Page 41 of Betrayal and Vows

He turns back to her and brushes a kiss over her cheek. “I’ll be back later. Be good.”

He leaves the room and closes the door behind him. It’s a show of power. He knows I would never dare touch his bride.

“He’s watching you,” I say finally.

“I know.”

“Don’t give him a reason to get violent.”

“You think he needs a reason?”

That hurts more than it should.

“Will you be staying in your room?”

“Yes.”

“Lena.”

“Yes,” she says. “I don’t want to leave my room. I don’t want to be out there.”

“Lena, I will protect you. Don’t run from me.”

I see the sadness in her eyes as she nods slowly.

I turn and leave before I do something I’ll regret.

I make it halfway down the corridor before I slam a fist into the wall.

“Feeling better?” Dmitri’s voice floats from further down the hallway.

His room is next to mine. I should be offended that they don’t think I can do anything without my sidekick but I’m glad he’s here.

I walk past him without saying a word.

He follows.

“To the gym, I assume?” he says lightly. “You look like you’re five seconds from setting the compound on fire.”

I don’t respond.

“I’m just saying,” he continues, voice more serious now. “You’ve gotthatlook.”

“What look?”

“The ‘I’m about to kill someone’ look.”

We reach the door to the gym. I shove it open.

The room’s empty.

Good.

I don’t need an audience. I pull off my t-shirt and toss it on the floor. I don’t care that I’m wearing jeans.

I have to do something or I will lose my shit.

I start taping my hands.