Fractured Souls (Perfectly Imperfect, #6)

by Neva Altaj

The fact that I’ve been running two nightclubs for the last seven years, spending most of my time surrounded by people, should be enough to make me want to seek solitude. It’s not. It just reminds me that I have no one to go home to.

😔

When you’re discarded by the people who should have been your safe harbor, it’s hard to allow yourself to get close to anyone because, at some point, they will leave, too.

Sooner or later, everyone leaves.

I will find the man who dared beat and rape her, or whatever other torture the sick fuck subjected her to. And I will make him pay.

Never had to take care of someone. And no one ever took care of me, so I haven’t a clue what I’m doing.

“Now, onto the second issue. What the fuck is wrong with you all—collecting random unconscious women and taking them home with you?” All heads turn toward Sergei. “Oh, don’t look at me!” He laughs, “I got mine years ago and I’m done.”

😂😂 I love Sergei! He’s so unhinged lol

“Have you ever met someone who feels like they are a missing piece of you?” I ask. “A piece you didn’t even know you were missing until they stumbled into your life?” “No, not really. You think that girl is yours?” “I’ve known her for a week.” “That’s not what I asked.” “I know. But it doesn’t really matter. She’ll be leaving soon, anyway.” I grab the door handle. “I’m coming back to work as soon as she does.” “Maybe she won’t want to leave.” “Yeah, sure,” I say and exit the car.

😔

“No one scares you and gets away without punishment.”

“It’s okay, baby,” he says. “No one can hurt you when I’m here. Just look into my eyes.”

“How does it feel?” His voice is soft, almost reverent. “What?” “To have a family. Someone who’ll stay with you, no matter what. Even if you make a mistake. Even when you’re angry. Someone who’ll be in your corner even when they know you’re wrong. To have someone who is . . . yours?”

I’ve seen her strength and determination. Her courage. All those things that make her her—the same traits that made me fall so desperately in love with her, will also take her away from me.

It’s been weeks since I stopped urging her to contact her brother. I convinced myself that I did it to give her time and space to heal, but I’ve been lying to myself. I did it because I want her to stay. Forever.

“You don’t understand,” I say. “I’ve never had anyone, Roman. Until her. I can’t imagine my life without her anymore.”

😭😭😭

It’s my Asya. Something breaks inside my chest. I’m pretty sure it’s my heart.

“There’s only one bird,” I say. “Where are you?” “I’m not there. Just you.” “Why?” He dips his head to whisper in my ear. “Because there was nothing left of me after you flew away, mishka.”

“What is love for you, Pasha?” I ask and brush the back of my fingers down his face. “The feeling of never being close enough.” His other hand comes to the back of my neck, squeezing lightly. “I have the need to somehow absorb you into my chest, so you’ll always be with me. Safe from harm. Only mine. Forever.”

“I love you to the point of madness, Asya,”

Something happens inside my chest at that moment. My heart skips a beat, and then I feel something slide into place. The jagged edges finally fitting together.

I blink in confusion. Pasha is dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt. He knows it doesn’t bother me when he wears a suit, so why did he come in jeans? I turn my head to my brother, roving my eyes over his jeans and a Henley shirt until I reach his face. “Your Russian arranged the dress code for the wedding,” he says as he keeps walking.