“I already did.”
Her hand swung again, but this time I caught it, her wrist fitting easily in my palm. She tried to pull back, but I didn’t let her, holding her close.
“Let go of me.”
“No.”
Her other hand came up to strike, but I caught that one too, both her wrists held firmly in my grip.
“Fyodor,” she warned.
“You’re not thinking.”
“I’m thinking very clearly.”
“You’re reacting.”
“I am allowed to react! Especially after what just happened to me.”
“Yes, you are.”
She twisted against me, but I stepped forward instinctively, forcing her backward until her shoulders met the wall beside the desk. It was not violent but controlled instead as I pinned her wrists above her head. Her breathing suddenly became quick and furious.
“You don’t get to trap me,” she said through clenched teeth.
“You’re already trapped.”
Her eyes were blazing with unkempt anger.
“You think marrying me fixes this?”
“Yes.”
“Explain it to me,” she demanded. “Explain how all of this isn’t insanity.”
I held her gaze.
“Kliment believes destroying your family will bring Ilana back.”
“And you? What do you believe?”
“I know Ilana made her choice. She won’t return out of shame,” I continue. “She won’t return because of pressure. She loves who she chose.”
Elisse’s breathing steadies slightly.
“You sound almost… reasonable.”
“I am.”
“So why comply at all?”
“Because blood loyalty is not optional, and you understand that as well as I do. If I had refused, Kliment would have assigned you to someone else. Someone less conflicted. Someone without hesitation.”
“And that’s supposed to comfort me?”
“It should.”
Her laugh was sharp. “You’re delusional.”
