Page 90 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

He looked at me. Eyes bottomless.

"I'll say it again, Anna. Staying here is good for you and Alex."

Good? In what way?

Who kidnaps someone, locks them up, and calls it helping?

I clenched my jaw. Couldn't take it anymore.

"You keep me here like a canary in a cage. Have you ever stopped to think I'm a person, not a pet?"

I don't know where the courage came from, but I swung at his arm.

Ivan grunted and caught my wrist.

"Let go!"

I struggled, desperate to break free.

He yanked me forward instead.

I crashed into his chest. Before I could push myself up, his kiss came down.

I turned my head to dodge it, but he wouldn't let me.

His hand gripped the back of my neck tighter. His breath scorched my skin. His kiss landed on my forehead, my cheek, finally capturing my lips. His tongue forced past my teeth, stealing my breath.

Panicked and scared, I shoved at him with everything I had, clawing at his shirt.

Then I froze.

Warm liquid splashed onto the back of my hand. Sticky and hot.

That smell—metallic and sweet, sharp in my nose.

My whole body went rigid. I wanted to push him away but had no strength left.

When I stopped struggling, he let go.

He reached for my face. I turned away.

His hand paused, but he didn't give up. Instead, he bent lower.

"Kitten, don't be mad."

The gentle pet name clashed grotesquely with what he'd done.

My head spun. Heat prickled behind my eyes again.

"Kitten, don't cry."

He kissed away the tears that leaked from the corners of my eyes. His stubble scratched my skin, itchy and burning.

I shoved him hard and heard him suck in a sharp breath.

I was pathetic.

Even hating him, resenting him, I still looked.