Page 38 of Bound By Longing

If my father saw me, he’d call me pathetic. When I was a child, whenever I showed any sign of any emotion, Ivan would stick me in the pantry and lock the door. He’d leave me in there for hours until I would stop screaming and crying.

But my father isn’t here anymore. So, fuck him. I can feel what I feel.

And what I feel is hope.

Hope that I’ll get to see Mila again.

MILA

The next day, when I come downstairs, I’m shocked to see a young man standing in the living room with Mikhail.

“Mila.” Mikhail waves me over. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

I slowly approach. The other man is smiling at me kindly. It helps put me at ease, but after the past few days, I’m not sure many things can put me fully at ease ever again. “Hi.”

“Mila, this is Dimitri. He works for me. He’s one of the best men I know.”

I stare at Mikhail for a beat too long. What is he playing at?

“Hi, Dimitri,” I say, realizing I haven’t spoken for the past few seconds.

“Hello,” he responds in a subtle Russian accent. His voice is soft and nice to listen to. “Mikhail tells me you’ve just been through a big ordeal. I hope you’re all right.”

Damien’s face flashes through my mind. “I’m fine.”

“The reason I invited Dimitri over,” Mikhail explains, “is because you need protection, Mila. The past few days have shown you’re vulnerable. You need a husband to protect you.”

I stand up straighter. “A … husband?”

“Yes. It’s the only way to keep you safe. Now, I have spoken about that with Dimitri, and he’s agreed to marry you. Trust me, he’s a good man. But I won’t force you to marry him. That said, I think you two would make a good match. Why don’t you spend some time talking? I’ll leave you be.” He walks away before I can object.

I smile at Dimitri. “Hi.”

“You said that already.”

“I did, didn’t I?” I laugh awkwardly. The sound is loud in the quiet room.

Dimitri chuckles as he steps closer. “I know this is sudden. I don’t expect you to marry me right away. But trust me when I say I have the utmost respect for women.”

“But you’re a Bratva man.” The words are out before I can stop them.

“It’s true. I am. But I was raised by a kind mother. I know how to treat women with respect.”

“That’s good.”

His smile widens. “I’m glad.”

The longer I look at Dimitri, the more I become aware of how handsome he is. Classic good looks. He could have stepped off the pages of a fairytale.

I don’t know anything about him, and I’d have to get to know him before I agree to marriage, but …

Damien can’t give me what I need.

And what I need is a husband.

Dimitri seems nice and kind. Maybe he could be my prince charming. It’s worth a shot. I need protection. I need to feel safe.

Damien is not that.

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