Page 5 of Bound By Longing

“I’m worried about Mila,” I say to Mikhail once we return home.

“You’re always worried.” He gently touches my arms. “She seemed fine to me.”

Ever since I got pregnant, Mikhail has been even gentler with me. Sometimes, it makes me miss our intimate time together, and other times, I appreciate seeing his softer side. As the head of the Bratva, he’s under a lot of pressure.

“You didn’t know Mila before we married. She used to be so bubbly and open. Now, she’s much more withdrawn. And now, with Damien showing up …”

He makes a low growl deep in his throat. “Don’t mention him. I don’t want to think about that bastard.”

“But what if he does something to Mila?”

“He won’t.”

“He showed up at Vik’s house to wish Mila a happy birthday!” I cry out. Mikhail leads me to the couch and helps me sit down. “He might try something. Mila is a target. She’s young, beautiful, and rich. She’s the youngest daughter of Denis Morozova. There are men who will want her. She’s already been hurt by others who wanted her. We can’t let that happen again.”

Mikhail runs his hand along my back, easing some tension. “We won’t. I won’t. Unlike Viktoriya, I actually like Mila. She’s sweet. I don’t want to see her hurt any more than you do. And if Damien tries anything …” A vicious grin covers his face, sending shivers over me. “Then it’ll give me the perfect excuse to hurt him.”

“I thought you were putting your anger toward him and his father behind you? Damien didn’t hurt your son, Mikhail.”

“I know he didn’t. That’s why I’ve never tried to hurt him. But if he gives me a reason, I won’t hesitate to take it. Mila will be fine. I know you’ll make sure of it.”

I appreciate my husband’s faith in me, but Mila has gotten hurt many times since I married Mikhail. I’m not sure I’m qualified to keep her safe in this world.

Which only makes me worry more. I can feel the wolves coming out, and there’s no way to stop them.

VIKTORIYA

“I can’t believe Damien showed up here,” I mutter, getting under the covers. Alek shakes his head with a smirk.

“You’re cute when you’re riled up.”

“Don’t remind me.”

He gets into bed with me and pulls me into his arms. “Don’t worry about Damien. Focus on Mila. I know it’s good for you to have something to do. Instead of being worried, focus on making Mila happy.”

“I’m the last person to make her happy. I used to control her. I don’t know how not to. She’s getting stifled here, Alek. Mila used to love going out and doing things. Going for a walk in the park. Dancing at parties. She was so full of life. She’s dimmed.”

“Because that’s life, Viktoriya. She’s gone through some scary things. She’s not as innocent as she once was.”

“But that’s just the thing. Mila is still so innocent. And that’s what worries me.” Men in our world are drawn to innocence. I fear for Mila, but I have no idea how to help her without keeping her locked up, and the more she’s locked up, the sadder she becomes.

The only thing I’m positive about is that I need to keep an eye on Damien Petrov. He will try something sooner or later. I just need to be prepared for when he does.

MILA

“Will you be ok staying here tonight?” Vik asks, looking beautiful in her red dress. I run my hands down my blonde curls, self-conscious of them. I always wanted straight hair like Vik’s.

“Do I have a choice?” I ask back.

She flushes slightly. “It’s just … Alek and I haven’t been on a date in months.”

“Go,” I say gently. “I want you to have fun. I’ll be safe here. Aleksander has guards watching the house. Nika is here. I won’t be alone.”

“Ok. Be … good,” she adds lamely.

I give her a quick hug. I want to savor it, but I don’t want to wrinkle her dress. “I’ll be fine. Have fun.”

She gives me one more smile before leaving my bedroom. I hear her and Aleksander leave the house a few minutes later. The moment they’re gone, I feel an even heavier weight on my chest. I turn back to the window and stare down at the garden. I want to walk through that garden, but it’s getting darker out and colder. It could be dangerous.

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