The Beast

Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four
Not Only Obsessed

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HANNAH

   Rosalina.

   It only took a moment before I remembered that she lived in New York City. A fact I'd forgotten about since coming back home. Lev still hadn't told me the extent his sister had gone to make him resent her. But looking at him now, I could see that their past was the last thing on his mind.

   He didn't seem concerned, per say. More like determined. Angry. Restless.

   "I want to come with you," I blurted, but I didn't regret it.

   Lev's expression hardened. "No."

   "Come on." I crossed my arms when a strong breeze swept through. His eyes dropped to my bare arms, and I quickly slid on my jacket. "I haven't seen her since we left Russia."

   His eyes narrowed. "Good."

   "Why is that a good thing?"

   Ignoring my exasperated tone, he shrugged out of his long wool coat. He didn't ask for permission before swinging the heavy material over my shoulders. I watched him, mystified. 

   He didn't attempt to hide his smugness while engulfing me in his jacket. A jacket that smelt overwhelming good. Like him.

   Shaking off my shock, I gathered all my courage and stated, "If you don't let me go, I'll just jump into a cab and follow you."

   His gripped the collar of the jacket, but that was the only sign of emotion before he lowered his voice.

   "Are you threatening me, kukolka?"

   I barely managed to control my wince.

   "Not a threat," I hurriedly corrected, "More like a statement of what's going to happen."

   "A statement," he repeated, flexing his jaw. "And what if I state that Aistov would then contain you by all means necessary?"

   The threat was clear. But still, I teased, "By all means necessary? Then I would state that I would do things to escape that containment. Danila can be easily startled sometimes. That's when I'll strike."

   His control was seconds away from erupting now. "Aistov, kukolka. Stop saying his fucking name."

   "When you leave, I'll say his name again, and again, and again—"

   I let out a startled squeal when he wrenched the collar forward. Lev curled an arm around my waist once I collided into his hard chest.

   He squeezed my hip and muttered, "Defiant again, kukolka?"

   "I mean, I just said I'll say someone's name."

   He made a sound close to a scoff before lowering bringing his mouth to my ear. "Sweet and defiant, then."

   My body erupted in shivers when he trailed his fingers across my jaw before tipping my head back. Our eyes met, it did something to my heart.

   "You will stay by my side," he said sternly, and I perked up. From my expression, his grip on my hip softened. "That means staying within a fucking metre of me, kukolka. Understood?"

   I couldn't contain my grin. "Sir yes sir."

   He squeezed my hip once more before stepping back tensely. But he didn't keep his hands off me for long.