Page 69 of Betrayal and Vows

Mikhail doesn’t acknowledge me.

No one does.

I sit there with everyone watching and whispering.

They may not talk to me, but I’m listening.

To all of them.

I can feel Anton’s gaze.

I look to the back of the room. He stands with Dmitri and Mikhail’s guards.

There’s a flash of tenderness.

I gather strength from his presence.

Vadim is leaning close to Mikhail, speaking in hushed tones.

“Once the wedding is over,” Vadim says, “we begin cleansing operations. Starting with the traitor.”

My heart stutters, but I keep my face neutral.

Mikhail makes a snorting sound. “I have a few names already. Bodyguard types. Security. A few lieutenants.”

“I want Anton Malikov handled personally,” Vadim says. Ice blooms in my chest. “After the ceremony.”

My hand trembles and wine sloshes over my hand. I set it down too hard, clipping the plate.

Two pairs of eyes turn toward me.

Mikhail’s smile is slow, deliberate. “Careful, wife. That’s Baccarat.”

I hate that he calls me wife.

I am not his wife. Not yet. I want to enjoy every last day I’m not his fucking wife.

I look back to Anton. He’s watching me. He noticed.

Of course, he did.

I do my best to avoid showing the panic in my eyes.

Anton. They’re planning to kill Anton. After the wedding.

I do my best to look like I’m enjoying the lavish meal.

But I know if I eat anything, I will not keep it down. I don’t want to think about what Mikhail will do if I embarrass him by vomiting all over the table.

I last as long as I can before I excuse myself during dessert.

I know Anton will follow. I need him. I need his arms to hold me.

I'm halfway to my room through one of the back hallways when I hear footsteps. I smile, assuming it’s Anton.

"Lena."

My heart drops to my feet.