Page 27 of Sweet Obsession

The finality in his tone was a slap.

I stood abruptly, the chair scraping harshly against the floor.

“Excuse me,” I said tightly.

Papa didn’t stop me. Neither did Yuri.

But I felt a different weight follow me as I left the room. Heavy and silent.

At the Corridor, just outside the Dining Room. I barely made it two turns before a hand caught my wrist.

I yanked around, heart slamming against my ribs.

Misha.

His hold wasn’t bruising, but it wasn’t gentle either.

He steered me into a small alcove, out of sight, and released me.

I backed against the wall, breathing hard.

He said nothing for a moment. Just studied me. Those pale eyes missing nothing.

I found my voice first.

“Are you here to tell me to behave too?” I spat.

“No,” he said calmly. “I’m here to remind you.”

He stepped closer.

I forced myself not to retreat.

“Remind me of what?”

“That survival doesn’t care about your pride, Luna.”

I swallowed.

He was too close. His scent coiled around my senses.

“You hate this marriage too,” I said, searching his face. “You clearly don’t want my sister. So why go through with it?”

A muscle jumped in his jaw. Something dark flickered beneath his control.

“Because this isn’t about what I want.”

“Then what is it about?”

Silence. For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer.

Then. “Debt,” he said quietly. “Blood. Oaths made before I could refuse.”

I frowned.

But before I could ask—

He moved. Fast and fluid.