Page 29 of Scarlet Promise

I’m not ever that kind of asshole.

I’m a fool.

One who loves her.

I’m a fool who’ll burn the world for her.

And yes, I’m the man who’ll fight.

For Alina.

Chapter Seven

ALINA

I seta ringtone on my phone rather than just silent or vibrate. I want to know if—when—Ilya calls.

It’s been three days. I stopped calling after the second day, when his phone went to silent.

Three days, which all feel like a decade each since I was rescued.

And no Ilya.

It hurts.

Albert licks my hand, his way of trying to bring me comfort, show me support.

“Solidarity,” I say to him. “Solidarity. Don’t worry. He didn’t abandon us. He couldn’t, not when you’re here. He’ll be back when Demyan stops being a meanie.”

Demyan. My heart twists at the thought of my domineering brother.

This is the darker side of him, the side Erin had to deal with at the beginning, when he decided she hid Sasha from him. He didn’t give her his real name, and her brother PI found out who he really was but never told her Demyan’s name.

My brother, the king of fairness and critical thinking in matters of the heart.

I just never expected him to turn all that on me.

No, I did. I just didn’t think it would be to this draconian extent.

Just like I never thought he’d scare Ilya off.

Scare, or give Ilya the excuse to back away from me.

As Albert pushes up against me like he’s telling me I’m wrong and Ilya will be back, I shut my eyes and hug him close.

I’m dressed but still in bed. I can’t see the point of going anywhere. Even in this damned mansion, I’ve got a bodyguard following me about. He’s most likely standing outside the door right now.

My phone starts to ring. Albert lifts his head as I pick it up and hit answer.

“Hey, Isla.”

“Welcome to your daily check-in. How are you?”

I giggle. “The same as I was last night and at lunch and?—”

“You can’t be too careful with check-ins. The more the better.”

“I’m good,” I say. “I promise.”