Page 77 of Scarlet Vows

When we’re in the room, I set up a food and water station and lay out his toys. Then I set up his bed, putting the bedding he’s used to on top of the big, soft, brand-new dog bed.

“Okay, Albert,” I say. “That’s you, and this bed is me.”

But Albert has other ideas.

He jumps on my bed and curls up. I take him back down.

He whines then jumps back up.

This happens again and again, his whine louder each time.

Finally, after about ten rounds of Albert versus man, we stare each other down.

“Is this it?”

Albert lifts his head like he’s nodding.

“If you stay here, you’ll be quiet?”

His tail thumps the bed. Then he yawns and curls up.

Apparently, the only solution for Albert is sharing my bed with me.

I shower, and when I come to bed, Albert scooches over, offering me the patch he kept warm.

Man zero. Dog one.

Chapter Seventeen

ALINA

Not sleeping well combinedwith going to bed early has perks, I guess.

Sure, there’s the tossing and turning, but when I’m up, I’m up. And while I know Ilya is usually at the gym in the very early hours, this morning his door’s closed.

He must be sleeping in. Working with two bratvas, running them, has to be taking its toll.

I take the opportunity to grab a coffee and head out early. I have the driver drop me off near the park. I’m pretty sure that Gus keeps an eye on me as I join the early morning walkers, joggers, and runners in a brisk walk of my own, trying to burn off some of the troubled thoughts and emotions that simmer inside me.

It doesn’t help.

I know I’ve been acting like an irrational creature ever since the kiss. Worse, I’ve been cowardly. But I can’t help it.

The thought of facing Ilya like we’re totally normal, like I’ve somehow managed to turn back the clock to before I had feelings for him as a grown-up, is something I can’t even face.I’m overwhelmed, swamped by emotions I can’t sort, let alone handle.

The guilt, the frustration, the need, the ache, the yearning. The worst thing is, I’m not even sure who the guilt’s for. Him or Max.

I finally slow down and head to the shelter. I’ve practically been living there. The first to arrive of the volunteers and the last to leave.

But the door is still locked in the early dawn. I stop at a coffee shop, buy some coffees and pastries, wave at Gus, and then head inside the now-unlocked shelter.

Eva’s eyebrows rise. It’s probably the wrong side of early, but I put on my bright smile and set down the coffee and pastries.

“You know, Alina, don’t get me wrong. While I more than appreciate the extra help and the enthusiasm…and your commitment, I can’t help thinking you might be running away from something. Do you want to talk about it?”

I sigh and take a coffee, pushing the tray to Eva, who helps herself to a coffee and apain au chocolat.

I don’t really want to talk, but I feel like I do owe her some sort of explanation. Otherwise, I’m going to look like some kind of weird stalker.