“But you want me. I was inside you. I tasted you. That is a truth you will never escape Sera” Serafina had only one dream: to take center stage at the New York Opera. But if wishes were horses, even beggars would have a ride. Thrown into an arranged marriage, She is determined to hate him but soon discovers that there’s a thin line between love and hate. Adriko has no use for love. His focus is power, his goal is revenge.But what do you do when your greatest threat is your most sinful desire? A pawn in the game… A Bride for a truce…
View MoreSERAFINA “Good morning” I smile at Nadia and Irina as I sit down at the dining table where Nadia is setting up breakfast. “Good morning dear” Nadia responds with an affectionate smile.Irina barely looked up before smirking “Someone is in an awfully good mood this morning. Any particular reason?” she asks as she reaches for the steaming pot of coffee, pouring it into her mug. I couldn't hide my excitement. It had been weeks since my last performance. I’ve missed being on stage.“I’ve got a rehearsal today for my main performance coming up Saturday.”Irina’s face lit up “Oh really? That's awesome! I glanced towards the hallway “Where’s Adriko?” She shrugged “He said something about the Colombians, so he left quite early.” A part of me felt relieved. If he wasn't here, he couldn't stop me.I tapped my fingers against the table debating whether I should wait. I knew he would expect me to inform him before leaving. After what happened at the hospital, Adriko had made it painfully c
BELYE NOCHI-2 HOURS LATERThe atmosphere in the club was electric as I stepped into the private lounge of my club. The familiar scent of whiskey, drugs, and women greeted me. Sergei was already there, lounging with a drink in hand, the lazy smirk on his face grating on my nerves before he even spoke.”Took your time” he mused as he took a sip from the amber liquid. His sharp gaze assesses me, taking in my tense stance. “Trouble at home?” I shrugged off my jacket and tossed it onto the booth before sinking into the chair across from him. Reaching for the whiskey bottle, I poured myself a generous amount, watching the liquid catch the low light. “Something like that” I muttered. The confrontation with Serafina clung to me, as stubborn as her defiance. I had spent the ride here replaying it. The way her breath hitched when I caged her against the wall. The smell of lilies and strawberries had followed me, impossible to shake. The jealousy she tried to bury beneath indifference. She
BACK IN THE PENTHOUSE ADRIKOThe sound of the elevator alerted me to their arrival. I was waiting for them, been waiting for the last twenty minutes. My stance was tense as I shoved my hands in my pockets, every muscle in my body coiled in tension as Serafina and Irina stepped out, laughter lingering between them. Dima and Mikahli followed closely, shopping bags in each hand. They acknowledge me as they hurry down the hallway to drop the bags.Serafina spotted me first, her laughter faded as she slowed her steps. Irina on the other hand, arched a brow, already bracing for a confrontation. I let the silence stretch, enough for them to feel the weight of my fury. Then finally… “Enjoyed yourself?” Serafina tensed at my tone but Irina smirked “Oh, we had an amazing time brother. You should see the things we bought” she quipped, a look of mischief in her eyes as she glanced at Serafina. A muscle in my jaw ticked. Serafina shot her a look “Irina…” I took a slow step forward, my ga
SERAFINAIrina appeared in the doorway, her gaze fixed on me, a concerning look in her eyes “Are you okay?” she questioned softly “I heard about what happened in the hospital”.My fingers instinctively went to my neck, tracing the tender marks left behind by the intruder's hands. Irina’s eyes widened, and she gasped as she moved closer to inspect the bruises “Oh my God” she muttered, her voice filled with shock. “That bastard hurt you” Her lips pressed into a tight line, annoyance evident in her face. “Come on”.She said with a sigh, motioning for me to follow her. “Dinner’s ready”I trailed after her into the kitchen, where the table had already been set with plates of steaming pasta. She gestured for me to sit as she settled in across from me. “Nadia made dinner before she left, let’s eat” she said simply as she dug into her food. I picked up my spoon but found myself twirling it aimlessly between my fingers. My mind was still in a fog of emotions. I stole a glance at Irina and
SERAFINAThe ride back home was filled with a tense silence. I sat beside Adriko as he drove, his hands clenching the steering wheel occasionally. I replayed everything that had happened in the hospital as I stared out the window.Why can't I catch a break? I have never felt so unsafe in my entire life. Yes, I knew how dangerous the Camorra is but I have never had anyone physically attack me before. I bit my lip to stop it from trembling but the effort was futile.A shaky breath escaped me and before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks.Adriko noticed, his sharp gaze flicked to me he swore softly under his breath. “Don’t” he said, his voice low but commanding. “Don't what?” I shot back, wiping my tears with trembling fingers. “Cry? Be scared? What do you want me to do Adriko? Pretend I wasn't almost killed?”His jaw tightened, but instead of answering, he surprised me by placing his hand on my thigh and squeezing softly in a comforting gesture. My heart skipped a beat at the co
ADRIKO I was halfway through a meeting with Marco’s men, discussing the details of the next shipment. The club’s VIP room was dimly lit, clouds of cigar smoke curling around the table as glasses of vodka tinged. “We’re paying you for safe passage Ivanov”, one of them spat in heavily accented Italian. “But your end of the deal needs to hold, or—” I barely heard him, my phone vibrated on the table and I picked it up without thinking. Her name flashed on the screen. I froze, the conversation around me fading off as I read her message. “Please get here quick, there's someone here “. The air in the room shifted. My heart pounded against my ribs. The chair scraped against the floor as I stood abruptly, ignoring the startled looks around the table. “Meeting’s over” I snapped, my tone sharp and final. One of Marco’s men, a burly thug with scars tracing his cheek, leaned back with a smirk. “We’re not finished here, Ivanov “ I turned to him, the phone still clutched in my hand.
SERAFINA’S POV Two days later-Stamford Hospital New York. The first thing I noticed was that I had a headache. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, the overhead bulb burning into my eyes. The smell of antiseptic hit me and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I was in a hospital. “Serafina?” Adriko called in concern. My eyes moved to the side and there he was sitting on the chair beside me. His eyes locked onto mine, brows furrowed. “W-what…happened?” my voice was faint,barely above a whisper “You collapsed in the bathroom, and hit your head,” he said, his voice calm but tense. “You’ve been unconscious for two days”. Two days! My eyes widened as memories flashed through my mind. I had gone to use the restroom after the doctor left, I remember feeling dizzy before slumping and hitting my head against the sink. “I felt so weak”, I murmured, my fingers brushing the bandage on my forehead .”The room was spinning. I couldn't…” “You couldn't what?” his tone sharpened and I flinc
ADRIKO’S POV. I lit my cigar and took a deep puff. I always love Cubans. They tend to calm me down. They brought him. The predatel (betrayer ) who thought he could get away with working with my enemies. Matvei was my head of security, he had been at my side for five years. I’d trusted him to guard my life and family but he has betrayed that trust. I pondered on the best way to punish him, that would send a clear message to the other members of my bratva. Don't want these people to think i’m getting soft. I pointed to my men. “Take him down to the basement and tie him up. I’ll be there shortly”. They drag him away as he screams for mercy. By the time I’m done, he won't be screaming. I take my time and finish my cigar, then make my way towards the basement in quick steps. The room is cold, its stone walls damp, illuminated by a single bulb swaying slightly from the ceiling. Sergei has my tools lined up and waiting. Pliers, a blowtorch, a hammer, and an assortment of
ADRIKO’S POV The door clicked shut behind me and my eyes instinctively flickered to my phone screen.Sergei.My thumb Swiped the receive button, and I pressed the phone to my ear. “Speak” I ordered, my voice low and calm despite the fury simmering underneath the surface. “We found something boss” Sergei reported. I strode down the hallway, taking measured steps to my study. “Tell me”. “The detonator, it’s a high-class military piece. Someone went through a lot of trouble to get it”. I reached the end of the hallway and pushed open the doors to my office. The scent of leather and polished wood greeted me as I paced across the room. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I glanced out my study window, the city bustling below. “And the source?” I asked. “That's where it gets complicated. The parts were smuggled into the city months ago but it was assembled-” “Spit it out, Sergei”. “Well the markings on the piece seem to point to the Yakuza, but we ain't hundred percent ce
SERAFINA’S POV The black Mercedes pulled up smoothly to the front gates of the Vitale estate. I stepped out,walking towards the front door. My performance tonight was exceptional as usual, I loved the thrill that went through the crowd whenever I finished a piece. But as I approached the house, a rising sense of danger seemed to slowly encircle me. I shook it off and walked in. I stepped into the foyer, glancing around. The opulence of our family home always left me in awe. I heard footsteps approach “Signorina” (miss) came a soft voice from behind. I turned to see Tessa, our family maid approaching with a soft smile on her face. Tessa had been with the family for as long as I can remember. Ever since we lost mum, she has been a constant. “How are you, Tessa?” I smiled in return “I am fine Cara (dear). You’re home late tonight”, she observed taking my coat and scarf that I was about to put up. She kissed my cheeks. “You were amazing tonight as always” she gushed, her eyes sh...
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