Page 17 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

“Amusement doesn’t make for a marriage.”

“She’s a challenge, Mikhail. You know I’ve been working hard my entire life. I never say no to a challenge.”

“Well, if you want to marry her, then don’t let me get in your way. I think you’re insane to want to marry a woman like that, but go ahead. You have my permission.”

“Thank you.”

Mikhail’s lips quirk up. “Something tells me she won’t be happy about this. If there’s one thing I know about Viktoriya, she hates being told what to do.”

“Which is why I need your help. I can’t force her to marry me. But if you made her, then she would do it.”

“Why do you want to marry a woman who doesn’t want anything to do with you?”

“That’s exactly it.” My body thrums at the idea. “Viktoriya needs a stern hand, but I can’t touch her unless she’s my wife. I know your wife wouldn’t approve. And you know I would never risk upsetting you. You’re my boss and friend. I have respect for you, Mikhail. I’m exactly what Viktoriya needs. She just doesn’t know it.”

After a moment, Mikhail nods. “All right. I’ll tell her she has to marry you if she wants my protection. I don’t fully trust Viktoriya, so if you say you can keep her in line, then be my guest. I commend you, Alek. She won’t be easy.”

“I need you to make the announcement.”

“We can do it right now.”

We leave his office and head back to the party. Except Viktoriya is nowhere to be found.

My eyes land on Sofiya, and I approach her. “Where’s your sister?”

“Why?”

“Where’s Viktoriya?” Mikhail asks.

Sofiya sighs and points upstairs. Without a backward glance, I head upstairs, with Mikhail and Sofiya following. It’s not until I reach the top floor I realize Gleb joined us as well.

“What’s he doing here?” I ask.

Gleb puffs his chest out. “It’s my job to protect Viktoriya and Mila. I need to know what’s going on.”

Mikhail knocks on the bedroom door, and after a beat, Viktoriya answers. “What’s … going on?”

“Viktoriya,” Mikhail begins, “you will marry Aleksander.”

She freezes as Sofiya gasps.

“What?” Sofiya asks, whirling around on Mikhail. “What?”

“If she is to stay here, she will marry Aleksander.”

“Why?” Viktoriya asks. “What have I done?”

“I need to make sure you stay out of trouble,” Mikhail tells her. “This is the best way to ensure that. Aleksander asked me for your hand, and I have granted it.”

Viktoriya turns her heated eyes onto me. “That was fast.”

“I want you, Viktoriya,” I tell her. Somehow, she tenses even more. “You’ve shown me within the span of less than an hour that you need a stern hand. Being my wife will be the best thing for you.”

“You can’t tell me what to do!” she says.

“He can’t,” Mikhail says. “But I can. I’m the leader of the Bratva. You belong to the Bratva. And what I say goes. I’ve given Aleksander my permission to marry you. This is final.”

“Not so fast,” Gleb interrupts. “I have another proposition. Viktoriya can marry me.”

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