Page 49 of Tainted Empire
After a while, I suddenly feel the need to escape the intensity of the room, if only for a moment. “I need to use the restroom,” I say to Mikhail, my voice slightly strained from the constant social navigation.
“Let me walk you there,” Mikhail offers, his protective instincts always at the forefront. I knew he wouldn’t let me go on my own, and if it were up to him, he’d follow me into the stall as well.
We weave through the crowd, Mikhail’s presence a shield against the sea of faces. He waits outside the restroom, a silent sentinel.
Inside the restroom, I take a moment to breathe, appreciating the brief solitude. But as I’m about to leave, one of the stalls opens, and Viktor Dragojevic steps out, his scarred face twisting into a sardonic smile.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Mikhail’s little cellist,” he taunts, his voice dripping with malice. “You’re a long way from your orchestra pit, aren’t you?”
I stiffen, recalling Mikhail’s warnings about Viktor. But I refuse to show any fear. “I believe you’re in the wrong place, sir,” I say, my voice steady.
He steps closer, trying to intimidate me. “You know, everyone says you’re Mikhail’s weakness; that he’s always been invincible, until you.”
I hold his gaze, my heart pounding but my expression calm. “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but please don’t mistake my presence as Mikhail’s vulnerability.”
Viktor laughs, a harsh sound that echoes off the walls. “Brave words for someone so out of her depth. Just remember, in this world, you’re either a predator or prey. And you, my dear, look very much like prey.”
I take a step towards the door, my confidence unshaken. “In this world, Mr. Dragojevic, appearances can be deceiving,” I say with a smile, tilting my head to the side. “You’d do well to remember that Oleanders are beautiful to look at, too. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
As I brush past him, I can feel his eyes burning into my back, but I don’t let it slow me down. I am damn terrified of being in this enclosed space with a man who could probably snap my neck just to get back at a man who gave him that scar.
I step out of the restroom and Mikhail’s eyes immediately lock onto mine, reading me like an open book. The concern etched on his face is unmistakable.
“Is everything alright?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.
I nod, trying to mask the turmoil Viktor’s words stirred in me. “I’m fine, let’s head back,” I say, forcing a small smile.
Mikhail doesn’t look convinced. He knows me too well. As we walk back into the ballroom, the buzz of the crowd enveloping us, I lean closer to him.
“Viktor cornered me in the restroom,” I whisper, my words barely audible above the music.
Mikhail’s reaction is immediate and visceral. His eyes blaze with fury, and he swears under his breath.
“That fucking bastard,” he seethes and he looks about to storm off in Viktor’s direction, but I grab his arm, holding him back.
“Mikhail, no,” I say firmly. “If you go after him now, you’re just proving his point. He wants to see you lose control because of me.”
He pauses, his body taut with anger, his jaw working as he fights to control his rage. “Gabriette, I can’t just let him get away with this shit,” he growls, his eyes still fixed in the direction Viktor had been earlier.
I squeeze his hand, trying to convey a sense of calm urgency. “I know, and you won’t have to. But right now, in front of all these people, you reacting violently will only show them that I am, indeed, your weakness.”
Mikhail pauses, his body rigid with barely contained anger. He looks down at me, and I can see the storm of emotions in his eyes – anger, concern, and a fierce protectiveness.
“You’re right,” he says finally, his voice low. “But I swear if he ever tries anything like that again...”
I squeeze his hand, understanding the depth of his feelings. “I know. But right now, we need to play this smart. We can’t give him or anyone else here the power to use me against you.”
He pauses, his eyes still blazing with anger, but he knows I’m right. Slowly, the tension in his shoulders eases. “You’re not my weakness, Malyshka. You’re my strength,” he says, his voice low but fierce.
I nod, understanding the weight of his words. “And you’re mine. But we need to be smart about this. Viktor wants to provoke you, to make you lose control.”
Mikhail takes a deep breath, his gaze softening as he looks at me, then he chuckles. “I’d be fucking lost without you,” he says, cupping my chin and kissing my forehead. “Thank you, Malyshka.”
“We’re a team, remember,” I say, shooting him a smile, then taking his hand in mine and kissing his fingers. “A king needs his queen.”
“You’re damn right about that,” he says, the look of pride on his face sending a shiver up my spine.
We move back into the throng of guests, Mikhail’s demeanor returning to its usual cool composure. His arm around me feels like a steel band, a silent promise of protection and support.