“It isn’t like that.” I shove him again. “I’m not just some slut to him!” I can’t be. We haven’t even done anything sexual.
“So, you think he’ll protect you? You’re Bratva! It’d be a betrayal to his people if he did. You’re just something that warms his bed. You stupid, naïve girl. You don’t understand this world.” He points a shaky finger at me as he speaks.
I slap it away.
“I don’t need him to protect me. I can protect myself!” I push him hard enough for him to stumble backwards. I raise my fist to hit him, but he intercepts it.
He leans over me and stares me down. He pushes me, but I won’t fall. He glances at the door, then steps back.
“This is not the place for your tantrum. I’ll be reaching out soon, and you will answer. Get close to him. Find their weaknesses. Exploit them. I will kill him and you if you tell him anything. I’ll kill them all. I’ll drop a bomb on this fucking compound. Do not test me!”
With that, he steps back and brushes himself off. He heads to the door with the threat hanging over my head. It’s a horrible thought, but I know it’s something he’s capable of. If the Syndicate thinks they’re safe because I’m here, they’re sorely mistaken.
“Fix yourself! You look terrible.” Viktor spits at me then walks to the door. He gives me a minute, then opens it.
I don’t hear what happens out there. I don’t hear what he says or Dominic’s responses. I don’t hear anything as his words echo in my mind.
I stand there in a trance as time stands still, contemplating my next move.
Suddenly, there are hands on my shoulders. I instinctively swipe them off and get in an attack stance.
“Woah, easy there, tiger. It’s just me,” a familiar voice says.
I blink a few times to clear my head. When I open my eyes, I find my husband looking at me with concern.
“What happened?” he asks softly.
“Nothing.” I avert my gaze, not needing him to catch my lie.
“You can tell me, tiger.” No, I can’t. And damn him for caring.
“It’s nothing.” I try to sound nonchalant.
“It’s not nothing. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. You’re pale and shaking. What did he say to you?” Dominic’s voice rises and becomes agitated.
“No!” I fight back.
“TELL ME NOW!” he bellows.
“It’s none of your damn business!” I bite at him.
“What happens in my house with my wife will always be my business!” He raises a hand as though to grip my arms like Viktor fucking does, and I storm out.
“FUCK YOU! You possessive mudak!” I storm out of the room, but I only make it to the hallway before he’s on me and grabbing my shoulders, turning me to face him.
“Don’t you ever speak to me that way in front of my men!” His eyes are wild as he says it. I can tell this is more about thein front of his menpart.
“Ooh big bad boss is embarrassed by a woman standing up to him,” I fuss out in a condescending baby voice that I know he hates.
“Youlisten tome!You aremywife, and you’ll do asIsay!” His ownership of meis my last straw.
I reel back to punch him, but my wrist gets trapped.
We both turn and see one of his guards holding my wrist.
In an instant, Dominic is on him. Despite his rage, he’s gentle as he pries my wrist from the guard’s grip.
“How dare you lay a finger on my wife?” His tone is so icy, it’s menacing.
