Page 21 of Tattooed Vow

When we get to my building and climb the two flights of stairs, dread pools in my stomach. My door is slightly ajar.

Dimitri steps in front of me, pulling his gun without hesitation. “Stay behind me.”

I obey.

Inside, the apartment is dark and still. Dimitri sweeps the space with practiced precision, moving through the small living room to the kitchen, then down the short hallway toward my bedroom and the bathroom. As he moves toward the living room again, I catch a flash of movement. A masked man slips out the window and disappears down the fire escape.

Dimitri swears and lunges forward, but the guy is already gone.

I stand frozen, staring at the open window, the curtains billowing in the night breeze. My sanctuary has been violated. The small apartment I’ve worked so hard to make my own,sparsely furnished but clean, with secondhand furniture and walls painted a soft gray to combat the industrial coldness, now feels tainted.

Dimitri holsters his weapon, his expression grim. “Pack a bag. You’re coming with me.”

I swallow hard. “No.”

His eyes narrow. “Sandy?—”

“I don’t need you swooping in like some knight in shining armor,” I say, voice sharp. “This isn’t a fairytale. I’ve never had one, and I’m not expecting to start now.”

His expression softens, but his jaw remains tight. “This isn’t about fairy tales. It’s about survival.”

I cross my arms and plant my feet. “I’ve always taken care of myself.”

“You don’t have to this time.”

The words hit harder than I want them to. As much as I hate needing anyone, especially him, I’m not blind. I’m in danger, whether I like it or not. I exhale shakily and turn away, heading to my room to pack. My hands tremble as I grab a duffel bag and throw in clothes.

The apartment feels too small and quiet, and for the first time, I realize just how alone I am. I’ve survived foster homes, streets, and more bad situations than I care to count. And through it all, there has only ever been Talia. She’s the only person I’ve ever trusted, the only one who stayed. But I can’t drag her into this mess. She’s been through enough, and I refuse to get her involved.

I stare at the framed photo of Talia and me on my nightstand, arms thrown around each other, laughing on Brighton Beach three summers ago. I wrap the frame in a sweater and tuck it safely in my bag.

I zip the bag and wipe my eyes before Dimitri can see. When I returned to the living room, he ended a phone call, his voice low and sharp in Russian.

He slips his phone into his pants pocket. “The safehouse is ready. I’ll have security meet us there. They’ll stay with you around the clock.”

I go rigid, the word slipping out before I can stop it. “No.”

“Malyshka…”

“If anyone is going to be watching me, keeping me under lock and key, it better be you,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “Or I’m not going.”

His brows lift slightly. “You’d rather have me breathing down your neck than trained security?”

“Yes.” I swallow hard. “If I’m going to be trapped, I’d rather it be with someone I…trust.”

The word hangs in the air. Trust is a luxury I’ve rarely afforded anyone, and he knows it. His features soften, but there’s a quiet finality in his tone.

“Then I'll be the one standing between you and anyone who tries to harm you.”

The relief that washes over me is almost enough to make me collapse. Maybe I’m not ready to admit how much I need him. But for now, I won’t have to do this alone.

Dimitri reaches out, his thumb brushing gently across my cheekbone. “We should go. Now.”

I nod grabbing my backpack and shouldering my duffel bag. I follow Dimitri down the stairs and into the night, leaving behind the illusion of normalcy I’ve so carefully constructed. Whatever storm is coming, I’ll face it with the one man who is my greatest danger…and my only safety.

9

DIMITRI

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