Chapter 14

IVANA'S POV

I've always thought that Ruslan doesn't just show up in front of me with blood-socked shirt, but last night, I believed otherwise.

I thought of it as a coincidence but not after what he did the previous night.

He used my phobia to make me succumb, leaving me with no option but to obey his every command.

With the urge to throw up clawing at my throat, threatening to leave my mouth without permission, I had to run to the closest restroom to poke my guts out.

Will I ever get better?

Will there come a day when I won't be afraid of blood? When I won't feel the need to throw up at the sight of it?

I really hope that day comes, but as for now, I have to avoid Ruslan.

If I can't win against him, at least, I could be a coward and avoid him the best I could.

I slept with only one mission in mind; avoid my step-brother the best I can for as long as possible.

But guess what?

Things didn't worked out the way I planned it before going to bed.

I head downstairs for breakfast the next morning, as instructed by Igor, my mother's husband.

He wanted to make us look like a real family, when infact, we are not. We can never be.

Eating breakfast and dinner together like one happy family everyday doesn't make us an actual happy family, it's just a rule we have to follow.

“Good morning Ms Ivana.” Arinzo, the chef bowed his head, a smile on his lips.

“Good morning, Arinzo.” I replied, returning the smile.

Arinzo is a man in his mid-fifties and I can proudly say he is the best chef ever.

His dishes tastes like heaven.

“What are we having for breakfast?” I asked, walking behind him to the kitchen.

Passing through the dining room, it was empty, making me frown.

Usually, everyone would have settled in the dining room having breakfast, but I can't say the same for today.

“Beef stroganoff.” Arinzo replied as he walked fully into the kitchen, dicing some ingredients he'd be needing to prepare breakfast.

“And what is that?” I arched my brows. As an American, I've never had such dish before, so I would love to hear more about it before having it. I guess.

“Beef stroganoff is a hearty and flavourful dish made with sauteed beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.”

“Sounds like an interesting dish.” I nodded my head, a smile on my face.

As I watched Arinzo prepare breakfast, with a smile plastered on my face, if felt so good.

I was excited that I didn't have any classes until 1pm, so I have all the time in the world to learn how to prepare few Russian dishes from Arinzo.

“Ms Ivana, can you help with something?” Arinzo suddenly asked after almost thirty minutes of silence.

“What is it?” I asked, ready to attend to all his needs, as it felt so good to be of assistance to him in the kitchen.

“The Bratva asked for a cup of jasmine tea, I've totally forgot. I would be happy if you could help with it.” Arinzo stated, staring at me with pleading eyes.

The thought of going upstairs to Ruslan's office just to give him a cup of jasmine tea didn't sit well with me, but what could I do when the old chef kept staring at me with pleading eyes?

Sucking in a deep breath, I nodded. “Okay, give me the tray of jasmine tea.”

Arinzo smile happily, handing over the tray to me. “Thank you so much for your help, Ms Ivana.”

“I'm happy to help.” I returned the smile, walking out of the kitchen.

Infact, I wasn't happy to help not when it involves my step-brother, but there was no one around to help him, except for me.

It would be rude of me not to help, so I had to.

With every step I took, my heart raced with different thoughts.

I've never been alone with Ruslan before, it was the first time.

There was no doubt that I was afraid of what he might do to me in his office.

What if he forces me to abide by one of his numerous orders?

What if he slams me against the wall, leaving me breathless and begging at his mercy?

“He won't do any of that. Stop thinking negatively, Vana.” Shaking my head, I pushed those negative thoughts to the back of my mind.

Reaching the front of his office, I sucked in another deep breath, trying to calm my nervous self.

Inside of me was a wrecking mess, but outside, I tried to act strong, resilient and stubborn.

I raised my right hand to the door, placing a soft knock on it.

“Come in,” his deep voice rang out, leaving an unsettling feeling deep inside my bones.

With my hold on the doorknob, I pushed it open slowly.

His eyes which were once focused on his laptop, snapped up at me, causing chills to spread over my skin.

“Why are you here?” His voice hardened and his gaze dark and menacing.

“AHH..” I was caught off guard by his question that I totally forgot why I was in his office in the first place.

“I asked you. Why are you here?” Rage simmered in his veins as he spelt out the same question he asked just few seconds ago.

“Arinzo…told… me to help deliver this cup of jasmine tea to you.” I stuttered, the tightness in my voice giving away that I was scared.

Scared of him.

“Have it dropped on my table.” He ordered and without wasting as much as a second, I sprinted towards his desk and placed the tray of tea on it.

Once I was done, I turned around, ready to sprint out of the office, but his deep dangerous voice had me weak in the knees, bringing me to a stop.

“Didn't Arinzo informed you?” He asked, leaning back on his swivel chair, his dark eyes on me.

“About what?” I turned around, my brows cocked.

“I don't drink tea when it is cold,” Menacing smirk plastered on his face. “So take it back or probably drink it, because it seems you need it more than I do.”

He gave me a look that had my spine straightening and leaving me breathless.

Hatred clawed at my chest and the spark in my eyes dimmed.

It took every ounce of willpower not to toss the jasmine tea in his face.

I.. Fucking…hate him, Ruslan Orlov.