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“Three,” I correct him. “She’s turning eighteen next week.”
“That’s a very long time to keep the girl against her will,” Aunt Bella says. “It will do more harm than good.”
I turn my gaze to my aunt. “Rosalie has nothing and no one. Sure I can shove money into her hand and send her on her way, but she won’t survive. The girl is weak. She doesn’t have any survival instincts.”
“She can’t be a captive for three years, Viktor,” Aunt Bella argues.
We stare at each other for a moment before I say, “It’s not your call to make. The girl is staying with me where she will be safe. It’s not open for discussion. I’m merely offering you an explanation out of respect.”
She shakes her head, clearly not happy with my decision.
Letting out a sigh, I tighten my control on my temper. “Rosalie doesn’t have an ounce of strength in her body. She’s beautiful and innocent. She’s the perfect target. Word is already out that I took the girl. Do you really think our enemies are not going to target her?”
“Viktor has a point,” Dad agrees. “The fact that he took her already shows he cares. Anyone of the thousands of enemies we have might think it’s a good idea to try and use the girl against him.”
“I’m sure Viktor knows what he’s doing,” Mom stands up for me. “He won’t hurt her.”
Aunt Bella doesn’t look convinced. “You took part in killing her family. I can’t see her ever feeling safe here. It must be traumatizing for her.”
“It’s not your problem,” I remind her.
Before anyone else can say another word, I stand up. “Rosalie will be safe with me. It’s the only thing that matters. This subject is no longer open for discussion.”
When Aunt Bella lets out a huff, I add, “Need I remind you that you married the man who practically kidnapped you.”
My aunt lost her memory in an accident, and Uncle Alexei pretended they were engaged to keep her with him. In my books, that’s a hell of a lot worse than what I’m doing.
I have Rosalie’s best interests in mind. Not my own.
“Viktor knows what he’s doing,” Uncle Alexei mutters. “He’s the head of the bratva for a reason. I trust he’ll do what’s best for the girl.”
I give my uncle a chin lift, grateful that he’s backing me.
“I’ve given Rosalie the freedom to roam the property, so you could run into her anytime. She’s not to leave the grounds without my permission.”
“So I’m allowed to befriend her?” Mariya speaks up for the first time. She’s only two years younger than me, and we were raised as siblings since birth because our fathers are inseparable.
I smile at the woman that’s like a little sister to me. “I’d like that.”
“Are you leaving her alone today?” Mom asks.
I shake my head. “I’ll work from home for a week.”
“I’ll make lunch. Bring Rosalie over so she can meet us,” Mom says.
I nod before walking out of the room. When I get back to my place, it’s quiet, and Rosalie’s door is still closed. I knock and wait three seconds before I open it.
She’s sitting on the floor with her back to the bed, her knees pulled up and her arms wrapped around them. She doesn’t bother looking at me as I enter the room, and when I sit down on the bed, she turns her face away from me.
Leaning forward, I rest my forearms on my thighs and look at her. “Do you really want to do this the hard way?”
“Just leave me alone.” Her voice sounds empty, the words nothing more than a hoarse whisper.
I nod and stand up. “We’re having lunch with my family today.”
“Not interested,” she mutters before letting out a heavy sigh.
“You don’t have a choice in the matter.”
