Page 18 of Beyond Enemy Vows

"You know what you're doing. Who taught you to wrap like that?"

"I have a trainer."

"I see," he says. "I take it your brothers want you to be able to protect yourself? Ironic they would never let you do it yourself."

"It's for me, actually. Not them."

He nods and looks at me.

"Well. Time to do something else for yourself," he says, looking down at me. "While I don't mind you like this in the slightest, you should get changed. We're going out."

My eyes narrow. "Excuse me?"

"You're not hiding in here. I came this far." His eyes hold mine. "You owe me one drink."

I lift my chin. "I don't owe you anything."

"No?" He raises an eyebrow. "Not even curiosity? Not even the chance to see what happens when Calli Kastaris does something just because she wants to and not because her brothers allow it?"

Something shifts inside me. A recklessness. A desire to break free, even if just for a moment.

My heart pounds against my ribs, a warning and an urging at once. This is dangerous. This is wrong. This is exactly what I've been told never to do.

But part of me, the part that punches bags until my knuckles ache, the part that dreams of a life beyond the boundaries my family has set, that part wants this. Wants to see what would happen if I said yes to something that's entirely mine.

I draw in a deep breath. "Fine," I say finally. "Wait here."

5

CALLI

The hot water cascades over my body as I wash away the sweat and the lingering eyes of Niko. It doesn't work. I can still feel exactly where his eyes wandered, where his fingers traced over my wraps.

I close my eyes under the spray, trying to pretend like this is just a normal night. That the man waiting in my living room isn't Niko Petrou. That I didn't just agree to go out with someone my brothers would gladly put a bullet through. To be fair, that would probably go for any man trying to take me out.

It's small, but I notice it. My brain is starting to give him a pass. Must be the groundwork of Keira's words to me on FaceTime.

I step out, steam curling around my legs, and towel off quickly. I pull on the only dress I brought, the one I packed thinking I'd have a girls' night out with Keira, maybe a few drinks and dancing, nothing serious.

Now it feels like a mistake. Or maybe fate.

It's black, long-sleeved, hits mid-thigh. It hugs every curve without showing too much. Paired with one of my red-bottom heels I only packed because Keira said I'd regret it if I didn't.

I grab my makeup bag and start applying foundation, concealer, blending everything carefully. My hands aren't as steady as they usually are.

My hair's not doing exactly what I want, but I'm starting to feel bad making him wait. Not that I should, but I hate to make people wait on me.

Screw it. This is the best it's getting on short notice.

I swipe on some mascara, a deep wine-red lipstick, and spritz a little perfume on my neck.

"Just a drink," I whisper to myself, remembering Keira's words from earlier. "You don't have to have sex. Just a drink."

I give myself a once-over in the mirror, turn away to grab my clutch, and walk toward the bedroom door. My hand pauses on the knob.

Last chance to back out.

Last chance to be sensible, Calli.