Vadim and Mikhail walk into the room with guards following in their wake.

How evil do you have to be to need guards with you in your own home?

I study the Orlov family dynamics with new eyes. I’ve never been privy to the inner workings of the family. I’ve only ever seen them during business deals or the occasional celebration.

Watching father and son in the privacy of their own home is enlightening. It tells me more than thirty years of research ever has.

Vadim plays the part of the powerful father, but it’s hollow. He treats Mikhail like a weapon. Like a tool he tolerates but doesn’t trust.

There’s no affection.

Mikhail, for all his rage and bravado, is still chasing something he’ll never earn—his father's approval.

There is no resemblance between them. If I didn’t know they were father and son, I would assume they were strangers.

I watch them as they talk to the planner about a tent or some bullshit.

I remember something I overheard once. My mother had been talking to someone while I was supposed to be asleep in my room.

"He doesn’t even know. Vadim would kill them both if he found out."

Maybe Mikhail isn’t Vadim’s son at all.

I study them like a scientist studies an experiment. Could it be true?

They leave the room with the planner leaving a short time later.

“I’m ready to go to my room,” Lena says. “I need to get ready for dinner.”

I say nothing and follow her like a trained dog.

I go through the same process, clearing her room while she waits. I don’t try and touch her. I can see the desire in her eyes, but I won’t risk it.

“Will you be in the dining room?” Lena asks softly.

I shake my head. “No. Vadim has requested it be a private dinner. His guards will be outside the door.”

“I want to see you.”

“No. Eat dinner. Then go to bed. Do not come to me.”

She looks sad, but it’s for her own good.

I leave her room before I do something stupid.

That evening, I find myself in the security office. With Vadim’s personal guards keeping watch, Mikhail’s guards are taking the night off.

I need to see just where the cameras are and make sure Mikhail hasn’t put any in her room.

The Vadim head of security thinks I’m doing an assessment to make sure I can properly guard Lena.

Right now, she’s a top priority. They need her alive.