Page 55 of Imperfect Desires

"Lev humiliated me. You and Lev weakened me in front of my men. If I let it stand, others will think they can cross me."

"So what?" Scarlett’s voice hardens. "You’re going to kill him to prove a point?"

"If that’s what it takes to send the message that Viktor Makarov is not a weakling."

Scarlett’s lips press together. "I’m disappointed in you, Viktor." Her voice is soft but devastating. "I expected more from you."

My throat constricts painfully. Scarlett’s words dig beneath my skin like knives, and it cuts deep into my soul.

I harden my expression. "This isn’t personal."

"Keep telling yourself that," Scarlett whispers.

Alina stands up. Her face is cold and detached.

"It is settled then. You can pawn me off, Viktor."

The sorrow in her voice is palpable, but I shake it off and tell myself that once she is married off, she will see that I made the right decision for her.

19

Alina

I return to my room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The silence inside feels suffocating.

I walk toward the large window that overlooks the endless acres of well-manicured lawn. Through the pane, my reflection stares back at me—a perfectly poised Makarov princess in a fitted black dress and heels. My dark hair cascades down my back in soft waves. My face is composed and cold, but beneath the polished surface, my chest feels hollow.

I let out a shaky breath and press my forehead against the cool glass. The idea of marrying a stranger from the cartel makes my skin crawl. I picture it—a man’s hands on me, his mouth claiming mine.

Lev’s face rises behind my eyes. His hands. His mouth. The way he had looked at me that night in this room—like he wanted to consume me whole, and my heart twists painfully.

I close my eyes, breathing hard through my nose. Lev left. He made his choice. I can’t hold on to the idea of him anymore. Heaven knows I have tried; I have given this feeling all I’ve got, and now I have to let go.

A sharp knock at the door startles me. I hesitate, swallowing hard before I open it.

Scarlett stands in the doorway. Her glistening eyes sweep over me before she wraps me in a tight hug.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

I force a thin smile. “Fine.”

Scarlett’s expression softens. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

I breathe out slowly. “Yes, I do.”

“Maybe with your brother, but certainly not with me.”

I nod and move to close my door. “I am in no mood for company right now.”

She tries to hide the hurt from my words. “If you need anything—”

“I won’t,” I say quickly.

She presses her lips together, then steps back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nod once and close the door. The room that has always been my sanctuary now feels empty and quiet. Silent tears roll down my cheeks as I make my way to my bed through blurry eyes. I sit down slowly on the edge of my bed, take a shaky breath, and close my eyes. I know I’ve been unnecessarily harsh with Scarlett, but at this point, I need to learn how to act from my head and not my heart.

It’s been three weeks since that night with Lev at the hotel and a week before I meet my potential husband.

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