Page 134 of Filthy Promises

“We get engaged as planned. We present the perfect couple to our families.” She sets down her fork. “But behind closed doors, we continue to live our separate lives.”

“We discussed this already.”

“Yes, but before it was theoretical.” She leans forward. “Now, I’m proposing something concrete. I want specific terms.”

“Such as?”

“I maintain my relationship with Daniel. You continue whatever you have with your assistant.” Her eyes are sharp withintelligence. “We keep each other’s secrets. We protect each other.”

“And when your father expects grandchildren?”

“Modern medicine provides options.” She waves a hand dismissively. “The point is, we can both have what we want while giving our families what they need.”

I consider her words, turning them over in my mind.

“Why are you suggesting this?” I ask. “You could find someone else. Someone more willing.”

“Because you understand the world I come from. You won’t judge me for loving someone my father considers beneath our station.” Her expression softens. “And I think you need this alliance as much as I do.”

She’s right. As much as I hate to admit it.

I’ve been fighting my feelings for Rowan for too long. Pretending they’re just physical. Just temporary.

But they’re not.

Every day she doesn’t smile at me feels like a fucking knife wound. Every day she keeps her distance makes me want to tear the walls down between us.

I miss her warmth. Her humor. Her ridiculous stubborn streak. I miss the way she looks at me—not as the Bratva heir, not as the Akopov scion, but just as a man.

“You don’t have to decide right now,” Anastasia says, noticing my silence. “But think about it.”

“I’ll consider it,” I respond noncommittally.

Our main courses arrive. We eat without really tasting the food, both lost in our own thoughts.

“Tell me about him,” I say finally. “This Daniel.”

She looks surprised, then cautiously pleased. “He’s a trauma surgeon. We met when I was doing research for my dissertation. He’s brilliant, kind, and best of all, completely oblivious to who my family is.”

“He doesn’t know?”

“I’ve kept that part of my life separate. Protected him from it.” She sighs. “He thinks I work in international finance.”

“That’s a dangerous game.”

“I know.” Her eyes meet mine. “Almost as dangerous as falling for someone inside your organization who knows exactly who you are.”

Touché.

“She’s not what I expected,” I muse. “Rowan. She’s… different.”

“How so?”

I struggle to put it into words. “She sees too much. Cares too much. Takes too many risks.”

“Sounds exhausting,” Anastasia says with a small smile.

“It is.” I find myself almost smiling back. “But also…”

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