Page 25 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

After settling into my room, I get comfy on the bed and turn on the TV. I flip through channels and finally land on a dancing competition show. The sight of the people dancing makes tears sting my eyes. I quickly change the channel.

This is my life now. I’ll have no one to boss me around. I can do what I want. I don’t need a husband one bit.

But you want one, a quiet voice inside me whispers.

Do I want one? Fine. Maybe it would be nice. I think back to what Vera and the other ladies said at lunch—implying I wasn’t good enough to land myself a man. It’s not my fault men can’t handle me.

A loud knock on the door makes me sit up and gasp. I don’t answer, even after another knock.

“Viktoriya, I know you’re in there,” Aleksander says.

What in the freaking world is he doing here?

I sigh, get up, and answer the door. “What?”

Aleksander leans against the door frame in a casual pose. “You answered faster than I expected you to.”

“What are you doing here? How did you find me?” And so fast, too.

“The next time you want to run away, don’t use your credit card.” He brushes past me into the room.

“I didn’t invite you in,” I say, shutting the door.

“I’m here to bring you back.”

“Mikhail will kick me out at the end of the week anyway. I just saved him the trouble. Why bring me back?”

“Because it’s dangerous for you to be out here alone. You need to choose, Viktoriya. You’re marrying somebody.”

“I choose no one.”

“That’s not how this works.”

“I don’t care how it works. I’m not doing it.”

I hate the way he looks at me – dark and … carnal. “Let me show you what you need. Get on the bed and lay on your stomach.”

I inhale quickly. “What? No!”

“Viktoriya, do as I say.”

“And if I don’t?” I stand my ground. I’m not doing anything for him.

“I won’t force you. But I am going to show you that you need discipline. I think you’re lost. You need me.”

“God, you’re full of yourself.”

“Are you scared?”

I stand up straighter. “Of course not.”

“So, then, why not get on the bed? I’m not going to fuck you if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I wasn’t until he said that …

“What are you going to do to me?” I ask.

“Get on the bed, and you’ll find out.”

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