Page 75 of Sinful Promise

The truth is, I’m not sure. But after the close call that Emily had with Isaak, I’m not willing to take any chances. I need to get Emily back to Dimitri’s placenow.

“Where the hell is Alek?”

“I-I think he’s around there.” Emily points to the right. “Is someone following us?”

“Just keep walking.”

“Danil.”

“I just need to get you to the car.” I soften my tone as I squeeze her hand.

It’s hard to walk the line between not wanting to terrify Emily, but also not wanting to lie to her about the severity of the situation. Not that I would ever let Igor Ivanov get close enough to even breathe on her, but I want her to be prepared, nonetheless.

A pair of headlights flashes at us up ahead.

It’s Alek.

“Thank fuck.” I tighten my hold on Emily’s hand.

It feels so small and warm in my own, and I never want to let it go.

When we reach the car, I quickly open the back passenger door.

Emily looks terrified, but she doesn’t fight me as I help her into the car.

Alek hesitates to get out of the car. “Danil? What’s going on?”

I buckle Emily in. “Take us to Dimitri’s place. Now.”

Emily looks at me. “Danil, you can go. I’m fine now.”

I stare deep into Emily’s green eyes and feel the pull of the invisible string that keeps me tethered to her.

“When are you going to realize that I’m not going anywhere?”

17

EMILY

Danil climbsinto the seat beside me and takes my hand as Alek swerves in and out of the busy Friday night traffic.

I’m too frightened to be mad at Danil right now.

In truth, his big, strong hand enveloping mine feels nice, and I really have missed him a lot. It probably doesn’t help that I had the best part of a bottle of wine, either. But even without the alcohol whenever he gets close to me, all my logic and reason go flying out the window.

Even when he pulls out his phone, he doesn’t let go of my hand as he starts typing out a text, no doubt to his brothers.

I want to know what he’s saying, but I’m worried that the moment I open my mouth, I’m going to burst into tears. So, I keep my lips firmly pressed together and try to focus on Danil’s calloused fingers rubbing against mine.

He’s not saying anything, but the way Alek is driving is putting me on edge.

I keep looking out the window. “Is someone following us? Is that it?”

Danil tenses, which is enough of an answer.

There’s nothing but cabs behind us, but I’m sure Danil has a good enough reason to be concerned.

While that’s not exactly a good thing, I am grateful that Danil and I were interrupted before we shared another kiss. That would have only made things more confusing.

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