Page 66 of Vendetta Vows

There's a wildness to her beneath her perfectly composed mask. I've tasted it on her lips.

What else might I discover when I peel back the layers of the enigma that is Aurora Castellanos?

What other secrets hide behind those hazel eyes that have seen too much pain?

And then, for a single terrifying second, I realize that I'm daring to imagine a future—a future that I don't deserve—with her.

18

AURORA

THE NEXT EVENING

The mansion feels unnervinglysilent as we eat, save for the occasional clink of silver against fine china across the massive table between us. Outside, darkness has completely enveloped the grounds, leaving just the faint glow from security lights dotting the perimeter.

Every bite I take feels mechanical, my mind too full of thoughts to actually taste anything.

I glance up to find Ruslan's gold eyes studying me, calculating something behind that carefully neutral expression. Neither of us has spoken since we returned from burying his family.

"You're quiet." His deep voice breaks the silence, somehow both gentle and commanding at once.

I set my fork down. "Just processing."

"About our arrangement?"

"About everything." I run my finger along the rim of my wine glass, gathering courage from the expensive red I've barely touched.

Ruslan's jaw tightens. "I dragged you into my mess?—"

"I came with you willingly, remember?" I meet his gaze directly. "And I was running long before I met you, Ruslan. At least by your side, I might have a chance against my demons."

His expression softens, and that familiar understanding, recognition of kindred brokenness.

"Besides," I add quietly, "I said yes, didn't I? You didn't force me to do anything."

I see something change in Ruslan's eyes. A flash of genuine warmth breaking through his carefully controlled exterior.

"Not everyone would be this brave,zarechka," he says, his voice low and resonant. "Most would run screaming."

"I've done enough running in my life," I admit.

He leans forward. "It's strange. From that first moment in the alleyway, I felt like we understood each other somehow. Like you could see parts of me no one else bothers to look for."

My heart quickens at his words. "I've felt that too. Like we're both..." I search for the right words.

"Hiding the same kind of darkness?" he offers.

"Yes. Haunted by the same ghosts."

Silence settles between us, not uncomfortable but full of unspoken thoughts. Through the window, I can see the moon rising over the estate grounds, casting silver light across the security patrols.

I take a deep breath. "Maybe we should actually get to know each other. On a deeper level, I mean. Since we're getting married."

"What do you suggest?"

"How about something simple?" A smile tugs at my lips as an idea forms. "Truth or dare?"

The suggestion breaks the tension, and Ruslan chuckles. The sound is rich, genuine, and sends warmth blooming in my chest.

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