Born into Temptation (Devils Will Rise: Melnikov Legacy #4)

Chapter 15

Valentin

I blink my eyes, trying to stay conscious, even though every part of me is screaming for the relief that only passing out can give me. Miguel is angrier than usual today, and I’m pretty sure I now have several cracked ribs and a fever that refuses to go away. It’s the first time I’ve seriously considered the fact that I might die in this fucking dungeon of a basement. It was always a possibility, one I refused to give much attention to, but now it feels like a reality, an inevitable truth that’s drawing closer each day, and fuck does it make me want to burn the whole goddamn world down, because this isn’t supposed to be my fate. I’m supposed to have a lifetime with Yelena, we’re supposed to raise a family and grow old together, and the bastard who’s using me as a punching bag is threatening to take all that away.

A one-word command is shouted, and I look over at the sound of Mateo’s voice. The man looks furious. With his mouth in a hard line, he stalks over to where I’m hanging. I can’t resist letting out a soft laugh and whispering, “Uh-oh, someone’s in trouble. I tried to warn you, Miguel. I told you you’re not supposed to beat me to death.”