Page 26 of Sinful Scars

Despite not knowing what he looks like or even what his name is, the connection I felt with him is undeniable. The kiss we shared confirmed that.

A shiver runs down my spine as I remember how my body came alive at the feeling of his lips on mine.

Mikhail snaps me out of my momentary daydream. “Was there anything distinctive that you remember about him? An accent, perhaps?”

“He, uh…had some scarring on his hands, from what I could tell.”

“I can work with that. Is there anything else?”

“Do you think you could try and get my phone back? I lost it back at the bar.”

“Of course, and I’ll set you up with another one in the meantime. Though I will insist on putting a proper tracking device on it. The location app can be hacked, and I don’t want to take any chances.”

“I appreciate this, Mikhail.”

Mikhail dips his chin and offers me a small smile.

“Anyway, I should go. I’m due at the hospital soon, and it’s going to be a long shift.”

Lucia frowns. “Do you think going to work is a good idea? You’ve just gone through something major, Elle. Surely, you should take a few days off, hang out here with me and Vivi or something.”

“I need to keep myself busy. Sitting at home with nothing to do… It will make me anxious.” I get to my feet.

Mikhail looks at me. “I can have Feliks or Yakov come and keep an eye on you.”

“Really, I’m fine.”

“Elle—” Lucia starts, but I shake my head.

“I don’t need a bodyguard.”

Mikhail nods. “Well, the offer is there. And if you ever feel unsafe, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

“I promise.”

But it’s a lie because the truth is, I feel safer knowing thatheis out there, watching over me from the shadows.

8

LEV

Obsession is often describedas having a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling.

I couldn’t disagree more.

My preoccupation with keeping Elle safe is not disturbing, nor unreasonable. It’s anecessity.

She was taken from right under my nose, tied up like an animal and almost raped. Bile burns my throat as I try not to think of her lying on that bed as that man ran his hands over her perfect skin.

He never should have gotten close enough to touch her, to make her scream?—

I press my hands into my eyes, trying to force the memory away.

My obsession used to be fueled by something close to lust but after recent events, my actions are fueled more by guilt.

Guilt that is so strong it’s eating me alive.

But I deserve nothing less. After all, that fucker gotclose enough to touch her because of me. Elle suffered because ofme,and I will never forgive myself.

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