Page 29 of Viktor

“Then marry me,” I say, and she stares at me with wide eyes.?

“You’ve lost your mind.” She stands and paces the floor.

I remain on my knees. “Maybe.” I shrug. But I will be able to keep her safe forever.

Chapter twenty-four

Amaia

Heiscrazy.Hebetrayed my trust, and now he wants me to marry him? Part of me wants to agree, as he could keep me safe from others. But the other part, the rational part, tells me to run. Leave and get as far away as possible.?

If what he says is true, then I’ll always be in danger. I chuckle to myself and shake my head while I’m pacing. I peer down at Viktor, who is still on his knees.?

“Did you kill my dad?” I need to know; I have no doubt in my mind that Viktor would have shot him given the chance.?

Viktor takes a deep breath, but never once does he takes his eyes from me. “Not yet.”

I move closer to him, unsure of what I’m really doing. “And Damien?” I ask quietly, taking a step forward, even though I know I shouldn’t.?

He stares me in the eyes. “I’m saving him for you to punish. You choose.”?

I’m not sure why, but my heart speeds up. Do I want my own revenge?

Viktor grabs my hands and kisses my knuckles. “You’re my everything. You decide how he is punished.”?

I close my eyes and imagine what I would do. Remembering his touch makes my skin crawl. Do I want to hurt him? Am I even capable?

“Do you really love me?” I ask, holding my breath.

“With everything that I am.”?

I’m fucked up. I think I want him, but I’m not sure if I can ever forgive him. There's a war inside my mind, and I need to pick a side. Married to a man I love, who betrayed my trust but can protect me. Or possibly being married off to some stranger by my dad and be used for breeding.?

Only one of those things gives me a happy ending.?

“Give me space. Take me home,” I beg, but Viktor looks down and shakes his head.?

“I can’t do that. I need you here, where I know you will be safe.” He reaches out, but I move back.

“Let me go home,” I try again, my attempt at being firm with my demand failing under my trembling.?

“No, not after they took you last time. I’m not risking it again.”

He tries to hide it, but his voice cracks at the thought of me being taken. I’m not sure how to feel about anything anymore. If he hadn’t been involved with the Mafia, he would be perfect. But is that what I want??

Is any life truly perfect? That’s one of the questions I had been asked in therapy, and no, we can try over and over. If I turn Viktor away now, will I be happy??

He has been there for me through everything since we met, holding me up when I’m down. Treasuring me. Loving every part of me and my body. He takes care of me. My mind, body, and soul.?

The need to hear him say it again overcomes me. “Do you really love me?” I whisper, fear spreading through my stomach at every decision I’m about to make.?

“I love you, Amaia. I would start wars for you to keep you safe. To make sure you’re loved.” He takes a deep breath. “Ever since I saw you, when you slammed that door in my face, I’ve been obsessed with you.”?

I bite my lip, finally ready to make my decision. “Okay.”?

His eyebrows draw together. “What?”?

“I’ll marry you. But you have to know, my career is too important to me. I can’t give it up to push out your children.” My lips pinch into a thin line.

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