Page 14 of Betrayal and Vows

“Forget her?” I say. “She’s the only thing I can’t forget.”

He raises his hands in surrender. “Okay. Fine. You win. Be miserable. I’m going to find something soft.”

He walks off. He’s always on the prowl.

I used to be like that. And then one woman ruined me.

I stare down at the dance floor looking for anything that will lead to trouble.

I barely notice the women that are practically fucking other women and men on the dance floor. But a flash of silver catches my eye. I take a small step to the left to get a better look.

There’s something familiar in the sway of hips. I can’t explain it, but I can’t look away. I’m drawn to her. She slowly turns, her knees opening as she lowers her body with her hands in the air. Her full lips painted a dark crimson curve into a smile.

My brain stutters.

I blink once.

I can’t see her eyes.

But Iknow.

Ifuckingknow.

I’m already moving.

I take the stairs two at a time. People part, not wanting to make eye contact with me.

Lena.

The world tilts. I can feel her in my very soul. How? How the fuck has this woman woven her way into my soul?

She doesn’t see me at first. Her eyes are closed. Her hands are in her hair. A man rubs up against her from behind. She smiles and rubs her ass against him.

Fury floods through me.

“Leave,” I growl, my gaze on the man touching her.

He locks eyes with me for a half-second before he disappears, fading into the crowd.

Then she opens her eyes—and everything stops.

Recognition flares. Shock. Then something deeper. Darker.

She spins on her ridiculously high heels and bolts.

I follow.

I warned her.

I told her the last time we saw each other I wouldn’t stop with a kiss.

And I have no intention of letting her get away from me a second time.

She pushes through the crowd, fast, but I’m faster. I catch her in a corridor between two fire doors, slam a hand against the wall beside her head, trapping her without touching her.

We freeze, chest to chest, breath to breath.

“Tell me I’m dreaming,” I rasp.