Page 12 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

“Maybe you need a man who’ll tell you what to do. Get rid of that attitude of yours.”

“Why does every man think I have an attitude? I’m just a woman who knows what she wants.”

“And what is it you want?” He’s standing so close to me; I can smell him. Like sandalwood and smoke.

“I want a man worthy of me. So far, I haven’t met him.”

“And what kind of man is worthy of you?”

“The kind who’s wealthy and of high status.”

Aleksander’s eyes darken, which makes me want to shiver. I don’t, of course. No man will ever have an effect on me. “I’m wealthy and have high status. I’m Mikhail’s second in commandnow. Though, I had to work for it. I wasn’t born into wealth like you were, princess. So, does that put me out of the running?”

“Where are you from?”

“The slums. I grew up poor.” He doesn’t say it with an ounce of embarrassment. If it were me, I’d be mortified to tell people that.

“You’re right,” I say, standing up straighter. “You’re not worthy of me. I don’t want your poverty rubbing off on me.”

When Aleksander smirks and steps back, it’s like I can breathe again. “You really do have an attitude, Viktoriya. I would watch it if I were you.”

“Why? Because you want to put me in my place?”

“Oh, I’dloveto put you in your place. But alas, I promised your sister I wouldn’t bother you. I’m only telling you to be careful because the men here don’t like a woman with a big mouth.”

“I just say what’s on my mind. That’s not a crime.”

“Here it is,” he says darkly. His eyes look me up and down. I could slap him for his audacity. “Just be careful, Viktoriya.” With a last glance, he walks away.

What is with men? First, Gleb thinking he can be the boss of me, now Aleksander? I didn’t ask for his opinion. Mikhail will protect me. I’m fine here.

I leave the kitchen and reenter the party, expecting to be bombarded with male attention … except none of the men look in my direction.

No, they’re all looking toward the foyer where a man is standing. Another handsome man in a suit that exudes more power than most. A quiet murmuring fills the room.

I find Sofiya and grab her arm. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure.”

It’s then I see Mikhail storming across the room toward the new guest. “What are you doing here?” he demands.

“I’m here to offer peace,” the other man says. “I’m not here to cause any trouble.”

“Get out,” Mikhail seethes. “Get out!”

The man takes a lazy look around the room, his gaze stopping briefly on Mila, before settling back on Mikhail. “Fine. I’ll leave. But truly, Mikhail, I hold no ill will toward you.”

“Why would you? I never did anything to your family. It was all your father’s fault. Now get the fuck out of my house.”

The man nods once and leaves without a fight.

Mikhail is breathing heavily as he walks over to us.

“Are you ok?” Sofiya asks, rubbing his arm.

“No.”

“Who was that man?”

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