Page 115 of Sinful Promise

“Wait, you’re not mad?”

She frowns. “Why would I be mad?”

“Because of the whole ‘being a Koslov comes with sacrifice’ speech you give me at every family event when Danil and I always get a little drunk.”

“Well, I always thought you guys might end up hooking up, and I wanted to make sure you were being careful. But you’re almost twenty-one, Emily. You’re old enough to make your own decisions about who you date. Besides, Danil is a great guy, and I know he cares about you a lot. That’s all I can really ask for as an older sister.”

“I guess…”

Zara laughs. “Why do you look disappointed that I’m not mad?”

“Honestly, I’m just a little shocked. I’ve been mentally preparing myself for a huge fight this entire time, when it turns out it was unnecessary.”

“Well, does Dimitri know?”

I cringe, and Zara chuckles.

“I guess that answers that question.”

“I think Danil should be the one to tell him.”

Zara laughs. “Because you’re too much of a chicken.”

“Actually, I’m scared he’ll murder Danil, and I’d like to at least go on one date with him before that happens.”

Zara chuckles.

“It’s sweet how protective Dimitri is of you.”

“He plays the part of the big brother a little too well,” I mutter as I turn back around to finish up my makeup.

“So…how long has this thing been going on between you and Danil?”

“Uh…a couple of weeks? I’m not too sure.”

Zara laughs. “How can you not be sure?”

“Well, we sort of kissed and then I found out about the whole secret bodyguard thing and we weren’t speaking, and then…” My voice tapers off as I think of the night where Danil pinned me up against the elevator, and my cheeks flood with color.

“Oh, my god, whatever you’re thinking about right now, I don’t want to know.”

I try to hide my guilty expression by applying some more glittery eyeshadow to my eyelid.

“Are you happy, Emily?”

“Right now, I’m so nervous I could throw up.”

“It’s sweet that you’re nervous.”

“I can’t remember the last time I went on a first date, let alone with someone I actuallylike.”

Zara gets to her feet and crosses over to the vanity table. “My one piece of advice is to take things slow. Take it from the girl who got engaged before ever going on a date.”

She reaches for the curling iron and starts working on my hair.

“Your situation with Dimitri was a unique one. Besides, it worked out great for you two.”

Zara looks down at her rock of an engagement ring and smiles. If I wasn’t so happy for my sister, I would be repulsed by how loved up she and Dimitri are.

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