Page 13 of Sinful Promise

“Because…” Because I don’t want Danil finding out and thinking I’m stupid and naïve for taking a job at one of those parties.

I hate the thought of him thinking less of me for a silly decision I made because I was strapped for cash.

“I feel enough of an idiot as it is, Zara. I don’t want Dimitri knowing.”

“Emily, you’re not an idiot.”

“Yes, I am. Which is exactly why I don’t want anyone other than you knowing about this.”

She shakes her head. “Fine… I’ll keep it to myself, but only on the condition that I stay the night.”

“I was hoping you would?—”

She holds up a finger. “And that you agree to having Dimitri install a security system in your apartment? I promise I won’t tell him any details, but I think it would give both you and me some peace of mind.”

“I agree.”

Zara takes my hand and squeezes it once.

“Go take a shower, and I’ll getNetflixloaded on the TV like a proper slumber party.”

My eyes sting with tears once more, but this time from relief.

I throw my arms around Zara’s neck and hug her tightly. “Thank you for being the best big sister ever.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go take a shower. You reek of tequila.”

By the time I get out of the shower smelling like vanilla sugar rather than alcohol, Zara is already curled up in the middle of bed and snoring softly.

I chuckle as I glance at the TV, noticing she’s barely made it to the opening credits of an episode ofFriends.

I put my phone onto the charging dock beside my bed and climb in beside her. I smile at Zara’s sleeping form.

Sharing a bed with her like this makes me feel like a kid again. I used to sneak into her room all the time when I was little because I was terrified of the dark, and Zara would sing to me until I fell asleep.

Tonight though, I’ll have to settle for theFriendstheme song to lull me into a slumber.

Just as my eyes are starting to close, my phone buzzes on the bedside table.

There’s only one person who would be messaging me this late, so I eagerly reach for my phone and smile at the sight of Danil’s name on the screen.

Danil

Just checking you made it home safely…

Me

You walked me to the door, remember? Or did you pound tequila shots too? ;)

Danil

You can never be too careful…

Me

Well, I’m safely tucked up in bed.

Danil

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