Page 236 of Ruins
These words do nothing to extinguish the fire burning in me - the desire for revenge on those who dared lay their hands on what is mine. I tighten my hold on Vasilisa as if it would erase the past horrors she had to face alone. “That will never happen to you again.”
“I love you, Santo,” she whispers into my chest, her fingers tracing patterns over my heart. “I’m sorry I didn’t—”
“Shh...,” I cut her off, pressing a kiss on her head, breathing her in. I don’t care what it cost—blood, fire, or ruin. She’s mine. As long as she’s safe, the rest of this city can burn. I’d do anything for her.
Her.
All I need is her.
“Let’s get out of here, get you some real food.” I suggest easing her out of her tears.
She giggles, the sound like the first crack of light after a storm. A small smile lifts her lips, and just like that, my world steadies again.
“Do you have another snack cake in there?” she asks pointing to my chest.
I chuckle, “No, Dea. I said real food, let’s go.”
***
I step into the bathroom, loosening my cuffs as I roll my sleeves up. The moment I cross the threshold, my eyes find her.
Vasilisa sits on the ottoman in front of the mirror, brushing her hair, the soft strokes hypnotic. The golden strands shimmer under the light, falling over her shoulder like silk. She looks peaceful, lost in her own world, and for a second, I just watch.
She’s beautiful—my goddess. But like this, in the quiet intimacy of our space, she’s untouchable.
Mine.
I move toward the sink, reaching for my toothbrush, but something near the mirror catches my attention.
A small, blistered packet.
I freeze.
Slowly, I pick it up, turning it over in my palm. The tiny pills gleam under the bathroom light, unassuming, insignificant. But their purpose is anything but.
“What’s this?” My voice is calm, steady, but there’s an edge beneath it.
Vasilisa doesn’t stop brushing her hair, she barely even glances over as she answers. “The pill.”
I exhale slowly through my nose. I knowwhatit is. That’s not the question. My grip tightens around the packet. “Why areyouon it?”
“To prevent children,” she answers so casually I almost crush the packet.
Prevent. Not delay...
“I see.”
She finally glances at me through the mirror, her expression unreadable. “The arrangement contract never mentioned an heir.”
I hold her gaze, my reflection staring back at me in the glass.
“No, it didn’t,” I say carefully. “And I understand that. But…” I trail off, stepping closer, my voice lowering. “Has nothing changed for you?”
A small crease forms between her brows. I see the exact moment the question unsettles her.
“What are you saying?” she asks.
I swallow, choosing my words carefully. Vulnerability doesn’t come easily to me, but for her—I will always try.
