Page 114 of Sinister Promise

The penthouse he kept me prisoner in was a lovely cage.

My chest squeezed harder.

This wasn't working.

" I–" I tried to say something again, but I couldn't take a full breath.

The small room felt suffocating, the scent of old wood and candle wax mixing with my panic. The wooden walls of the room felt like they were getting closer and closer, and it was getting harder and harder to breathe.

I couldn't do this.

My lungs fought for air that seemed too thin, too sparse. I wasn't getting the oxygen I needed, anyway.

My hands were clenched by my sides to keep them from ripping at the delicate lace over my chest and around my throat. The pearls that one of the girls handed me—a wedding gift from Pavel—felt like a noose.

The girls saw something was wrong, and they hovered nearby trying to soothe me, rubbing my back and my arms, cooing sweet words, telling me it was natural to be nervous.

Everything was going to be fine. I was marrying a good man.

That last one almost made me laugh, and it just made everything worse.

Despite their gentle touches and soothing words, the panic only intensified.

"Just breathe," Nadia said, like it was the simplest thing in the world. "Breathe in, hold it for a few seconds and then breathe out."

I tried to mimic what she was doing, but I just couldn't.

Marina, looking a little frightened, bolted from the room and a moment later she came back with Pavel in tow.

He had been waiting with his guests, taking their congratulations and well wishes while waiting for the lavish ceremony to start.

Why was he doing this?

Why not just drag me to a courthouse?

I just didn't understand.

Why did he have to pretend this was real, that we were in love and ready to ride off into the sunset together?

What did he gain from this?

Was it just another way to show me I had no choices?

Lying to a judge and signing a piece of paper was one thing, but I didn't think I could put on this performance in front of so many people.

How was I supposed to lie to God?

I couldn't do this.

The walls moved in faster, pressing into me.

An icy chill ran up my back, tightening around my throat as my entire body erupted in a cold sweat.

Pavel took one look at the dress and growled. "Everybody out. Now."

The women left without saying a word.

With fewer people surrounding me it should have been easier to breathe, but instead Pavel's large body and commanding presence sucked in all the air.

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