Page 21 of Bound to the Bratva
If I had just accepted what my father wanted me to do, my mother wouldn't be locked up somewhere...but that's something I won't share with anyone. Not even my brother.
Lori raises an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Well, that would naturally be understandable. I'm sure there's a lot of tension since they do business together, right?"
I nod, "That's exactly it. There's so much pressure to make this relationship work," I'm being honest, and yet I'm also lying.
Maxim comes back with the drinks for everyone and passes them around. We spend the next hour having a few drinks and everything seems to be going well until Lori and Emily have to leave. Internally, I'm screaming. I don't want to be left alone with this man. That's the last thing I want.
I say my goodbyes to my friends and they leave, meanwhile, Maxim pays for our bill. I make my grand escape, leaving the bar, and head down the street. I want to get away from him, even if it's just for the night.
But, it doesn't last long. After five minutes of me walking back home, heavy footsteps are ringing out from behind me.
I quicken my pace, my heart pounding in my chest. I glance over my shoulder and see Maxim closing in on me, his determined stride unwavering. Panic begins to bubble within me as I search for an escape route, but every alleyway and corner seems to disappear into the shadows.
"Wait up, little girl," Maxim calls out, his voice laced with amusement. "You can't really think you can outrun me."
I ignore him, my mind racing with thoughts of self-preservation. I don't want to be anywhere near him, and I was stuck spending a couple of hours with him tonight. Can't the guy take a fucking hint?
Maxim grabs me by the shoulder and forces me to turn around, but the moment he does I'm whipping my hand against his face. The impact of the slap burns my hand badly.
Maxim staggers back, his hand flying to his cheek in shock. His eyes darken with a mix of anger and surprise, but I refuse to let fear consume me. With newfound confidence, I confront him, my voice trembling with adrenaline.
"Get away from me!" I shout, my words echoing through the empty street. "I don't want anything to do with you! God, how the fuck don't you get that? I want to be left alone."
Maxim's eyes narrow, his expression hardening. "Fuck, hasn't your father ever told you, you don't get everything you want in life. You think this changes anything?" he growls, a dangerous edge seeping into his voice. "You think you can just slap me and walk away?"
But I'm not backing down. The anger that has simmered within me since our first encounter fuels my defiance. "I don't care about your games or your twisted desires," I retort, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. "I won't be a pawn in your sick little power play, and that's all I am. I'm not going be this docile wife who obeys your every command."
For a moment, Maxim's face twists in fury, his nostrils flaring. But just as quickly, a predatory smile curves his lips. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into," he murmurs, stepping closer until our bodies are almost touching. The electricity between us crackles with an intensity that sends goosebumps along my skin.
But I stand my ground, refusing to let him intimidate me any further. "I'm not afraid of you," I say, my voice filled with a newfound determination. "You might think you have all the control, but I won't let myself be bullied by someone like you."
Maxim's gaze flickers with something that resembles respect, and for a moment, I see lust. "You might not want to be bullied by me, but you will be dominated, little girl." Maxim brushes his fingertips against my cheek and my heart drops into the pit of my stomach.
I jerk my head away from his touch, my body trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance. "You don't scare me, Maxim," I say, my voice quivering but filled with as much conviction as I can muster. "I won't let you control me or dominate me."
Maxim's eyes darken further, his jaw clenches tightly. He takes a step closer, invading my personal space, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you can resist me?" he spits out, his breath hot against my face. "You have no idea what you're up against, Aria. You don't even have the option to walk away. We're stuck with each other. Don't you understand that?"
I stare defiantly into his eyes, as the last bit of what he said lingers. Fear courses through my veins like wildfire, but I refuse to let it consume me. I pull myself up to my full height, trying to match the intensity of his gaze with my own unwavering determination.
His eyes soften, and I see it.
I see him for who he really is, and I'm going to test the waters right now.
"I may not know everything about you," I say through gritted teeth, "but I know enough to see through your facade. You're just a scared little boy hiding behind a mask of power and control."
Maxim's grip tightens on my shoulder, his fingers digging into my flesh. The pain shoots through me, but I grit my teeth and hold back any signs of weakness.
"You think you can read me?" he sneers, his voice laced with venom. "You don't know anything about me, Aria. You only know what I allow you to know,"
I feel a surge of anger and frustration building within me. Enough is enough. "I'd rather marry that slug,"
He scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Can a slug do this?"
Maxim forces his lips onto mine, crushing them tightly. I don't want to like this...but I do.
I push against him, the taste of alcohol and desperation mingling on his tongue. This isn't what I want, not at all. But as much as I try to fight it, my body betrays me, responding to his touch with an undeniable hunger. His hands roam over my body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
I try to remind myself of the anger and defiance that filled me moments ago, but it feels so distant now, overshadowed by the overwhelming desire coursing through my veins. Every touch, every caress is like a siren's call, drawing me deeper into this dangerous dance.
