Chapter 20
Isit in the back of my business management lecture, absentmindedly tapping my pen against my notebook. My mind is focused on Sara - I havent heard from her all morning, which is unusual. I resist the urge to text her again, not wanting to seem overbearing.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I glance up to make sure the professor isnt looking before sliding it out to check the notification. Its a text from Ivan that makes my blood run cold: Just saw Mikhail come into the house holding Sara with a knife to her throat. Did you fucking order this?
I freeze, rereading the message in disbelief.
What the hell is Mikhail doing with Sara? I didnt order anything - I would never put her in danger like that. Not ever again. A knot of anger twists in my gut.
I gather my things hastily, not caring that the lecture isnt over. I text Ivan back as I stride out of the hall, I didnt order anything. Get a gun and lock them in if you have to, but dont let Mikhail see you unless he actually threatens Saras life. Im on my way. Ill deal with this myself.
My jaw clenches as I speed across campus to the frat house. Mikhail has been growing more volatile and defiant since the episode. But I never expected him to outright threaten Sara. If he lays a finger on her, Ill fucking kill that bastard.
As I walk, my mind races through possible motives. None of this makes sense. I thought I was very clear when I caught them manhandling Sara last time. I must reach her before Mikhail does something drastic.
My fists clench with the urge to beat Mikhail to a bloody pulp. Sara has been through so much already. The thought of her frightened and at knifepoint makes my blood boil. When I get my hands on Mikhail, hell regret the day he threatened whats mine.
I grip the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turn white as I imagine the countless ways Ill make Mikhail suffer for daring to touch Sara. The anger coursing through my veins is like a living entity, demanding retribution.
As I speed down the road, my mind conjures vivid images of the torture Ill inflict upon him. Ill start with his fingers, breaking each one slowly, savoring the sound of his screams. Then Ill move on to his toes, crushing them beneath the heel of my boot. Ill take my time, relishing every moment of his agony.
My jaw clenches as I envision the fear in his eyes when he realizes theres no escape from the pain Im about to unleash upon him. Ill make him beg for mercy, but there will be none. Not for someone who dared to threaten whats mine.
As I near the frat house, I slow my pace and glance around warily, ensuring Im not being watched. The last thing I need is witnesses. I scale the trellis on the side of the house and hoist myself onto the second-story balcony, easing the glass door open silently.
I creep down the hall, listening intently for any sign of Sara or Mikhail. At the end, I spot Ivan posted outside a closed door, gun in hand. He shakes his head slightly - they must still be inside. I motion for him to hand me the pistol and take up position beside the door.
Pressing my ear to the wood, I make out Saras muffled sobs and Mikhails gruff voice.
I freeze as Saras pleas reach my ears through the door.
Please, let me go. Im begging you, she sobs.
Mikhail scoffs. Why should I? Youre nothing but a lying bitch.
No, its the truth! Sara cries desperately. Im pregnant, I swear. Just please, dont hurt me.
Pregnant.
The word hits me like a sledgehammer, momentarily knocking the wind from my lungs. My carefully laid plans worked - Sara is carrying my child.
Some primal, animalistic part of me roars in triumph at this news. Ive marked her and claimed her altogether now. Shell be bound to me forever through this baby, this living embodiment of our bond.
But the urgency of the situation quickly overrides that possessive joy. Sara - pregnant with my baby - is in imminent danger at the hands of Mikhail. All my instincts instantly shift to protecting her, shielding both her and my unborn child from harm.
My blood pounds in my ears as I lean against the door, straining to hear whats happening inside. Sara is still pleading with Mikhail, her voice high-pitched and frantic.
I just found out today, she cries. Thats why I was buying the pregnancy tests. Check my bag! Please dont hurt my baby!
Likely story, Mikhail scoffs. Youre just a whore. Is it Dimitris, or have you been fucking every other Tom, Dick, and Harry?
I clench my jaw at the insult, my fingers tightening around the pistol grip.
I kick the door in with explosive force, the wood splintering beneath my boot. Instantly, Im across the room and on top of Mikhail, my fist connecting solidly with his jaw. He staggers back with a grunt of pain. But before he can react, I grab him and slam his head brutally against the wall.
You worthless piece of shit, I snarl through gritted teeth. Did you really think you could threaten whats mine and live?
Mikhails eyes widen in shock and fear. He tries to speak, but I cut him off with another mighty blow across his face. Blood sprays from his nose and mouth.
I unleash all my rage and fury on him, beating him mercilessly. With each crushing impact, I think of Sara sobbing and afraid, pregnant with my child. The thought fuels my violence even further.
Please, boss, Im sorry, Mikhail chokes, crumpling to the floor. But I show no mercy. I kick and stomp him viciously, relishing his pained cries.
Youre going to hell, you backstabbing rat, I spit at him. Youll join the others there for daring to threaten my woman. And my baby.
When hes a bloody, moaning mess at my feet, I flip him onto his back and press my foot down on his throat. Mikhails eyes bulge in terror as he weakly claws at my leg. But its no use. With one swift motion, I draw my knife across his neck, opening his carotid artery. Dark arterial blood spurts and pools beneath him as the life drains from his eyes.
I step back and watch coldly as he bleeds out. The bastard deserved no better.
The sound of muffled crying reminds me of Saras presence. I hastily wipe the blood from my hands and rush over to her. Shes huddled in the corner, her body shaking with sobs.
Sara, moya lyubov, its alright, I murmur gently as I gather her into my arms. Youre safe now, Ive got you.
She clings to me desperately, tears soaking into my shirt. I stroke her hair and back soothingly. Its over, hes gone. I wont let anyone hurt you or our baby, I promise.
I feel her slowly start to relax in my embrace. Her sobs subside into soft hiccups. Pulling back slightly, I cup her face and brush the tears from her cheeks with my thumbs.
No one will ever threaten you again, my love, I vow, my tone fierce and protective. Ill destroy anyone who tries to harm you.
Saras eyes search mine, and I see fear mingling with trust and relief in her watery gaze. She knows I speak the truth - with me, she and our unborn baby will always be safe.
I gently kiss her forehead and help her stand on shaky legs. Lets get you to the hospital, dorogaya, I murmur. Keeping an arm securely around her, I lead Sara from the room without a backward glance at Mikhails lifeless body. Ivan will take care of it.
I guide Sara through the hospital doors, keeping a protective arm around her. Shes still trembling slightly, her face pale. My jaw clenches at the sight - no one will make her feel such fear ever again.
We approach the front desk, and I explain tersely that Sara needs to be examined. The nurse looks at Saras tear-stained face and ushers us back immediately.
As we walk, I rub Saras back gently. Its alright, lyubimaya. The doctors will make sure you and the baby are healthy.
Sara leans into me as she nods, her body trembling slightly. I cant help but feel a pang of surprise at her trust in me, even after witnessing what I did to Mikhail. I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer, and offer her a reassuring smile.
Youre safe now, Sara, I murmur, trying to infuse my voice with as much warmth and comfort as possible. I wont let anyone hurt you ever again.”
The nurse brings us into an exam room. As she asks Sara questions, I pace anxiously, loathing that I cant stay by her side. The nurse leaves a while later.
My phone buzzes in my pocket - its Ivan. I silence it quickly, not wanting to upset Sara further. But I know I need to deal with the situation at the house from Ivans text that follows almost immediately.
I cup Saras face in my hands. I have to step out for a bit, my love. But Ill be back by your side as soon as I can. Get some rest. I press a lingering kiss on her forehead. She tries to say something, but I stop her.
Shh moya lyubov, just rest, I murmur. Youre safe.
With one last glance back at Saras exhausted but peaceful face, I steel myself and head out to deal with the grisly task that awaits me.
Mikhails body is right where I left it, blood pooling thickly beneath him. The sight stirs no emotion in me - he deserved this end for threatening Sara. Ivan and I get to work quickly, dismantling any evidence.
As we scrub the floors clean of blood, I think only of Sara resting safely in the hospital, our child nestled inside her. The frat house has been sterilized of my DNA by the time weve stuffed Mikhails body into a trunk.
Ivan follows my car to a secluded spot in the woods. We dig a deep grave and roll Mikhails body into the earth without ceremony. As I shovel dirt over his makeshift tomb, I feel nothing but cold satisfaction.
I clap Ivan on the back in thanks - I can always count on him to handle the ugly necessities without questions.