Page 134 of His to Own

Alexei hesitates and finally huffs. “You are the one in the wrong. You and your psychotic husband. I’m glad I won that internship. Not all of us are rich. Some of us need these opportunities to further our careers.”

“I deserve a career just as much as you do. You cannot take that from me, Alexei.”

“Just have your husband pay his way into getting your book of poetry published. You obviously are ok with him doing shady things.”

“And you were never a real friend to me,” I whisper.

He huffs and lifts his backpack strap higher on his shoulder. “Whatever. What’s done is done.”

“You’re right. What’s done is done.” I didn’t get the internship I wanted but I got something better.

Self-respect. I walk away from Alexei – Polina is still knocking on Professor Burgov’s door, trying to get his attention – and walk across campus to where Maxim is waiting for me.

Instead of being upset, I smile.

Chapter Eighteen

Elena

My poetry reading. I step foot into the dimly lit room full of other writers getting ready to present their writing for everyone to hear.

I clutch my journal so tightly my knuckles turn white. Maxim places his hand over mine, silently telling me that I’ll be all right. That I can do this. But my throat wants to close up like it always does.

I need to do this. I need to finally read my poetry out loud.

“What if someone laughs?” I ask. Currently, a woman is reading a short story about a woman who killed her husband.

“No one will laugh. Your poetry is beautiful, Elena. Everyone will be captivated. I’m sure of it.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” I admit. “I need your strength. It’s helped me a lot.”

“You just needed to get out of that house of yours. Your father was slowly sucking out everything good inside of you.”

“Elena,” Lana whispers, approaching me.

“You came,” I gasp. We share a hug.

“Of course I came. You’re my sister. I’ll always come to support you.”

Nikolai is with her and he gives me a nod. “I’m proud of you, Elena. I know how shy you can be. Doing this is a big deal.”

I can’t help but blush. I don’t like being reminded of how quiet I am.

Maxim places his hand on my low back, offering me the strength I need.

“Is it just us?” Lana asks, looking around. Someone shoots her a look to be quiet and she only huffs. My sister is not someone who likes being told what to do.

“I have… a friend coming.” Since Alexei won the internship, Polina agreed to come to my poetry reading. She said we should go in solidarity over Alexei winning. I still haven’t told Maxim that it was Alexei who won the internship. I only told him that I lost and another student got it. The last thing I need is for him to kill Alexei. I may not be friends with Alexei anymore but that doesn’t mean I want him dead.

“That’s good.” Lana squeezes my hand. “I’m glad for you.”

Polina storms into the room in all of her intense energy. “Elena.” Her voice is not quiet but then again, Polina’s voice is never quiet.

The woman reading the short story pauses and glares in Polina’s direction. Polina only shrugs.

“You came,” I say.

“Well, you invited me. And we both have Alexei to hate so it’s easier to be friends now.”