Page 74 of Claimed By the Pakhan

“Are you okay? You sound like you’re in the city.”

“Luka was hit. He was behind everything,” I say, catching my breath. “I need to meet you. My head is scrambled.”

“Fia,” stutters Chloe. “Now isn’t the best time. Perhaps we can do this later. If you’re back in the city for good?—”

I end the call abruptly, shoving my phone into my pocket, heading straight to Chloe’s apartment.

‘Later’is too late with Alexander and Luka roaming around the city. What if they bring Chloe into their shit as a way to get to me or Emil? I saw the way Luka’s face turned when he admitted the truth. He’ll do anything to sit on the throne and claim victory.

I take a short subway ride over to Chloe’s apartment block, rushing through the lobby. For the time being, at least until Emil gives me a signal that the drama is over, we should go into lockdown. I’ll assess the rest of my life once the crisis is over.

For now, I must prevent it from getting worse.

I shove my emotions back into that container, sealing the lid even tighter than before. My heart hammers as I knock at the door, praying that Chloe is home. Thursdays are her day off. She should be home.

Relief spreads through me as the door cracks open, but the air around me becomes toxic when Luka appears in the doorway.

27

FIA

Luka grabsmy wrist and yanks me inside of Chloe’s apartment before my mind catches up.

I stumble forward from the force, locking eyes with a terrified Chloe. She opens her mouth to say something but catches Luka staring and thinks better of it.

“Chloe,” I begin, confusion blurring the edges of my mind. “What the fuck?”

“I’m sorry,” she chokes, a tear slipping from her eye. “But you gave me no other choice. And I never thought?—”

“Silence, please,” sighs Luka, standing between us both.

He shoves me to the floor. I glance at Chloe, reading her face between Luka’s legs, trying to understand what the fuck has happened here. It would seem the wool has been pulled over Chloe’s eyes as well as my own.

“I’m sorry,” she mouths, catching my eye between Luka’s legs.

Luka yanks me up, grabbing my chin, forcing me to look into his all-consuming eyes.

I can feel his black hole eyes sucking my energy, feeding off it.

Realization crashes over me as I continue looking at his face, a tear forming in the corner of my eye. Running away from Emil, thinking he exuded the same abusive characteristics as my father, has led me into the hands of true evil.

I pour all my mental strength into keeping that container lid sealed. Emotions can’t save me at the current moment, even though they’re dying to be felt.

I squeeze shut my eyes, visions of my father beating up my mother returning, the banging; the sheer aggression in my father’s eyes as he looked at me, threatening me to stay silent, or else.

“Open your fucking eyes,” barks Luka, shaking me.

I gasp, the memories fading as I stare at Luka.

“I have to admit, Fia, you’re a good friend.”

“Perhaps you should take some notes.”

Luka’s face changes. He releases me, the force sending me to the floor. Chloe gapes, her face full of pity as we share a look.

“Let’s go,” calls Luka, heading toward the front door.

“What?” I remain on the floor. “You’re joking. After you almost tried to have me killed, do you seriously think I would go anywhere with you?”