Page 26 of Sinful Promise

“What the hell is going on?” Zara looks terrified, but I don’t have it in me to assure her that everything is all right, because I don’t believe it myself.

That man wasn’t the same guy from the party. So, either I have two stalkers, or whoever was just in my room is working for him.

The web I’ve found myself caught in is becoming more and more tangled by the minute.

“Zara,please.” I cover my mouth with my hand, trying to muffle my sobs.

I don’t want to freak my sister out, but also the adrenaline rush is wearing off, and the reality of what just happened is setting in.

I bury my face in my hands and let the sobs come.

“Of course, I’ll call them. But are you sure you don’t want Dad to come?”

“No…I-I don’t want to tell them.”

If my father ever learned the reality of what I’ve gotten myself into…

It’s not even worth thinking about.

Zara wraps her arms around me. “It’s okay, Emily. Dimitri will take care of it.”

As my sister hugs me tightly, all I can think is that I wish Danil were the one taking care of it. Taking care ofme.

7

DANIL

I haveno doubt that I looked like a sad, lovesick puppy as I watched Emily rush out of the café earlier to go to class.

I wish she could have stayed. It felt good to see her and to make her laugh.

There is no doubt in my mind that this business with her stalker is weighing heavily on her shoulders, and while I can’t directly talk with her about it, I can at least provide a safe place for her to just exist, if only for an hour or two.

So many times, I almost came straight out and demanded to know why she didn’t tell me. But I couldn’t betray Zara like that.

I would hate to cause a fight between Emily and her sister, so I kept my mouth shut.

Tonight was Emily’s monthly dinner with her family, so while she stopped by the grocery store to pick up supplies, I headed toEspionageto sign for a couple of deliveries. It’s a task that even Luca could complete, but I know if Anton checked and saw a signature that wasn’t mine on the receipt, he would lose his mind.

So, I had no choice but to leave Emily unattended for an hour.

But it seems an hour is all it takes.

I glance up at her window when I hear a shrill scream.

Was that Emily?

Her window is open, but from where I’m standing, I can’t see much.

It’s quiet again.

Maybe I imagined it…

I’m about to pull my phone out of my pocket to send her a text asking if she’s all right when a giant of a man appears at her window, and my stomach turns to lead.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” I take off at a run.

By the time I cross the street, he’s jumped over the edge of the fire escape and is halfway down the street.

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