tw: abusive behavior, mild violence

the feelings

her

Alina breaks up with Mal three days after she and Aleksander watch the airplanes and eat burgers in his car.

After he reveals his true identity to her.

The moment will be forever burned into her memories. It's big and even if it could be considered life-altering, at the same time nothing changes between them. Eryk or Aleksander, she doesn't care. He's still the same person to her. He's the only one that treats her like a human, the only one that makes her smile. She's grateful he shared about his life with her, about his past and his true self. Even if it pained her to know there was nothing she could do to ease his sadness, she was grateful he had been honest with her. She valued that he had decided to open up despite the fear of losing their friendship.

Alina understood it had not been an easy decision for him to make, because of the pain, because of that awful turn of events caused by his horrible grandfather. That was the reason she didn't judge him. That was why she couldn't hate him. He didn't have to tell her, he could've continued with the charade, and she would've never known. But he decided to tell her, despite how much it could've cost him. Just because he considered it the right thing to do.

Alina is grateful that he entrusted her with this information. She's less grateful about the fact that he refused to kiss her.

Hence, why she breaks up with Mal.

Thankfully, it's quick and painless. A part of her was afraid he would turn violent, but he barely even paid attention to her. Alina is glad that the whole thing is over and that they can still perform and be at least professional and continue to perform together. He only seems to care about having to call one of his assistants so that someone comes up with a joint statement to publish on their socials so that everyone knows. By all means, that is completely fine with Alina. She's even willing to let him say that he's the one that broke up with her, as long as she gets to be free from this crap that has consumed so much of her already.

Alina also needs to text Zoya about the whole ordeal. Her assistant has to talk to Mal's team about when to post and get their stories straight. For the first time, she's actually grateful to have Zoya working for her because she doesn't want to deal with this crap. Especially now that Aleksander's number flashes on her screen.

His name quickly makes her forget about Mal, breakups, and maintaining a professional relationship.

"What did you do?" This is not the first time he skips pleasantries and goes to the point, but this is the first time Alina giggles. "Alina, this is not a joke. What did you do?"

She got him a new phone, that's what she did. After seeing his outdated model and getting tired of low-resolution pics of Iris, she decided to take control. She got him the newest iPhone and made sure to download a bunch of apps for him. Even going as far as to take a selfie and set it as his wallpaper.

"Sasha, your phone is so old it pains me to even look at it!" He didn't tell him that was his nickname. She just looked up Russian nicknames after realizing that, while Aleksander is a perfect name for him, it could also be too long to type. Plus, Sasha sounds delicious, which is fitting because she just wants to eat him up. "I get that you're an old man, but this way you can send me better pictures of Iris, and maybe we can even video call."

"Why would I want to video call?" he asks, and Alina doesn't take that personally. She knows he's just being a grump.

"Just take the damn phone, will you? It's a gift, and friends do that for each other. Just say thank you and that's it."

The line remains quiet for a couple of minutes before he huffs and goes: "You are really bossy, you know that? Fine. Thank you, Alina, you did not have to bother."

"It wasn't a bother, I was more than happy to do it. I set it up for you, I hope that's alright! If you check the calendar, you will notice you may or may not have an appointment set already." She bites her lip, hoping that he's not too pissed at how many boundaries she's pushing right now.

"You want me to go to your house next Saturday? I thought you lived at the hotel," he says, and Alina laughs at his comment. He's not particularly wrong, though.

"Only while the house was ready. It's taken a couple of months to build, but now it's done, and I'd like for you to come and see it. I know you're not working next Saturday. If that's alr..."

"Do I need to bring anything?"

She smiles at his interruption. People her age don't care about bringing anything to housewarming parties. People her age would absolutely trash her house without remorse.

"Bring Iris! I want to see her again, please."

Next Saturday he appears at her front door with Iris, a bouquet of blue irises, and a paper bag with some Russian letters she doesn't even understand. It doesn't really matter because her attention immediately goes to the flowers. No one has ever gotten her a bouquet of her favorite flowers, and she has to resist the urge of trying to kiss him again.

"This is for you," he says just as he comes closer to kiss her cheek. She closes her eyes and inhales his scent, feeling like she's fourteen again.

"Thank you, you didn't have to," she says, looking up at him before Iris puts her paws in her legs, demanding attention. "Hi, sweet girl, I'm so glad to see you!" Alina coos, patting her head before she lets them in.

Aleksander frees Iris from her leash, and she absolutely goes nuts in her house, walking around as she and her owner go to the kitchen so that she can put the flowers in a vase. Luckily, she has somewhere to put them, because she isn't even sure as to where they are going to eat. Even if the house is ready, she still has to buy furniture or hire someone to do that.

It's Aleksander who suggests they eat on the floor. They end up having a picnic in the middle of her living room, and it's perfect. So much better than whatever she could've imagined, especially when she tries the food he brought, and she absolutely goes nuts for it. Blinis, he explained after she took her first bite. She remembers he told her it was one of his favorite foods, one that he used to cook with his mom. It's fucking delicious.

"Do you miss Bristol?" He asks after they make their way through most of the food.

"I do. It's been, what? Almost five years since I was in England. Mama has been a couple of times to sort our stuff, but I haven't. I miss it, I miss our neighborhood," she would like to take a break from work and visit. However, she knows it's difficult to schedule some time away, especially with the release of the album so close. "Do you miss London?"

He shrugs and looks at Iris at the other side of the room, entertained with an empty plastic bottle Alina gave her. Before he explained his situation, Alina didn't realize there was so much sadness hiding in his dark eyes. Now that she knows everything, it's almost impossible to miss.

"There is no one for me to miss there." He ends up saying before he finishes the blini in his hands. "Besides my parents' graves, that is."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't…"

"It is okay, Alina. I know my answer is depressing, but it is the truth. I just do not miss London. Lately, I realized that Los Angeles is not that bad," he comments with a wink, and she feels butterflies in her stomach.

"It's just funny, I think. I wanted to leave Bristol and see the world, and it's not like I've seen the whole world. There are places I still want to visit, but I miss home. Or maybe I just miss a different time in my life, you know?" she says, grabbing the last blini after Aleksander motioned for her to have it.

"Did you always wish to become a singer?" Aleksander asks before taking a sip of his beer, and Alina nods in response.

"Maybe there is another world where I am a florist or something, but in this one all I have ever known is music…" she explains, before realizing something. "Wait here, let me show you something." Alina all but runs around her house trying to get her box, her most valuable possession in the world. She has never shared it with anyone, and she doubts even her mother knows of its existence. But it makes perfect sense to share it with Aleksander.

When she comes back to the living room, Aleksander is laying with his back on the floor and has his eyes closed. He looks just like when he slept on his couch, like he's at peace. It warms her heart that he looks like that in her space, that he allows himself to let his guard down around her.

She's careful when returning to the living room. Although she assumes he knows about her presence, he still does nothing. He remains with his eyes closed, so she leaves the box aside and lays next to him, resting her head against his chest.

"I thought you were going to show me something," he murmurs, and yet he doesn't make any indication that he wants to move or something. So, she simply wraps her arm around his chest.

"I can show you in a minute, let's just stay like this," she answers, feeling how his arm comes to rest around her shoulders. The butterflies are no longer in her stomach, they are all over her body. "This feels nice."

"It does," Aleksander answers, his voice soft and warm as he tightens his grip and holds her as close as he can.

Alina has never shared a moment like this with anyone, and it's not like she's really surprised about that. The first person she ever had sex with was her friend Aleksei. Although he was sweet, every single one of their sexual encounters was awkward and clumsy. Both were too self-conscious to even cuddle or do something like that. With Mal, it was the other way around, he knew what he wanted and just used her body as a sexual toy. He did everything to secure his release before she was tossed aside.

So no, she has never cuddled with anyone other than her mother, but that was when she was little. She thinks that it doesn't really matter. As far as she's concerned, she could've cuddled with other people, but it wouldn't even come close to this moment she's sharing with Aleksander.

The sound of his heart beating in his chest, his arm around her shoulder, his long, graceful fingers barely brushing the skin on her bicep, the one that Mal ended up bruising weeks ago… It seems like Aleksander concluded that her life was already full of sharp edges and single-handedly decided to change that.

Alina raises her head to look at him and finds that he's already looking at her with such intensity it gives her goosebumps. However, she doesn't recoil, instead, she comes closer until they are face to face, until their noses touch. She thinks about how she would like nothing more than to kiss him, to feel his lips against hers. If she just leans a little…

"I believe you brought something you wanted to show me," he says, not even fucking blinking or forcing her to separate. He doesn't even do anything to make her think that he doesn't want to kiss her. But when his words make it clear that he's stopping her advances.

She blushes furiously, but still sits down to show him the box. When he sits down, she notices how he doesn't put any distance between them. Instead, Aleksander remains close to her as he looks around her box, into her most treasured objects, probably the only place Alina has been able to be herself in the last couple of years.

He takes his time, not skimming through the pages and notebooks, but reading her words out loud, making her feel joy and actual pride. No one other than herself has ever looked at the box, therefore, she has never listened to her words in someone else's voice. It's fitting that it's his voice, the one that brings to life the songs that have kept her alive all these years.

"I know I can't compete with the idea you have, but my breaking heart screams pick me…" He reads before his eyes dart to hers. Alina doesn't even have it in her to blush or to feel ashamed. Not when it feels so great to listen to him.

She has poured her heart and soul into those songs. If there's a place where the real Alina lives, it's in those lyrics. Hearing him read it out loud feels like a breath of fresh air, she feels like he's slowly bringing her back to life.

"Did you write this?" he asks with a smile on his face. Aleksander probably knows the answer, this is just him making sure. When she nods, now feeling a bit shy, he takes her hand, interlacing their fingers. "Why is it here, hidden away? This is beautiful, the world deserves to listen."

"It's not the image we sold to the record label," she explains as she shrugs. By all means, it's the honest truth, but it also isn't. "No one would listen, anyway."

Aleksander leaves the notebook back inside the box and cups her cheek, caressing it with all the love in the world, before he speaks; "I am listening. I will always listen, Alina," he asserts, and she nods in response. She doesn't doubt him, she knows he's being honest.

"What is this?" he questions, finding what's left behind of the first trophy she ever won. That piece of plastic she rescued after her mother taught her the first life lesson. She takes it from his hands and clutches it to her chest.

"It's my trophy. The one I got in my first competition," she explains. Aleksander doesn't say anything, he just raises his eyebrows in surprise. "I know it doesn't look like a trophy, but that's because I came in second. I was very proud of myself and I thought the girl that won first place did an amazing dancing routine, but my mother… Well, she was pissed. She said it was clear the judges were being racist because the girl looked like Goldilocks and I didn't. So she taught me the first place was the most important thing. Then she made me break my trophy. I rescued this part when she turned around."

Alina's eyes feel very moist as she finishes the story. She didn't realize how hard it was to remember her mother's cruel words and how much it had actually hurt her to destroy something she felt she had earned.

Aleksander's thumb grazes her cheek, wiping away a tear she didn't know had escaped her eyes.

"I am sorry you were told the first place was the most important thing. I am so sorry you had to break your trophy," Aleksander says as he looks at her. "I want you to know that the most important thing is not first place, but whatever makes you happy. You deserve to be happy, Alina. You deserve to sing the songs you wrote. The world would benefit a great deal from your beautiful words."

As she looks at him, at his dark, beautiful eyes. As she listens to his words, words that are simple, yet powerful enough, she decides she cannot contain herself anymore. So, she leans forward, closing the small space between their faces; joining their lips in a kiss. By all means, it's a chaste, barely-there kiss but to her, it means the world. It means everything to feel his soft lips against her own, to know that maybe she could part his lips and taste him…

He doesn't let her. Instead, he separates himself and avoids her gaze. "Alina, you have a boyfriend. We should not…"

"I broke up with Mal. It was a sham anyway, you were right when you said that I deserved better…." she starts to explain, and Aleksander shakes his head, not letting her finish.

"Alina, this should not happen."

Somehow, that enrages her. That ends up being what makes her explode because it's bullshit. She knows he likes her. She knows the reason he's avoiding her eyes is that he also wants this. For some reason she ignores, he decides to deny them something they both clearly want.

She's so pissed she can't remain on the floor. She stands up and paces around the empty living room. Aleksander stands up as well, but he doesn't do anything other than look at her. The feel of his eyes following her as she walks annoys her even more.

"First it was because I had a boyfriend, but I just told you I broke up with him. So now, what's your excuse, uh?" She doesn't mean to sound angry. She doesn't mean to be angry at him. But she has made clear what she wants, and she knows he wants her, so what is it? What's stopping him? She's so pissed about the whole situation, she acts out, not even caring if she comes out as childish. "Have you ever had sex? Maybe you're a virgin!"

Aleksander's face completely changes after her accusation. It's something incredible, Alina thinks as her eyes scan his face. His features have hardened and somehow, he seems to have grown taller, as if he wasn't ridiculously tall already. She has to crane her neck to look at him as he approaches her, silently, as if he was an apex predator who just spotted his next victim: her. She wonders how on earth did he manage to dim the lights in the living room? Or is it just her imagination?

She also wonders if he can hear her heart beating erratically in her chest.

"I assure you, I am not a virgin, Alina," he whispers, once he's close enough. His voice is absolutely delicious, velvety, completely intoxicating, so much so that she closes her eyes in response. Alina couldn't even conceal the effect he had on her, and although she should feel embarrassed by that, she can't. They have seen so much of each other since they met. So what if he knew how aroused she felt? She already tried to kiss him, it's not like he was clueless.

"Aleksander…" she whispers, voice laced with desire. She opens her eyes to find his eyes still on her. Has he even blinked?

"Something tells me no one has ever fucked you properly, Alina. No one has worshiped you or treated your body like it deserves to be treated. Am I wrong, lapushka? You go around your day with those outfits that leave nothing to the imagination. You are probably the protagonist of many fantasies, and yet I am pretty sure no one has ever made you forget even your own name."

He's not even touching her, and Alina is a fucking mess. For proof, she can feel the wetness between her legs, how her underwear must be dripping with desire. Alina thinks that if he ever touches her, she might combust.

"Sasha…" she starts to say. Her voice betrays her, showing how much she wants him, but Aleksander doesn't seem to pay attention to that.

"We need to go. I have to get ready for work." He kisses her cheek, dangerously close to the corner of her lip. Alina sighs, trying to inhale his scent, trying to imagine what it would be like to wake up in his arms, trying to hold on to that image…

When she opens her eyes, he and Iris are gone. She feels like she needs a bucket of ice water, which doesn't sound like a bad idea, so she goes upstairs and while she strips and gets on the tub she thinks about Aleksander.

He is, without a doubt, the only person in her life that stands out and breaks the norm. She doesn't want to sound cheesy and say that she has never met anyone like him, but… She has never met anyone like Aleksander. If there's something she has done in the past few years is meeting people; fans, haters, clout chasers, you name it, Alina has met them. No one like him, though. No one who seemed to like her for who she was, who genuinely appreciated her company.

Aleksander not only saved her from meeting her death, but he also saved her from forgetting who she really is. Because she was someone. She was not an idea or a manufactured doll. She was a person, someone who once had dreamt and had desires of her own. He had reminded her of that, he had brought that back to the surface. Even if she was still a nightingale living in a golden prison, she took refuge on that, in their relationship.

His rejection hurt, it obviously did. It hurt her ego, and it made her wonder, —because she wasn't stupid, she knew he wanted this as well— why he didn't cave? Why didn't he let himself have this? Their desire was there, it was palpable, and she had made it clear not only once, but twice. When Mal was in the picture she could understand, or at least she could vaguely understand because Aleksander liked to do what was right. She thought everything would be fine once she ended the sham, but still. He kissed her back only to reject her, and not only that, to leave her hot and bothered.

Alina leaves the tub with many questions and not many answers. As she puts on the shirt she stole from him and gets into bed, she lets herself dream about another Earth, another reality where they can be together, where they can be happy and free of the burdens they carry.

But alas, when morning comes, she realizes that is the only place where they can be together: in dreams. There is just no space for them in reality.

him

Aleksander looks at Alina playing with Iris in the backyard and sighs.

All he seems to do these days is think about her and talk to her and dream about her, and he is starting to lose his mind a bit. He let her into his life, and now he is wondering if maybe that was a mistake, especially when he refuses to act on his feelings.

Because she needs help, she needs therapy, not a fucking boyfriend, he reminds himself.

He was not lying when he thought he would like to support her, to make her happy, to give her the moon and the stars, because he would love to do all that. However, the more he thinks about possibly starting a relationship with her, the more he thinks it is a mistake. What can he possibly offer her when he is just as damaged and broken as she is? Just because he seems to have shit under control does not mean he is suited for her.

Alina needs so much better than him, she deserves much better than him. Aleksander just wishes she understood that.

"Sasha!" she exclaims when he comes out the back with a glass of lemonade for her. The smile she sends his way could easily compete with the Californian sun. That is the main reason why he has not asked her to stop calling him like that. He has no clue where she learned about the short form of his name, but she looks so pretty when she calls him that he does not have the heart to ask her to stop. "Thank you. I was just telling Iris I have another award show next weekend. We both agree you should come with me."

It sounds like a horrible idea. Terrible, really. Not because he does not want to spend time with her, because he does, but because the last thing he wants is to be in the spotlight. He considers himself lucky that no one seems to have found out anything about his past and that, for the most part, people had forgotten about him. The paparazzi and nosy people had even left his house alone.

By all means, he should say no. He needs to protect himself. He needs to avoid being recognized. But when he opens his mouth he says yes, and it is worth it when she looks so happy, she hugs him as tightly as she can. Aleksander has already denied her so much, he can do this for her, he wants to do it. He just wants her to be happy. It costs him nothing to make her happy.

He does, however, reject the idea of walking the red carpet with her because that is a bit much for him. Keyen agrees with him and for one he does not do anything to annoy her mother. Besides, being behind the scenes allows him to take a look at her as she walks the carpet alone, looking absolutely radiant. Aleksander has no fucking clue who anyone else in the event is, but it does not matter to him. As far as he is concerned, Alina is the only star in the whole wide world. There is no one else.

For the first time since they met, he allows himself to take a good look at her. He allows himself to appreciate her body and maybe even lust for her. Aleksander has been fighting for so long, he has been trying not to look at her. He has been so afraid that he might drive her away, afraid that she might think he is just someone else that does not respect her, someone that just wants her body. Aleksander hopes she knows that is not the case, even if today he lets his eyes wander over her body, appreciating how beautiful she is.

Her team dressed her in something that, like everything he has seen her wear, tries to resemble an actual dress; a white skirt covers the lower part of her body whereas golden chains have been strategically put over her chest so that no one can see her nipples. Aleksander has to admit, he does want to see her nipples, he wants to see all of her. All he wants is to have her in his bed and worship her, show her how much he desires her. She deserves pleasure, she deserves someone who actually wants her.

He could be that man, he just does not think he should.

But as he watches Alina shine while walking and posing for photographs, as he looks at her talk to interviewers and actually be authentic for once, he thinks maybe he should give in. Sure, he appreciates what she is wearing, but at the end of the day what really does it for him is that she is absolutely beaming. He swears he has never seen anyone so beautiful in his life. Aleksander simply cannot look away from her face. It makes him happy to see her like this.

It must show, because as they enter the venue, Keyen sends a pointed look his way. The woman does not even need to open her mouth for Aleksander to know that she absolutely hates his guts. He still does not get that, but why would he care, when Alina clings to his arm and smiles at him when they enter the venue?

"Did you have fun? I hope you did because I had a blast. It's the first time in a while that I have actually enjoyed this. I just…"

Aleksander does not let her finish, instead, he leans down towards her and kisses her. He is only a man, after all. He is human, he has desires, and he wants her. She wants him too, she has made it clear so, he decides to give in.

He grabs her by the waist and corners her against a wall. Alina does not seem to mind, as her hands fly to his hair while she presses herself against his body. She eagerly responds to the kiss as he parts her lips, finally tasting her. Although he is aware they are in a public setting, surrounded by people that will most likely take a picture of them and post it online for gossip, he does not care in the slightest. He fucking lets go and enjoys that he's finally able to taste Alina, being able to use his tongue and travel around her mouth. It all feels delicious, so much, so he hates himself for waiting so long to actually do this.

Eventually, they have to breathe, and although they break the kiss, he still keeps her in his arms, because he simply does not want to let go of her. Alina apparently does not mind, she keeps close to him, her hands still roaming through his hair, a big grin on her face.

"What was that for?" she whispers before she starts to kiss his beard.

"You looked so happy, Alina. So, so happy that I could barely contain myself. You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen." Her lips might as well be truth serum or something because he cannot lie or avoid her question. Aleksander answers as honestly as he can, pouring his heart and soul for her to listen. "I am sorry I did not ask for permission, I just wanted to kiss you…"

"Then kiss me, Sasha, please just kiss me," she begs, so prettily Aleksander does not have it in himself to do anything else than to do what she wants. This time, he lets her take control of the kiss, trying not to moan as he feels her practically grind against him. When she does that, it becomes hard to remember they are in a very public place.

"Alina, we need…" A voice interrupts, immediately making them break the kiss. Genya, the person responsible for her hair and makeup, is looking at them with amusement in her eyes. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but we need to get Alina ready to open the ceremony," she explains, and he nods, kissing Alina's forehead.

"Go, I will be watching you from the sidelines," he promises, making her smile. Alina nods and starts to get away from his body, but before she can completely escape from his grasp, he yanks her and gives her another kiss, simply because he cannot contain himself. "Okay, now go!" She giggles and makes the smart decision of running towards Genya to get ready.

The redheaded woman motions for Alina to enter her changing room before sending a wink his way. Aleksander does not understand why, but he knows their secret is safe with Genya.

He walks around until he finds Keyen. Although he doesn't like the woman, he knows he has to wait next to her until Alina is ready to get on stage and open up the ceremony with her musical number. He'll survive a couple of minutes next to the woman, he's been through worse, after all.

The crowd is already buzzing with excitement, and he agrees with them. Alina might not be able to perform the music she likes and writes, but he is excited about listening to her. Although, he could do it without all the paraphernalia.

"You should stay away from her," Keyen says, making him look at her in surprise. Their mutual dislike was obvious, but he never thought she would say it to his face. "You're bad for her, bad for her business. After tonight, you should make yourself scarce."

"I think I will let Alina make decisions for herself. I was clear with her, and she made her decision. I respect that," he explains. He does not have to do so, the last thing Keyen deserves is a fucking explanation, but he gives it anyway. If there is something he is proud of, it is about telling Alina the truth about his identity.

No one has cared about Aleksander Morozov in a very long time, but Alina does. In turn, he cares for her. That is the main reason why he is there, at a place that is furthest from his comfort zone; just because he asked her, and he does not want to deny her everything.

"You were clear with her, uh? Very well, Mr. Kirigan, very well," Keyen answers. There's an edge to her voice, something dangerous that Aleksander should recognize when she mentions his last name. However, he is still reeling from the kiss and completely misses the warning sign.

They wait in silence after that, something Aleksander is grateful for. He sends a couple of pictures to Fedyor, who made him promise he would not forget about him and Ivan once he became famous for dating Alina. Although the comment had been a joke, it had made him smile, despite the thoughts that reminded him it would be a horrible idea, he let himself savor the idea of actually being with her.

He comes back to reality when the lightning changes on the stage. Alina is about to begin her performance, that much he knows, but for now the stage is only inhabited by the props she and Mal need for the presentation: a door from which Alina would appear and a bed where Mal would sit until it was his turn to rap. Because Alina might have broken up with him, but he still was a part of her career. The presentation was modified, which was like a big win and Aleksander knew that, but as his eyes zero in on the bed that is on stage, his blood boils.

He is jealous, there is no denying that. Maybe if this was someone else he would not be grinding his teeth, but this was Mal, the fucking scumbag he absolutely hated. What a pathetic excuse of a human being.

"It's about to start," Genya announces, having appeared next to him at some point during his inner hate speech about Mal. He nods at her before his eyes catch a little figure all clad in white stepping into the stage.

Aleksander claps as the spotlight centers on Alina, and she starts to sing and dance to 'Private property' the third single of her album. Her voice absolutely captivates him and the audience, and that is the moment where he realizes she could be so much more than she is right now. If only she sang and did what she truly wanted. If she was able to perform in a way that she really wanted to… it would be a hundred times more impactful than this.

The song is beautiful, her voice magnetic and as sensual as the words demand her to be. Although he is enchanted by her —especially when her eyes find his, and she sends a playful wink his way— it is very hard for him to completely let go of reality and simply enjoy the performance. After all, it is a clear reminder that Alina is a puppet, a doll whose strings are commanded by anyone but herself.

Alina's white hair falls in curls around her face and her makeup is flawless, making her look stunning. She is wearing a white trench coat that is as short as it can be, paired with six-inch heels that just make her look angelic and devilish at the same time. The choreography is incredibly sexual and explicit, with Alina and her backup dancers performing a routine that is clearly meant to arouse anyone. Every time she moves, the world takes a peek at the black lace underwear she is wearing underneath the coat.

He does his best to try to enjoy what Alina is doing, but it is hard to ignore his thoughts about how uncomfortable she must feel. Her own discomfort shows when one of the dancers tries to open the coat, and Alina clearly fights her over the fact. Aleksander is not the only one to notice the moment, with Sergei muttering profanities under his breath about how Alina is 'ruining his vision'. He does not even have time to get mad at the stylist's words because that is the exact moment Mal happens.

Up until that moment, the scumbag had been sitting at the edge of a bed, waiting for his time to rap at the end of the song. He cannot explain, but the second he stands up to do his part, Aleksander has a bad feeling. There's something in the way he looks at Alina; like he hates her, like he is ready to hurt her, that makes Aleksander fear as to what is about to happen.

His suspicions confirm true as Mal finishes his verse and instead of saying a few words to start the ceremony, he decides to humiliate Alina in front of everyone.

"I know I'm supposed to start this shit, but there's something I need to do first," he grabs Alina by the waist, obviously hurting her. Everyone backstage is wondering about what is going on and why he is going off-script. No one, himself included, is actually doing anything to stop him. Though, one thing is clear to Aleksander, nothing good will come out of this.

"Ya see, this bitch tried to break up with me," he starts to say as Alina tries to flee his side. Between the heels, the fear she must be experiencing, and the fact that Mal is twice her body mass, he easily subdues her. However, Alina's disgust is obvious, it is out for everyone to see. "This fucking slut tried to replace me, but guess what? She forgot I made her. She's nothing without me. Now she tryna act like she don't want to show you her body when all she is, is a fucking slut." Alina still tries to leave his side, but Mal is successful in stripping her of the trench coat, not without his fair share of manhandling.

Aleksander briefly looks around to the people that are supposed to help her, her team, her own freaking mother. Everyone seems shocked, yet no one seems to be actively doing something to help. He decides to act because he cannot simply stand in silence and watch. His blood boils as he steps onto the stage. How dare Mal try to humiliate her? How dare he try to violate her in such a way?

"Leave me alone, Mal. Why are you doing this? Please stop." Alina's microphone is still on, so everyone can hear her struggle, how scared she is, how pissed she is at him. She manages to slap him in the face, but Mal retaliates with such strength she ends up on the floor, eyes filled with tears, whether from pain or embarrassment he does not know. He does not care, as it is not as important compared to the fact that he needs to get her out of there and to safety.

He approaches, taking his jacket off so that she can cover herself and offering his hand to help her stand up. Alina positively clings to him, and he wraps his arm around his shoulder so that they can leave this fucking place. Even if he wants to retaliate and say something to Mal, it is not his place to do so. However, said scumbag decides to speak again, and Aleksander is sure he will murder the rapper on national television.

"Ah, look. This is the dude she's fucking now. Because she's a fucking slut and needs to be filled. Keep that pussy, keep my sloppy seconds. I don't want her anymore," Mal says and Aleksander turns around and without thinking twice, he punches him in the face, breaking his nose instantly. It is not murder, but it feels good to do it.

"Keep her name out of your mouth," he threatens. His voice is cold and detached. Aleksander does not need a microphone for everyone to hear him. "You just showed everyone who you really are. Undressing a woman without her permission, insulting her in front of everyone. You are pathetic, I hope people realize that."

And with that, he looks at Alina, silently asking if she wants to go, when she slightly nods he takes her hand and strides out of the stage, not caring about the mess they leave behind, or about Keyen's screams. He only cares about getting Alina in his car and drive her to safety.