AVALINE

“Part of this deal is that we’ll both be under your protection until our annulment. And I’ll take her with me when I leave Saint Petersburg.” I couldn’t stop my mouth. I just needed to get that out of the way so I could breathe.

Czar’s expression hardened for a fraction of a second. But that brief moment was enough to raise the hairs on my body.

He only gave a nod. But my heart felt at ease. I don’t need long promises; I know he’d always keep his word.

Countless times ...