Page 54 of Bound By Hate (Born in Blood)

He never answered my question.

ALEKSANDER

“I’m going to kill him,” I mutter to Mikhail once we’re in his office, staring down at Gleb. The three Morozova sisters are in their bedrooms. They don’t need to see this.

I’m rolling up my sleeves when Mikhail says, “No, you’re not.”

I pause. “What?”

Gleb lifts his head. “What?”

Mikhail sighs and runs his hand over his face. “You know Sofiya and her sisters belong to the Bratva. Sofiya belongs to me now. Soon, Viktoriya will belong to you. As for Mila, she needs someone to protect her. Gleb was instructed to do that.”

“You’re just going to hand Mila over to him? That’s not going to go well with your wife.”

“I’m not going to give Mila to him. She’ll live with Sofiya and me until she’s married. But I’m not going to kill Gleb. He was within his rights as a Bratva man to do what he wanted with Viktoriya.”

“Bullshit,” I growl.

“It’s not bullshit, Aleksander. It’s how things are done. You know this. You live in the same world I do. The same world as Gleb. I’ll let him live.” He turns to Gleb. “But you will never show your face around here again. Not if you want your face to remain on your body.”

Gleb gulps. “Ok. I’ll leave. I promise.”

“Fucking coward,” I mutter.

Mikhail unties Gleb and pulls his hands behind his back. “I’m going to take Gleb far away from here. Stay here to make sure no one shows up.”

“Fine.” Mikhail is my boss. It’s my duty.

Even though it fucking hurts to watch the man who sold Viktoriya go free.

I wander the penthouse, waiting for Mikhail to return. Viktoriya is just upstairs, sleeping. I can’t wait any longer.

I go to her room and open the door. I don’t bother to knock because I know she’s too injured to get up. Besides, Viktoriya will soon be mine. No door will keep me from her.

“Viktoriya.”

Her eyes flutter open. “Aleksander? You haven’t left yet? You really need to get a life.”

“I’m here to tell you that you’ll be my wife.”

“No.”

“Yes. You don’t get a say anymore. Someone needs to keep you safe, and that’s my job now. Mikhail has granted it. We’ll be married. Soon.”

“I don’t get a say?” She tries sitting up but then flops back onto the bed. I don’t like seeing her like this—subdued. Unable to fight. The reason I want Viktoriya is because she’s a fighter who needs guidance. She needs a strong hand like mine to help her in this life.

She’s lost.

“No. Not anymore.”

She’s silent for a moment before asking, “Will you hurt me like Gleb did?”

“No,” I say roughly. “No. I promise.”

“He made promises, too, and look how that turned out. I don’t like you, Aleksander. In fact, I hate you. Just know you’ll be getting a wife who can’t stand the sight of you.”

“I look forward to it. But it’s happening, Viktoriya. You and me. We’re getting married. You might not believe me, but I’m doing this for your benefit.”

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