Page 29 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

“It was either him or Aleksander. And I cannot stand Aleksander, so …”

“I can talk with Mikhail about this. You don’t have to do this.”

“Sofiya, I will always be in danger from men if I don’t marry. You knew this before you married Mikhail. I know this. I’m sure even Mila knows this. I wanted to find a man worthy of me, and I have. Gleb has everything I could ever want. He’s handsome,has money and status, and will treat me right. I don’t love that he used to work with Boris, but I’ve realized I have only so many choices in life. I didn’t want Aleksander, and no one else wanted me.” The moment I say those words, I want to take them right back.

Sofiya’s eyes fill with pity, and it makes me want to scream. “Vik, I’m sure you could have found a man who wanted you. Plenty of men wanted you. You just rejected them all.”

“Because none of them were good enough. I’m tired, Sofiya,” I admit. “I tried running away, but Aleksander found me and brought me right back. These Bratva men will never let me go. They will never let any of us go. So, I want to marry a man I don’t hate, at least.”

“You hate Aleksander?”

I shudder. “With a passion.”

“You don’t hate Gleb?”

“He’s annoying, but I can make that work. He said he doesn’t want to control my life. I’ll still be able to dance even after we’re married. That’s what I want. I’m realizing that now.”

“I just don’t want you to make a mistake.”

“You think I should have gone with Aleksander?”

“No. I just think you deserve to be with a man you chose. I didn’t get that with Mikhail. He chose me. I found love with him, yes, but it wasn’t an easy road. I wanted a different fate for you and Mila.”

“I’m in control of my own life, Sofiya.” I rip my arm away from her hand. “That’s why I made the choice I did. I will not regret it. Now, I have a wedding to plan. The sooner I can get back to New York, the better.” I start walking away. “And tell Mila to practice her dance steps. She’ll be coming back with me, and I need to make sure she’s ready to perform.”

“Vik,” Sofiya calls out.

“I’m done talking.” I head downstairs and run right into Mikhail.

“Viktoriya.”

“Mikhail. I’m sure you’re happy I’ll soon be gone.”

“I am.” He doesn’t sugarcoat things, my brother-in-law.

“Did Sofiya chew you out last night?”

“What goes on between my wife and me is between us.”

“You’re just saying that because Sofiya isn’t happy with you for putting me into that position. Well, no hard feelings.” That’s a lie. I’m so fucking angry with him for making me choose between Aleksander and Gleb. But there’s no use fighting with him. There’s a good chance he might kick me out again, and who knows what could happen then? Aleksander might find me and try to spank me again.

No, the safest place for me is inside this penthouse until I marry Gleb.

“You’re not angry with me?” he asks.

“I’m furious, but I’m not going to fight. You’ve won, Mikhail.” I walk away and head into the kitchen. I love getting the last word in.

I convince Sofiya and Mila to go wedding dress shopping with me. Well, Mila was easy to convince. She loves all things romance.

Sofiya, on the other hand, can’t stop expressing doubts, which only angers me.

“I just want you to be safe with who you marry,” she says as we walk into the bridal boutique.

“Sofiya, I’m the older sister here.”

“Yes. But I’m the married one here.” It’s a slap to my face. A reminder that, despite being the oldest, I’m unmarried. Mikhail didn’t want me. No other man was good enough for me.

The urge to vomit comes back, and I force it down.

---