Page 68 of Devil's Bride

He grits his teeth, his face contorting with rage. “He is not my Pakhan, not anymore. But I don’t need to explain anything to you, you're just a lowly prostitute who got lucky with Alexei.”

Ignoring the stinging pain in my face, I retaliate, “I think you’re mixing things up. If there’s anyone who is a whore, then it is your daughter. Have you seen her at the club?”

He lunges at me, his fists balled and ready to strike. I flinch, but then I feel a new sensation in my chest - defiance. I'm not going to let him win. Defying him won’t get me anywhere, but if I must die here today, I won’t go down without a fight.

“What are you getting in return for betraying Alexei? Money? Did they promise you that you would be Pakhan if he’s dead?” I ask, my voice strong despite the fear I'm still feeling. “Come on, Igor. You’re smarter than that. No way you don’t know they’ll kill you once all of this is over.”

Igor smirks, clearly enjoying my defiance.

“Keep running your mouth, whore. How about I share a little secret with you.” He leans towards me. “Your husband will be dead soon. And as for what I get in return, that's none of your business. The only thing you should worry about right now is how soon you will join him."

His words send a shiver down my spine. I try to swallow the fear welling up in my throat, but it's impossible to hold it back. I'm not even sure how long I have been here, but the thought of Alexei being in danger? It's unbearable.

“Alexei...” I mutter, my voice weak and filled with hope. “Is he...is he okay?”

Igor chuckles, a cruel sound that makes my skin crawl.

"He is alive for now, but I wouldn't be too optimistic. You see, he’s made too many enemies, and now everyone wants him dead.”

He stops, letting his words hang in the air, and I can see the danger of the situation in his eyes. Igor is not a man to be trifled with.

“And me?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I want to know my fate. I want to know if he plans to kill me.

“There are things worse than dying, my dear,” he says, and I can feel the malice in his voice. He moves closer to me, and I'm suddenly aware of how powerless I am. I'm at his mercy, and I hate it.

“What do you mean?” I ask, trembling despite my fear. I want to know what he has planned for me, what I can expect. I know Igor is not in charge here, Paulo is. It doesn’t mean Igor can’t do whatever he wants with me and throw me away when he’s done.

He smiles, showing his yellow teeth. "You'll find out soon enough." With that, he turns and walks away, and I’m alone once again on the metal table.

The sound of his footsteps fade away, leaving me in complete silence, alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I can’t panic. I can’t allow myself to give in to fear. I need to think. I need to find a way out of this.

I try to shift my body, to see if there’s any slack in the ropes binding me. They don’t budge, not even a fraction of an inch. I'm trapped, helpless, and utterly terrified.

For a moment, I allow myself to be consumed by the fear, to cry, to plead for Alexei.

My husband is not an easy man to kill.

Igor was just boasting, I tell myself over and over again. But Alexei is still only human. He would come for me if he survived, what if he doesn’t? What if he needs my help and I’m here…useless?

The door opens and I catch the shadow of someone not as fit as Igor approach. When he comes in view, I see it’s Paulo.

But how? We’d taken him to the mansion and… My eyes wide. “This was your plan, you knew we were coming to that masked party.”

He smiles. “You’re smarter than your husband it seems.”

“What did you do to Alexei?” There’s no way he would have left there without Alexei. “What did you do to him?” I yell.

“Nothing for now, but I plan to make a dog out of him soon.” His eyes darken with sick amusement. “You’ll see how I turn him into nothing.”

“Alexei is not a dog,” I bark out. “He’ll kill you.”

“Some dogs bite their masters, child. That is why I’ve put him on a leash.” His laugh echoes in the room.

My stomach churns with nausea. He’s trying to control Alexei by using me, and I know Alexei would do anything to keep me safe. I can’t allow that happen. I need to come up with a way to escape from here. I don’t care if I die as long as Alexei won’t have to be anyone’s dog.

“How about we strike a deal?” I smile despite the ice coating my veins. “We have unfinished business from the masked party?”

He cocks his brow. “You’re willing to sleep with me to keep your husband safe?”

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