Page 94 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

“Believe it or not, but I’m telling you the truth. I wouldn’t be alive right now if not for you. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t saved me? And that wasn’t the first time you saved me. You’ve been doing it all your life. I’m so grateful to you. I could never hate you. Never.”

I blink back the tears that threaten to fall. Glancing at Mila, I can see the sincerity in her eyes. I know she’s telling the truth.

I open my mouth to say … something, but then Sofiya walks back out, the driver/guard with her.

“We can go now,” she says, eyeing me with disapproval. It’s a look I’m used to.

Mila turns away from me, following Sofiya to the car. After a moment, I walk after them, feeling the pain in my rib with every step as a sort of punishment for my actions.

“You’re back early,” Aleksander says when I get home.

“We left at intermission.”

“Why?”

“Why do you say it like you’re suspicious?”

“Because I am.” He places his hands on my arms, drawing me closer. I don’t resist.

“I just didn’t want to be there any longer, ok? It was … harder than I thought it would be. I just want to be left alone right now.”

“All right.” He lets me go. Even though he’s not fighting me on this, I can tell he wants to say more. I walk away before he can and hurry to the bathroom.

I know I shouldn’t. Vera’s words are just that—words. She’s a bitch and doesn’t mean anything to me.

And yet … If I’m ever going to be able to dance again, I need to stop eating. I need to throw it up. I need to find my release.

I bend over the toilet and shove my fingers down my throat, crying as I do it.

The door bursts open, and Aleksander rushes into the room, grabbing my hand and pulling it away from my mouth. I don’t get the chance to throw up.

“What are you doing?” he demands, holding me to his body.

Instead of fighting, I slump against him, feeling only tired. “I need to dance again, Alek. I need to do it.”

“No. You don’t need to hurt yourself ever again. Do you hear me, Viktoriya?”

I let out a sharp gasp. “I need to feel better.”

“I can make you feel better.” He lets me go and turns me around to face him, placing his fingers under my chin and making me look at him. “If you ever feel upset, you come to me. You don’t hurt yourself.”

“I need the release it gives me.”

“If you need release, Viktoriya, I can give it to you. Don’t spend time thinking about things that are hurting you. Come to me, and I’ll make you feel better.”

“How can I trust you? You’ve spanked me. Maybe you’ll do worse.”

The look he gives me is filled with hurt. “You need to learn to trust me. I know how we can do that. Come with me.” He walks away, and I know I’m expected to follow.

So, I do.

Aleksander takes me to our bedroom. “Take off your clothes.”

“I’m not in the mood for sex right now.”

“It’s not sex I’m talking about. You need to feel better. You said so yourself. I know how to make you feel better. Start by taking off your clothes.”

With a sigh, I get naked before him. He rakes his eyes over me, sending goosebumps over my skin.

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