Page 40 of The Darkness is Calling

“That is even worse!” he exclaims, desperate.

“Why do you say that?”

“For the same reason you are running from your own house first thing in the morning. Because you know that would make the situation even more complicated.”

“That was my thought too, but the alternative was killing her,” this time, my voice is calm and flat. “I told you, I am still trying to control myself.”

“And what if you can’t?” he says, his hands now on his hips like a scolding mother. “You know very well it would be better to kill her with your own hand than touch her as a woman. Don’t you fucking dare want to keep her, because that will kill us all.”

He throws the last sentence at me through his teeth while stabbing me twice in the chest with his index finger.

What would happen if I confirmed that the voice has been demanding that since Christmas, and now they are growling at him because he guessed the intention my demons have been whispering in my head since yesterday?

But ignoring every thought coming from my dark side, I answer him with the confidence that defines me.

“I know. I would never put you and Sasha in danger, especially not because of one of my weaknesses. I have everything under control.”

“I hope so, brother.”

Then he becomes a little calmer. “But I want you to promise me something.”

“What?”

“That you come to me when it becomes too hard to bear alone.”

I nod, and I see him waiting to hear the words from my mouth.

“I promise.”

“Good.”

I turn to leave again, but when I reach the door, he stops me agan.

“By the way. Does she know the real reason for this marriage?”

I tense.

“From what I understand, no.”

“So she really is marrying for love.”

And just like that, a handful of words stir my voices awake and send a shiver crawling up the back of my neck.

“So it seems,” I answer before slamming the door behind me.

Chapter 10

Ekaterina

I wake up in an empty bed, which gives me a sense of relief, but also disappointment.

I understand the first problem.

Not the second.

Was I hoping to see him? Hoping I would get the chance to study his face without looking like I was staring at a man I am not allowed to think of as anything other than the bastard mobster who is supposed to take care of me?

As much as I hate doing what I am told, it seems I slept very well in this bed, even with him beside me.