Page 13 of Ruthless Reign

My parents sat me down and explained the situation. My father had already discussed a plan with Anatoly, and now they needed my buy-in. In exchange for my hand in marriage, Anatoly would cover my father’s debts and provide our family with a monthly allowance moving forward.

I had no choice. If I said no, my father would be dead, and the rest of my family would be out on the streets. I did what I had to do, but it doesn't make wearing his ring any easier.

The bathroom feels like it's shrinking, the walls closing in on me, but I can’t fall apart now. There’s a dining room full of people who expect me to emerge smiling, ready to celebrate what should be my happiest news.

Sucking in a final few breaths, I smooth back a stray lock of hair, fixing the mask of composure that’s become my second skin.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I'm immediately blocked by Anatoly.

He stands in my way, his cold presence trapping me again. “Everything alright, princess?” There’s not a hint of softness in his tone.

“Everything is fine,” I reply crisply. “I was just taken aback. Most women appreciate a heads-up before making an announcement like that.” My hands land on my hips, and I don’t bother to hide my irritation.

He sneers. “I thought you’d be pleased. Your mother certainly was.”

Ice fills my veins. The meaning of my mother’s visit earlier is now as clear as day.

Anatoly steps forward, slowly backing me against the wall. “I don’t think you fully appreciate everything I do for you. For your family.”

My mouth goes dry. No matter what I say, he’ll find a way to twist my words and use them against me, so I stay quiet.

He grabs my ass and grinds his needle dick into my belly, sending a wave of revulsion through me. “I’m the reason there’s food on your table. I’m the reason your sister is getting an education. I’m the reason your father hasn’t been killed by one of the many lowlifes he owes money to. And yet…” His expression darkens. “You act like marrying me is a burden.”

I force the words past my lips. “It’s not a burden. I just wasn’t prepared. I need more time?—”

“There is no more fucking time.” He fists my hair and grinds his hips against me, his erection poking into my belly. “Do you feel that, Liza? I’m so hard for you. I’m sick of using your hands and mouth. This fucking pussy is mine, and it’s time I claimed it.”

The thought of sex with Anatoly makes me sick. Putting my hands and mouth on him was bad enough—I hate the way he tastes. I hate the way he fists my hair to buck up into my mouth, making me feel like I can’t breathe.

A wave of panic locks me in place as his fingers dig into the flesh of my ass while he lands a sloppy kiss on my neck. “I’m going to take you anytime I want, anywhere, and in any position. Your untouched pussy belongs to me and?—”

“Get off of me!” My hands shoot out before I’m aware of what I’m doing, and I push against his chest with all the force I can muster.

My outburst surprises us both, and I use the opportunity to slip from Anatoly’s grasp, my heart in my throat. But his hand darts out, and he grabs my hair to hold me in place. His eyes narrow to slits and his boozy breath wafts over my face.

“You better change your attitude because if it’s not you wearing my ring, your parents will have to find someone else to support your pathetic family. They might even be desperate enough to marry off sweet, innocent Sofiya, considering what a bitch you are.”

My stomach drops and tears roll down my cheeks, but I don’t answer. I don’t even know what I’d say. He knows Sofiya is the one person in this world I’d protect with my life. With my soul.

“That’s right, Liza. You have no power here. No control. So shut your mouth, and do as I say. That’s all I want, princess. Unless”—his lips curl into a sinister grin—“you have a million dollars tucked away in some secret offshore account. You don’t want to marry me? Pay me back every cent I’ve given to your family, and then we can talk about your freedom.”

His triumphant look is like a punch to the gut. He has me exactly where he wants me—cornered, helpless, and indebted to him.

With a little shove, he releases me from his grasp and steps back, adjusting his cufflinks and patting down his tie as if he hadn't just torn my world apart and shattered any fragment of hope for my future.

He grasps my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to meet his intense stare. “Do we have an understanding?”

I bite my lip and nod, tears still falling freely.

“Good,” he whispers. “Now pull yourself together. We have a party to get back to.” He turns and heads back to the dining room.

I collapse against the cool wall, sliding down until I'm huddled on the floor, with my palms pressed against my eyes. For just one moment, I allow myself to feel the full weight of my despair.

CHAPTER SIX

ROMAN

I take a final drag, pulling the nicotine and tar deep into my lungs. Leaning my head back against the sidewall of the Ivanovs’ home, I watch the smoke curl lazily into the night air.

---