Page 53 of Beautiful Sinner

Right now, all Viktor wants is to bring Dante and Erik down. If he does that, he’ll leave Matteo alone but if he knows that Matteo’s touched me, he’ll gun for Matteo specifically and I know for a fact that Matteo is not as heavily guarded as Dante and Erik are. Viktor might actually stand a chance at killing Matteo.

That is something I am not willing to risk.

Turns out my wrist is bruised but not broken, fortunately.

“It should feel better in a few days,” the doctor tells me. “But ice it. It will help.” Her eyes flick over to Viktor, who stands menacingly next to me. “Julia, is it all right if I talk to you in private?”

“No,” Viktor answers for me. “I’m her brother. I am staying right here.”

The doctor sighs. “I was talking to Julia.”

“It’s fine,” I tell Viktor. “Let me talk to her.”

He grumbles under his breath but walks away – though only a few feet so he can continue to glare at the doctor.

“My brother is just overprotective.”

“I have to ask. Did he do this to you?” She nods at my wrist.

I hold it closer to my chest. “No. Trust me. He did not. My brother would never hurt me.”

“Ok. Did someone else do this to you? Because judging from the bruises, someone did this to you.”

“Just some man. Don’t worry. I’m never going to see that man again. But my brother did not do it. I’ll be ok.”

“There are resources that can help.”

“I said I’m fine.” There’s nothing that can help me with Connor, except his death. And while I could have Viktor do it, I’m worried Connor will say something before Viktor can kill him. This is a dangerous game I’m playing.

It’s definitely something this poor doctor cannot help me with.

“I have pamphlets I can give you.”

“I said I’m fine. Can I go now?”

She sighs. “Yes. You’re free to go.”

“Thank you. And I appreciate your help. But I will be fine.”

I just have to hope that I really will be.

“I can’t believe that doctor,” Viktor mutters on the drive home. “Thinking I could have done that to you.”

“Well, you are intimidating. And you do have a tendency to answer for me. I can see why she’d think it.”

He blows out a breath. “I do not. I’ve only ever wanted to protect you.”

“I know, Viktor. I appreciate that. Don’t worry. I told her you didn’t do this. She believed me. I’m fine.”

“I’ve only ever wanted to protect you and you know it. I’ve been raising you since you were five.”

I stare at my older brother and see the weight of the world on his shoulders. I see the fine lines on his face that he didn’t have just a year ago. He’s getting closer to forty but I know it’s not because of that. It’s because this war is slowly killing him and herefuses to stop because of his pride. He’s past listening to me and Inessa.

“I love you,” I tell him.

He glances at me before turning his eyes back to the road. “I love you too.”

“And I would never do anything to hurt you.” I can’t tell him about Matteo but I need him to believe this.