Page 16 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

“Well, that’s good. Because I’m not sure he’d make a good husband for you.”

I groan subtly. “Gleb, I told you. I’m not interested in finding a husband unless it’s on my own terms.” I pause, considering what he said. “Wait. Why don’t you think Aleksander would make a good husband?”

He shrugs. “I just don’t think he would.” There’s a flash in his eyes I don’t understand. Some hidden emotion.

Honestly, I don’t care enough.

“I’m going to find Mila.” I walk away before Gleb can force me into another awkward conversation.

After looking around the house and evading the men as best I can, I eventually find Mila in the guest bedroom she used before.

“There you are,” I say, shutting the door behind me.

“Yeah. It was just too overwhelming down there.”

“Didn’t see any men who stroked your fancy?”

She gives me a look before laughing. “I can’t believe you just said that. I doubt I’ll find my prince charming with those men. They’re all so scary. The man who’ll be my husband will be kind and polite and sweet.” Her face turns dreamy.

“You deserve that, Mila.”

She snaps back to reality and smiles up at me. “You deserve that, too.”

I know she means well, but for some reason, her words hit me. I’m not sure I do deserve a kind husband.

And it scares me that I would even think that way.

SOFIYA

I find Mikhail in his office, sitting in his chair, his head bent overand in his hands.

“Hey,” I say softly, rubbing my hand over his back. “Are you ok?” Maybe it’s a silly question, but it’s one I need to ask. Mikhail and I have been through a lot as a couple. He knows he can be honest and open with me.

“I knew Damien came back. I never got my revenge on his father. The worst part of it all is I can’t even get revenge on Damien because he wasn’t responsible for my son’s death. So, he just exists in this world, and there’s nothing I can do.”

“I know his father hurt you. More than anyone should go through. But maybe it’s time to let the need for revenge go. You have me now. I know you miss your son. Alexei will always be here. I just don’t want to lose you to Damien.”

He lifts his head and meets my eyes. Those intense, normally scary eyes are now open and vulnerable. “You won’t lose me.”

Before I can reply, the door bursts open, and Aleksander walks in.

“Do you need something?” Mikhail asks, wrapping his hands around my waist. He’s very territorial.

“Yes.” His eyes flick to me and back to my husband. I don’t trust it. “Can I talk to you alone?”

Mikhail nods. “I’ll be out in a bit,” he tells me.

“All right.” I give him a small kiss before walking away. Aleksander doesn’t look at me as I leave. He has his gaze locked on Mikhail.

Something in my gut tells me that what he wants to talk about has nothing to do with business. And when I reenter the party and don’t see Viktoriya anywhere, my worry grows even more.

ALEKSANDER

I’m saying the words before I even have time to think about them. “I want Viktoriya to be my wife.”

Mikhail sits straighter in his chair and stares at me until he scoffs. “Alek, you can’t be serious.”

“I am. She … amuses me.” I think back to our conversations. God, going toe-to-toe with Viktoriya is exhilarating. I’ve never had a woman challenge me like she does.

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