Page 36 of Bound By Longing

“I know it’s obvious. But why are we dancing? I should go back home. My sisters will be missing me.”

“I know. I just don’t want to let you go yet.”

“That’s not up for you to decide.”

“Isn’t it?” He dips me low, and I gasp as my eyes lock with his. I’m transfixed. Transported to another world where he’s my prince.

And then the fantasy disappears within seconds.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

It’s Mikhail.

Damien lifts me back up but doesn’t let me go, I notice. “Mikhail. What are you doing here?”

The sight of Mikhail is a welcome one. It means I can be reunited with my sisters.

But it also means I’ll have to say goodbye to Damien.

Mikhail rushes forward. The crease between his eyebrows showcases his rage. “You said you didn’t have her.”

“When you asked me if I did, I didn’t. It wasn’t until later.”

“You didn’t think to let me know that?”

Damien shrugs. “I honestly don’t care what you think, Mikhail.”

For a moment, I think Mikhail might punch Damien, but then he turns to me. “Mila. Are you all right?”

That’s a loaded question. I’ve been through too much to just be “all right.”

“I’m fine,” I settle on.

Mikhail nods, satisfied with the answer. “I’m taking you home.” He glares at Damien. “Don’t stop me.”

He holds his hands up. “Wouldn’t dream of it. But …”

Mikhail growls low in his throat. “‘But’ what?”

“We should ask Mila what she wants.”

“It’s obvious you kidnapped her, Damien. What she wants is to go home to her sisters.”

“Well, then, we should ask her.”

Both men turn their intense gazes onto me. I could fall right through the floor.

I glance at Damien. A part of me is drawn to him. But I know I can’t stay. I need to see my sisters again. I need to have my own agency in my life.

“I should go back home with Mikhail,” I finally say.

Damien nods. “I get it. Maybe I’ll see you again.”

He’s giving up? Just like that? I was kind of hoping for more of a fight from him, but Damien did tell me he’s not looking for anything serious. I guess I really was just casual fun for him.

“Come along,” Mikhail says to me, gently taking my arm.

With one last look at Damien, I follow Mikhail out of the club and to the safety of his car.

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