When he started speaking again, I could only stare, my breath caught in my throat. “I have to wait outside the door, knowing full well what Valentin is doing to you. If I could make a difference, Valerie, I would. But I can’t. I know this won’t change anything, but I am sorry.”
My eyes widened at his words, my heart skipping a beat, and the sadness felt almost suffocating. All this time—I never knew he felt that way.
Igor wasn’t a good man, he was far from it. He was an underdog, someone to do Valentin’s dirty job.
To me, he was my captor. My jailor. When Valentin wasn’t here to keep me trapped, Igor was.
But for the first time, he had let me see behind the cold armor.
“When he comes back, he will ask me. And I will have to tell him the truth. Whatever I had seen between you and Viktor, I will have to tell him. I have no choice. You made a mistake, and you will have to bear it. So take my warning and stop this fucking mess before it gets worse.”
My heart stuttered. The unshed tears stung my eyes, and they blinded my vision. My stomach twisted almost painfully, and I felt nauseous.
My chest tightened, and it hurt. It hurt so much. I pressed my hand over my chest and rubbed, hoping to alleviate the pain.
Igor took a step back, his eyes darker. He looked a little angry. “I can’t put my family in danger to protect you. I am already risking their safety by bringing you those pills. If Valentin finds out…”
He left his words hanging, and I flinched. My fingers twisted around my dress, guilt consuming me. I knew the consequences, and it was frightening. Just the thought of it made me sick.
I nodded slowly, hoping he could see what I wanted to say. I understand. We are all trapped. There is no escape. Valentin is the ringmaster. I don’t blame you, Igor. You have a job as my guard. Your loyalty is toward Valentin. You have your family to protect, and I have mine to protect. It’s a survival game.
Igor stared at me for a few seconds before taking a deep breath. “Valentin is coming back in three days. He has asked for you to prepare yourself according to his rules. He will come for you first and then see to his other business.”
As if cold water has been dumped over my head, I trembled, and my eyes closed. All I saw was my tortured body, Valentin taking his pleasure without asking. Just taking…forcing me.
A broken doll to do whatever he wanted with, his exact words.
My fingers dug deeper into my palms. The stinging feeling of my nails pressing into my skin snapped me out of my thoughts. My gaze met Igor’s face.
“Three days. That’s all you have,” he said before turning around and walking away.
I watched his retreating back. When he stopped, and then turned to face me again, I only stared at him.
“You don’t know Viktor. He is not who you think he is.”
I cocked my head to the side, curiosity now burning my inside. What do you mean?
“He is a very powerful man. And you…you are just a game. To men like him, someone forbidden like you, they see it as a conquest. Don’t let yourself get swept away by his pretty words.”
With that, he walked away and closed the door behind him.
I was left reeling, his words leaving a giant gaping hole in my chest. He…couldn’t mean that. I stared at the closed door, my heart hurting more than before.
I wanted desperately to believe that Viktor was a good man. He spoke to me, he made me speak…he was sweet. He touched me gently. Viktor didn’t hurt me like everyone else.
Trust me, silent myshka.
He had told me to trust him. His words had given me hope. I didn’t know what to trust him about, but I wanted to trust him. I wanted to believe him.
He is a very powerful man. And you…you are just a game. To men like him, someone forbidden like you, they see it as a conquest. Don’t let yourself get swept away by his pretty words.
The silent truth behind Igor’s words spoke louder, though.
Did Viktor really care?
Or was I just a pawn to his boredom?
A single tear fell. I felt the drop on my cheek, tickling my skin. Swiping it away, I turned off the light and climbed under the covers.
Please don’t hurt me, Viktor.
Chapter 19
Viktor
“Ayla?” My voice was loud in panic. I sounded frantic. I was frantic.
“Baby girl, why are you calling me? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” I shot the questions before she could have a chance to answer.
“Huh? Oh no, everything is fine,” she quickly replied.
I sagged against the wall, my heart thumping hard. She didn’t sound scared, but even then, the panic didn’t lessen.