Page 13 of Savage Obsession

For a moment, I’m at a loss for words because not many ladies in my world get a say in who they marry. But I am not surprised at Viktor's willingness to allow me to make my own choices. He has become my protector and my shield against the brutal realities of our world. His concern is evident in the slight furrow of his brow and the tight set of his jaw. And in this moment, he is not just a Bratva leader seeking to strengthen his reign, but he is my brother, wanting the best for me.

I meet his gaze, drawing strength from the unwavering certainty within me. “I’m sure,” I say firmly, my voice steady. “I understand what’s at stake. This marriage isn’t just about me, Viktor. It’s about the Bratva, about solidifying our alliances. I’m ready for this.”

He studies me for a long moment, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of doubt. But I hold my ground, my expression unflinching. I’ve thought about this—long and hard. I know what’s expected of me, and I’ve accepted it.

“You’ve always been strong,” he finally says, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. “Stronger than most give you credit for. If anyone can handle this, it’s you.”

His words warm me, and a glimpse of affection breaks through his usually stoic exterior. He rises, resting a hand briefly on my shoulder. “If you ever change your mind, Yelena, you’ll tell me.” It’s not a question; it’s a command. I nod, appreciating the reassurance beneath his authoritative tone. With that, he exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The quiet settles around me like a heavy blanket, and I take a moment to absorb the conversation. Viktor’s trust means everything to me, but it also adds weight to the responsibility I’ve chosen to bear. I exhale slowly, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

The door bursts open again, this time with far less ceremony. Scarlett and Alina stride in, their energy palpable. Scarlett’s red hair is a fiery halo around her face, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. Alina, my mirror image, looks equally vibrant, her electric blue eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Sister dearest,” Alina sings, flopping onto my bed. “How does it feel to be engaged to the Greek god of crime?”

“Alina,” I groan, rolling my eyes. “Why must you be so poetic about everything?”

Scarlett laughs, perching herself on the edge of the vanity table. “Oh, come on, Yelena. You can’t deny he’s… magnetic.”

“Magnetic?” I repeat, arching a brow. “That’s what we’re calling it now?”

“Seeing how drawn you are to him, what better word do we need?”

“I am not drawn to him.” I deny it hotly.

Scarlett and Alina share a look, their teasing smiles widening. “You’re blushing,” Alina accuses, pointing a finger at me. “Oh, this is rich. Our devil may care Yelena is blushing over a man.”

“I’m not blushing,” I snap, though my cheeks betray me by growing warmer. “This is a strategic alliance. Nothing more.” However, the thought of how Aithan devoured me points otherwise.

“Strategic alliance,” Scarlett echoes, her tone dripping with amusement. “Sure. And I’m a saint.”

I throw a pillow at her, which she deftly dodges, her laughter filling the room. Despite my annoyance, I can’t help but smile. Their teasing is a welcome distraction from the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

“Okay, but seriously,” Alina says, sitting up and fixing me with a pointed look. “What’s the deal with you and Aithan? When I walked in on you two earlier, it didn’t exactly scream ‘strategic alliance.’”

My stomach twists, and I fight to keep my expression neutral. “We were talking,” I say simply, shrugging as if it’s no big deal.

“Talking?” Alina repeats, her blue eyes narrowing. “I’ve seen plenty of men talk to women, but none of them looks at them like he was looking at you.”

“You’re both reading too much into this,” I insist, my tone firmer now. “It was nothing.”

But the knowing glances they exchange tell me they don’t believe a word I’ve said. Scarlett rests her chin on her hand, her smile softening. “Was it love at first sight?” she asks, her voice a mix of jest and genuine curiosity.

“No,” I reply quickly, a little too quickly. “It wasn’t love. It… it was nothing.”

“Nothing,” Alina echoes, her tone skeptical. “Sure, sister. Whatever you say.”

I stand abruptly, moving to the dresser to grab my nightclothes. “This conversation is over,” I declare, hoping to put an end to their relentless teasing.

“Fine, fine,” Scarlett says, raising her hands in mock surrender. “We’ll stop. For now.”

As they continue to chat, I prepare for bed, my movements deliberate yet distracted. My thoughts drift to Aithan despite my best efforts to focus on the present. His intense gaze, the way his voice seemed to wrap around me like a velvet cord… It’s infuriating how easily he occupies my mind.

After Scarlett and Alina leave, the room feels impossibly quiet. I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the phone on my nightstand. A sudden pang of frustration hits me as I realize I don’t even have Aithan’s number. The thought gnaws at me, a mix of regret and something deeper, something I’m not ready to name.

With a sigh, I slide under the covers, my mind still racing. The weight of the day’s events presses down on me, but so does the anticipation of what’s coming. I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing is certain: Aithan Vasilios has already turned my world upside down.

I stare at the ceiling, the faint glow of the moonlight casting shadows across the room. My thoughts are a chaotic swirl of emotions—uncertainty, anticipation, and something that feels dangerously close to hope. I’ve made my decision, and there’s no turning back now. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I’ll face them head-on. I have to.

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