Page 37 of Bound By Longing

Mikhail takes me to his penthouse, where Sofiya and Vik are waiting for me.

“Thank god,” Sofiya says, practically running over to me, which is impressive in her heavily pregnant state. She pulls me into a tight hug. Vik joins us and wraps her arms around me from behind. Never have I felt safer. Damien was messing with my mind. This is where I belong—with my sisters. Nothing else can beat their love.

“Mila, what happened?” Vik asks once we pull apart.

“Vladimir took me.”

“How?”

I avert my gaze to the floor, but I can still feel Vik’s eyes on me. “I went outside into the garden, and he … grabbed me.”

“You went outside?” Vik’s voice reaches new heights.

“Vik,” Sofiya says, resting her hand on her arm. “Calm down. What’s important is that Mila is home safe again.”

Vik brushes Sofiya’s hand off her. “Mila, you were supposed to stay inside, where you were safe.”

I flinch. “I know. I just wanted …”

“Just wanted what?”

“I just wanted to be outside. That was all.”

After a moment, Vik sighs. “I get it. You were cooped up for a long time. But you can understand how it was for your own safety.”

“I get that now. I won’t go outside ever again. I promise.”

“You better not,” she says with a smile. “At least until we know you’re safe.”

“What happened after Vladimir took you?” Sofiya asks.

“He tried to kill me.” I can feel both my sisters tense. “And then he tried to sell me. But then Damien saved me from him.”

Vik frowns. “Damien? How does Damien play a part in this?”

“We were at his club. Damien took me from Vladimir and brought me to his house. But he didn’t do anything to me,” I add quickly when I see my sisters exchange a worried look. “He was …”

“He was what?” Vik demands.

“He was nice,” I finish lamely.

“Nice how? I doubt a man like Damien can be nice. Are you sure he didn’t hurt you, Mila?”

“Vik, I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. He saved my life. He didn’t hurt me. I’ll be fine.”

Vik opens her mouth to speak when Sofiya cuts her off. “I’m glad you’re ok. Why don’t you go rest? You’ve had a trying past couple of days.”

“Sounds good.” I rush upstairs and into one of the guest bedrooms. I love my sisters, and I’m so happy to be back home and safe with them.

But I can’t seem to stop this feeling inside me when it comes to Damien.

It’s almost a feeling of longing.

DAMIEN

Watching Mila leave my club leaves me with a strange sensation. Almost like I’ll … miss her.

I quickly push that to the side. I can’t miss her. I barely know her. She was just fun amusement for a while. Nothing else.

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