Page 58 of Betraying Family Vows

"I just killed all those men out there, some with my bare hands," I continue, voice strong. "If you really think I'm the monster in this story, now's your chance. Take your shot."

My arm doesn't waver. The gun stays extended between us.

"Or," I say, "hold onto it. Work with me. And let's go kill whoever has been fucking with both of us."

The silence stretches between us.

She's trembling, but her gaze never leaves mine.

Her lips part like she might speak, but she doesn't. Instead, slowly, she reaches out and takes the gun, her fingers brushing against mine.

She exhales sharply.

"I'm with you," she says.

I don't know why, but without thinking I reach forward and kiss her.

"Good. Now let's get the hell out of here before more arrive."

19

ATHENA

The gun feels cold and heavy in my hand. My fingers curl around it as if they've been waiting to hold this power all along.

Dimitri's kiss still burns on my lips as he pulls away. His eyes, so cold when we first met, now burn into mine with an intensity that sets me on fire.

I can't believe how deep I'm in. Days ago, I was planning to destroy this man. Now I'm holding a gun, agreeing to help him hunt down those trying to kill us. And the most terrifying part isn't the dead bodies outside or the blood on my clothes.

It's how much I want to be with him.

Dimitri walks by, grabbing his bag from the corner. His movements are quick, like he's done this a hundred times before.

Maybe he has.

Blood seeps through the torn sleeve of his shirt. A fresh cut across his bicep.

"You're hurt," I say, pointing to his arm.

Dimitri glances down. "It's nothing. Come on."

He doesn't wince or favor the arm as he slings the bag over his shoulder. The man was just in a knife fight, and he acts like he got a paper cut.

We step outside into the night, and I can't feel my legs.

We're moving. Walking. The ruins stretch out around us in the moonlight, blood still wet on the stones.

I keep pace beside him, numb.

I'm not sure how long it's been since he killed the last man. Maybe minutes. Time is a blur.

Dimitri hasn't said much. He moves like he always does, fast and in control. As if none of it touched him. Like all these dead men littering the ground are just another fucking Tuesday for him.

I try to embrace that. Take strength from him. My stomach churns when I look at the dead men, but I force myself to look.

They did come to kill us—to kill me—after all.

And the one who grabbed me... I saw what Dimitri did to him. Saw the raw fury in his eyes when he saw someone touching me.