Page 1 of Bound By Longing

Chapter

One

MILA

I’m like a princess stuck in a tower.

My view consists of the beautiful backyard containing my sister’s garden. Not that my sister, Vik, had anything to do with the garden. She only owns it. But it’s still beautiful, nonetheless.

But despite its beauty, I’ve gotten tired of staring out at it every day. I’m longing for freedom. For safety.

None of that exists in Moscow. Not in the world of the Bratva.

I’ve belonged to the Bratva since I was born. My father, Denis Morozova, was in charge of the Bratva in New York until he died by a random burglar. Both he and my mother died that night.

Growing up, I was sheltered and kept in the dark. But these past few months have been the worst of all because I was kidnapped for the third time.

When my older sister, Sofiya, married Mikhail, head of the Bratva in Moscow, I came to stay with her and was kidnapped by a man named Boris who wanted to marry me.

My eldest sister, Viktoriya, and I returned to New York afterward, but then we were forced to return to Moscow when another man, Gleb, set his sights on us. Once again, I was kidnapped, but I survived, thanks to my sisters.

But now, I haven’t been allowed to leave the house in months because of it. My sisters are terrified I’ll be targeted again, and I can’t blame them. It’s just tiring staring at the same view every day. No matter how beautiful.

A knock on the door pulls my attention from the window. “Come in,” I call out.

Vik pokes her head inside. Her long, white-blonde hair shimmers in the sunlight streaming in through the window. At least it’s doing her favors. My beautiful older sister. I was once so jealous of her beauty, but now, I’ve seen all sides of Vik. I’ve seen her be mean and vindictive. I’ve seen her be brave and courageous as she saved me from my kidnappers. I’ve seen her resemble our mother when she’s patient enough to comfort me. Because of all this, I’m no longer jealous of her beauty. Now, I appreciate it because it’s her who has helped keep me safe.

“Just checking in,” she says, waltzing into the room and sitting down on my bed. I know what she’s doing. She’s checking in to make sure I haven’t been again.

“I’m all here,” I respond, patting my legs. They’ve always been a little bit on the thicker side. I’m a lot shorter than my two older sisters, so my weight tends to go straight to my hips and thighs. It helped me when I used to dance ballet. It made me strong.

But I no longer dance. It wasn’t my passion.

As I stare at Vik, I can’t help but wonder if I should do it just for her sake. Of the three of us, she was the one most in love with ballet. She had to quit when her ankle broke over a year ago, and she never quite recovered fully.

“I can see that.” She pauses. “Mila, this is strange for me to say, but … I’m glad you’re here. That you chose to live with me.”

Instead of Sofiya, she means.

Sofiya comforted me the most growing up. But now, she’s pregnant and expecting a baby, and I didn’t want to be in the way. Besides, I know Vik cares for me. She literally saved me as I was getting auctioned at the black market. I know if there’s anyone who’ll keep me safe, it’s Viktoriya Morozova.

“I’m glad to be here.” I mean it. But my eyes flick to the window once more and take in the static view. I just want more.

“I know that everything that has happened has been a lot. You’ve been more withdrawn lately.” Vik would never have made that observation a year ago. She’s become more considerate since marrying Aleksander, who’s second in command to the Bratva. She’s not as self-centered and angry at the world.

Before her marriage, she barely gave me a second thought. Now, she’s checking in on me. It warms my heart, and yet … it’s strangely stifling.

“I’m just tired of feeling scared,” I admit. “After what happened, I haven’t been allowed to leave the house.”

Vik sighs. “I know, but it’s for your own safety. I can’t risk you getting kidnapped again.”

“Is this my life now? To forever be locked in this room?”

“You have free rein of the house. Don’t be dramatic.” And there’s the Vik I know.

I can’t help but laugh. “Ok. I’ll try not to be so dramatic.”

Vik reaches over and grabs my hand. “I just want you safe. I want you happy.”

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