Page 4 of Savage Obsession

That dream was shattered ten years ago. The day they were ripped from my world. The day I failed to protect them. I swallow hard, guilt slicing into me like a thousand blades. Their loss is mine to bear alone. I was the one who didn't safeguard them. Eva trusted me. Axel trusted me. I was meant to keep them safe.

Instead, I buried them. Eva’s gentle smile, and Axel’s innocent laughter, now only haunt me.

I promised myself that I would never allow that kind of vulnerability again. Never risk my heart, never let someone close enough to destroy me so completely. Grief like that nearly destroyed me once—I'm certain it would succeed the next time.

I lift my head, staring around the dark office, seeing nothing but emptiness and shadows. It feels familiar. It feels safe.

A marriage arranged by my father will be nothing but a business transaction. A cold, calculated move to strengthen alliances. A woman I will never love. One who cannot hurt me, cannot penetrate the fortress I've built around my heart.

I straighten, composing myself, shutting the door firmly on memories that do nothing but torment me. The past is a weakness I can't afford.

But as I try to push away the visions, one thought pierces through me like a knife:

Am I betraying Eva by taking another wife—even one I do not love?

I shake my head, refusing to entertain it. Eva would understand. Eva would know this isn't love—it's business. It is duty. Nothing more. She would know my heart died the day she did.

The resolve hardens inside me, a wall of ice forming around the old wounds. Pain recedes, buried once more beneath the armor I carefully forge each day.

I rise slowly, gathering my composure, forcing every memory, every whispered echo, down to the darkest recess of my soul.

It is safer that way.

I straighten my tie, smoothing down my suit jacket, the mask of ruthless composure slipping firmly back into place. When I walk out of this office, I will be the Aithan Vasilios the world expects—powerful, cold, and in control. Untouched by grief, unmoved by memories.

But even as I walk to the door, each step heavy with silent grief, an ache pulses deep inside.

For a brief, fleeting second, I wish I could see them just one more time.

Eva.

Axel.

The family I loved.

The family I lost.

And as I push open the door and step out into the cold hallway, I vow once more to never again allow myself to feel the kind of love that could devastate me.

The cost is simply too great.

It nearly destroyed me once.

I will never risk that again.

2

Yelena

Two weeks earlier.

Sneaking out for some fun isn’t as difficult as I thought. With everyone busy preparing for my brother's wedding tomorrow, I checked that my absence wouldn't be noticed before slipping away for some personal time. It’s been a long past year; between my father’s assassination, investigation, and now Viktor’s wedding, my nerves have become frayed. I push the thoughts aside because tonight is for unwinding.

The bar is crowded, filled with New York’s elite and those hoping to rub shoulders with them. My raven-black hair cascades down my back, brushing against the silk of my dress as I weavethrough the throng of bodies. I need a moment of solitude, a seat, and a drink strong enough to drown my weariness.

As I near the VIP section, two imposing figures step into my path. They’re tall, dressed in tailored suits that barely conceal the raw power of their physiques. Their faces are impassive, but their eyes tell a different story—sharp, watchful, dangerous. “Hello, Miss,” one of them says, his voice low and smooth. “Our boss would like you to join him.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not following orders tonight,” I reply, my tone polite but firm. My electric blue gaze locks onto his, daring him to challenge me.

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