Page 51 of Bleed with Me

Sonny’s expression darkened with anger, and he swiftly erased the distance between us. I stood my ground even when everything in me screamed that I was in danger. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me scared.

“You little…” he started, but he was unexpectedly interrupted by a firm female voice.

“Good evening.”

I whipped my head toward Valeria, surprise shooting through me when I noticed her cold look.

“You’re Nina, right?” Her chilly gaze jumped from Sonny to me, instantly warming up. “We haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Valeria Zhumagulov.” She said her last name like a curse aimed directly at Sonny, and he reacted immediately.

“What can we do for you, Mrs. Zhumagulov?” he asked sweetly, flashing her one of his best smiles that showed his straight white teeth.

“I don’t need anything from you.” She didn’t spare him another glance. “I came to talk to you.” She hooked her arm with mine. “Let’s walk.”

Valeria led me through the room, smiling at guests and avoiding their questions when they tried to stop us. My stomach tightened with nervousness. For a moment, it felt like an execution march, but when she stopped at the bar and genuinely smiled at me, the sensation vanished.

She was even more striking up close. Her red hair caught the light, her posture was relaxed, and her expression was warm.

“I know it’s not my place to ask.” She handed me a glass of champagne. “But is everything okay between you and…” She glanced over at Sonny. “That guy? Zyon told me he is your fiancé, but…” Her elegant brows furrowed above her beautiful eyes framed by long eyelashes. “He is almost violently possessive.”

I blinked in surprise. This certainly wasn’t the topic I expected.

“Zyon is possessive, too,” I reminded her lightly, swirling the golden liquid in my glass. There were stories about him killing a man because he upset her. The punishment he brought on Valeria’s husband was a public secret.

“Yes.” She looked to the side at her husband. “But he would never hurt me.” Her eyes snapped back to mine. “Can you say that about your fiancé?”

“My marriage is a business transaction, Mrs. Zhumagulov,” I said, keeping my voice steady. Her words shook my defense. No one noticed, or better said, cared, that Sonny behaved like an asshole. “Your husband made it perfectly clear that if we don’t bring Sonny Carlile and his family on board, there will be consequences.”

“And you’re okay with being the sacrificial lamb?” She glanced at me like I was a wounded puppy she wished to save. But she forgot that it was her family who pushed me in this direction.

“That’s the price we pay for attacking the king.” I clicked my glass with hers, forcing my expression into a blank mask so she didn’t notice more than she already did. “Enjoy the evening.”

I left her at the bar, attempting to find my dad and excuse myself from this charade, but he refused to grant me freedom. The announcement hadn’t been made yet. At least, he agreed to make it sooner than he planned.

I stood beside Sonny before the gathered families, but my mind drifted to Dorian and the training grounds. Those were the only two things that gave me peace. Even as applause erupted and Dad announced the wedding would take place in six weeks, Dorian’s smile calmed me. I accepted congratulations like a machine, thanked everyone who approached me, and prayed the spectacle would end.

“See,” Sonny woke me from my trance, guiding me away from the group of people surrounding us. “You can act like a good girl.”

“Hardly,” I muttered, staring at my tired expression in the mirror. “What more do you want?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. “You got everything tonight.”

“I will get everything in six weeks, darling,” he pointed out with a broad smile that made me sick to my stomach. “Until then, stop ignoring my texts and calls.”

I turned to face him, looking into his empty eyes. How much they differed from Dorian’s warm hazel ones.

“I’ve been busy,” I sighed, exhaustion from pretending the entire evening taking its toll on me.

“Busy doing what?” Sonny still smiled, but I saw right through his act. It was just for the show.

“None of your business,” I replied with the same fake grin, intending to walk past him, but his fingers closed tightly around my elbow, stopping me in my tracks.

“Let go,” I hissed, searching the crowd. If my father saw this, maybe he would finally believe me.

“Careful,” Sonny warned, pain from his grip flaring under my skin. “You forget who you’re talking to.”

“I know exactly who I’m talking to,” I snarled, yanking my arm from his hold. Without thinking twice, I hurried to the entrance, pushing through the guests and servants. I couldn’t stand a second in Sonny’s presence, but he followed me outside like a shadow.

“I’m leaving,” I said to my driver, who stood outside with another guard. He nodded and went for the car while I impatiently bounced on my feet before the main entrance.

“If you think you can just leave,” Sonny grumbled behind me, but I didn’t let him finish the threat. I rushed to the guard, seeking refuge until my driver arrived. Sonny had no choice but to let me go. However, my dad’s men’s protection wouldn’t last long.