Page 84 of Deceptive Vows

And where is Mikhail?

Is he really out with some woman?

Do I care?

I roll onto my back when something pulls on my insides, and I realize I do care, and I’m conflicted and confused because I shouldn’t.

I knew I was just a plaything. Something like taking my virginity would mean nothing to him. I’ve become the statistic I knew I would, and he’s probably either chasing another virgin or with one of his women.

I’m so very foolish, because this here is a sneak peak of what it’s going to be like to be married to him.

As soon as the thought races through my mind, the sound of something smashing downstairs has me bolting upright.

It sounded like glass breaking. Like either something fell on the ground and smashed or someone threw it.

Or what if it was someone breaking the glass of the window to break in?

There are guards everywhere on the grounds. I don’t think anyone could just break into this house. Who would be so foolish?

Then again, didn’t Raul try to kill the whole Dmitriyev family? If someone helped him and that someone is still at large, why wouldn’t they do something as simple as break into Mikhail’s house?

The sound of heavy boots coming up the stairs makes my nerves scatter until I realize I recognize the sound pattern of the footfall.

When you’re like me, when every minute of every day is a test of survival, you take note of things like that. Sounds, smells, and that eerie feeling that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand are all signs to pay attention to.

The footsteps move straight past the room, and the sound fades after a few seconds.

He’s back, and he’s not coming in here.

Something has obviously happened.

I slip off the bed and open the door. The automatic hallway light is already on and shows droplets of blood on the marble floors.

I suck in a breath when I realize the blood leads down the whole hallway.

What the hell happened?

My prior thoughts fade and my concerns return telling me to follow the blood trail.

So I do.

24

Natalia

Ifind myself on the third floor.

The floor where Mikhail’s office is located, and one of the places of the house that are restricted to me.

Although I’m fully aware I’m breaking a rule by coming up here, my curiosity has overpowered me. I’m not sure who wouldn’t be curious after seeing the trail of blood taint the immaculate floor.

I have that feeling again, like I’m walking around in a horror film and every step is taking me closer and closer into the unknown.

I turn the corner and notice the dim lights on in the hall ahead. This whole area doesn’t look like it’s for work purposes, and I haven’t seen an office yet.

Since the blood trail leads to the hall, I continue following it.

I walk right into the grand hall, and my breath is stolen away when my gaze lands on the most beautiful paintings and sculptures of ballerinas.