SERAFINA’S POV
Sunlight seeped into the room, casting a luminous glow across the furniture as though it was trying to chase the shadows that lurked within. My stomach churned with nausea and I do my best to ignore it. The makeup artist wraps up quickly as she smoothes a brush over my lips. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and can not recognize the woman looking back at me. I look beautiful. Too beautiful. The dress is a delicate off-the-shoulder white lace, long-sleeved mermaid dress, with thousands of beadings running across the bodice. The neckline plunges a bit, hinting at my voluptuous breasts. My fiery mane of auburn hair is tamed and wrapped intricately with a simple diamond tiara. ”You look so stunning, Fina” Diana gushed, her voice tinged with emotions as she moved to stand behind me, adjusting my tiara. She meets my eyes in the mirror and gives me a reassuring smile. I manage a small smile back, feeling grateful for the gift of Diana’s friendship and support. We grew up together, attending the same schools, we were inseparable. She’s like a sister I never had. “I feel sick,” I admit softly, letting out a shaky breath. “You know I am always here if you need anything right. We can even hatch out an escape plan” She leaned in to whisper to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. I chuckled softly appreciating her attempt at humor even though we both knew any move at escape was a wasted effort. An ache of helplessness settled in my chest.I wished my brother Lorenzo was here. Asides from Diana and Tessa, he was the only other ally I had. But then Lorenzo hasn't been around for anything since…… A sharp knock at the door interrupted my train of thought, Diana opens it to reveal my father, he paused briefly at the doorway and regarded me with an expression akin to pride. “Serafina. Sei bellissima figlia” (you look, beautiful daughter). Stiffening at the statement, I looked away from him. I haven’t been able to look him in the eye since the night he delivered the news that broke me. “Are you ready?” His tone left no doubt that the moment of weakness was gone. “I’m ready” I lie, though my voice cracked. He steps further into the room, regarding me with caution. He extended his right arm to me and I took it, entwining mine with his. *********** The wedding is being held at the Grand Oheka Castle. Perfect for a fairytale wedding but it felt like my funeral. I stood at the arched entrance to the garden path, that opened towards rows of perfectly trimmed hedges stretching endlessly. The strategically placed ponds shimmered in the sunlight with the occasional ripple of koi fish breaking to the surface. The soft strains of the wedding match drew me to the present and in unison, the guests turn their heads to stare at me in awe. I clutch the calla lilies to my bosom and look away from their scrutinizing stares. Taking an unsteady step forward, my gaze drifted to Adriko, standing beneath a grand floral arch waiting for me. Wearing a well-tailored custom tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders and taut biceps, traces of intricately drawn tattoos peeped out from the cuffs of his sleeves. The visible part of his neck is adorned with an array of striking ink that commands attention. A black and gray rose blooms on the side of his neck, its petals sharp. The stem curves gracefully down towards his collarbone, entwined with a Cyrillic lettering that I can't translate.l lift my gaze upwards and his piercing blue eyes lock on mine. I come to a halt in front of him, a ripple of awareness coursing through me. Focus Sera i mutter to myself. The priest gives us a curt nod and begins speaking. “Dearly Beloved, we are here today to….” I tune out the voice of the priest, focusing my attention on Adriko, his blue eyes pulling me in. I noticed the clenching of his jaw and wondered briefly what he might be thinking. The voice of the priest filters back into my ears “Marriage is not merely a union of two people” he commented in a steady and reverent voice.” It is a binding declaration of love, trust, and shared purpose”. Trust and love. My throat tightened at the irony of those words. Adriko’s expression was unreadable. Looking away from his intense gaze,my eyes drift over the sea of faces who were staring at me, some in curiosity, others in judgment. I caught the gazes of a few women who stared at Adriko with barely concealed lust. The voice of the priest brings my attention back. “Do you Serafina Vitale, take this man Adriko Ivanov to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?” My heart rate picked up as I struggled to speak. “I…” The word caught in my throat, barely audible Adriko’s hand brushed against mine, a slight touch that jolted me to my core but succeeded in pulling me back to the moment. His eyes burned into mine an unspoken command present in their depths. “I do,” I said, my voice trembling slightly but clear enough to carry. “Can we have the rings? “ The priest asked. A man whom I hadn't noticed initially, stepped out from beside Adriko and handed him a box. I took the ring from the priest and proceeded to slip the silver band onto Adriko’s ring finger. Adriko repeated the same vows and as he looked down to slip the wedding band Onto my ring finger, he noticed the absence of the engagement ring. His hold tightened on my fingers and he looked up to glare at me, a flicker of annoyance flashing in his eyes. “Where is your engagement ring?” he questioned sharply. His voice is deep and striking, his Russian accent impossible to hide. “I misplaced it,” I replied in a smug tone. His brows furrowed, jaws clenching in unmistakable signs of anger but he masked it quickly and his face returned to its initial aloof expression. “I now pronounce you Mr and Mrs Ivanov. You may now kiss the bride” The priest declared. My eyes darted quickly to Adriko’s in panic, wondering if he was going to kiss me. He leaned forward, maneuvering me expertly in a classic dip that to onlookers, appeared like we were in a lip lock. He stared deeply into my eyes and smirked. “Mrs Ivanova, he murmured, his voice mocking, were you expecting a kiss?” My eyes widened a fraction as the reality of being called Mrs Ivanova registers within me and I push lightly on his chest, which make him straighten with a final cutting remark whispered into my ear. “Smile”, he teased “The people are watching.” We turned, facing the guests. Cheers and applause broke out across the fields, I fixed a tight smile on my face as guests began to troop forward offering their congratulations. Diana and Tessa rushed towards me, taking turns to hug me and plant kisses on my cheeks. As we moved towards the entrance to the indoor reception, the sound of a clear feminine voice rang out from behind us. “Adrik!” the voice called out. I turned towards the source, my eyes landing on a strikingly beautiful woman making her way towards us. She was quite tall and moved gracefully, her brunette mane falling down her back in loose waves and a sharp jawline that bore a striking resemblance to Adriko's frames her face. Her lips curved into a sly smile as she approached us, her emerald green dress, shimmering with every step she took. “Irina” Adriko greeted in surprise “Didn't think you were going to make it” “I was able to get a last-minute flight,” she explained while throwing her arms around him, pressing a kiss to each cheek before stepping back “It's been too long brother “ . Adriko's expression softened slightly, the first glimpse of warmth I have seen all day. He looked towards me, his hand tightening slightly on my waist “Serafina, this is my sister Irina Ivanova” Irina’s gaze swept over me, assessing me with interest. She extends a well-manicured hand, her practiced smile polite “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Serafina. My brother has spoken—very little about you” “Likewise” I replied, my tone guarded. I took her hand, taking note of her firm grip. “ Excellent” Her smile widened though it didn’t quite reach her eyes “We would have to fix that as soon as possible. There’s so much I would love to learn about my sister-in-law”. Before I could respond, Adriko stiffened beside me staring straight ahead at a man, dressed in black standing near the entrance to the main doors. “What is he doing here?” he questioned in an icy tone of voice that sent shivers down my spine.ADRIKO’S POV The presence of Viktor set off warning bells in my head, the air felt thick like a volcano was teetering beneath the surface. My hand twitches, itching for the familiar weight of my gun in my pocket but I can't make a scene…at least not yet. His lips curves into a slow deliberate smile as he strides forward, his gait too casual, too confident for a man walking into the lion's den. I know it is a strategy. Viktor never acted without a plan. “Adrik, hope i’m not late? ,I couldn't miss the history-making occasion”, the mocking smile spreading across his face. Seeing that look on his face took me back to memories I’d rather not dwell on, deals gone wrong, bonds broken. He had always challenged my authority and questioned my decisions. We hadn't crossed paths since I left Russia but this..him here, now was a veiled threat “You weren't invited,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to slice through butter. Serafina’s gaze moved between Viktor and me. Her eyes were sharp w
SERAFINA’S POV The world shattered in an instant. One minute I was walking towards the Car, Adriko’s presence looming behind me. The next, the ground vibrated with a violent roar, cracking open as bits of asphalt and flame shot into the air. The force slammed me down hard, broken debris tearing into my side. I felt the weight of Adriko on top of me as mayhem broke out around us. A buzzing sound rang in my ear, making it hard to think. The harsh smell of smoke and burning metal filled my nose, choking me. I coughed, my chest aching with each breath I took, and my eyes watered from the effects of the smoke around me. Adriko’s voice floated into my hearing from somewhere around but it was muffled and distant. His grip tightened on my shoulders, shaking me subtly as he examined my face. His lips were moving but the ringing in my ears drowned out the noise. “Serafina!!” his voice finally floated in. I blinked at him, still too dazed to respond. “Are you hurt?” he asked, h
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
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
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 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 The 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 as 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
SERAFINA Irina 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
ADRIKOIf sexual frustration had a name, it would be mine. I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to walk towards Sergei who was pacing across the living room. As soon as he sensed my presence, his sharp gaze roamed over my disheveled appearance, taking in my rumpled shirt, the undone buttons, and my mussed hair. A sly smile tugged at the corner of his lips. I had never felt so strongly about killing him the way I do But he was smart enough not to comment. “We have a problem,” he said without wasting time. “It would be a shame if we didn't, that means I’ll have to kill you.” I snapped in annoyance. He grimaced but adjusted quickly. “It’s about Marco.” That got my full attention, the embers of my dying frustration flickering back to life. “What about him?” “I was casually listening in on him and it seems he already figured out he got a duplicate device. He said something about attacking with precision.” My spine stiffened as I strode into my study, grabbed my laptop, inserted the devi
SERAFINA There is a saying that goes ‘flee from all appearance of evil’—but what if the devil's touch feels like heaven? And as I stand here, staring into the eyes of sin himself, I realize, … I want to burn. I let out a shaky breath as I whisper “Touch me. I want you to.” There was a look of hunger in his eyes before he claimed my lips again, this time slower, more deliberate. He kisses me like he has all the time in the world, biting my lower lip and sucking it in before releasing it with a soft pop. Heat settles in my belly. His hands move, tracing patterns down my arms, then sliding down to my waist, gripping me firmly as he pulls me flush against him. I suck in a breath. God, he’s hard everywhere. His fingers tangle in my hair, tugging just enough to make me gasp. He angles my head back as he leaves a trail of kisses down my jaw, my throat. He pauses on the pulse beating wildly beneath my skin, his tongue skimming over it before his teeth scrape against me.
SERAFINA I wasn't nervous. At least that's the lie I told myself as I stared at myself in the vanity mirror. Was I excited? Maybe. Anxious? A little. Conflicted? Definitely. Why you might ask? Because after being married for months, I was going on a romantic dinner with my husband and I didn't know what to expect because this was unfamiliar territory. My fingers trembled slightly as I secured the final clasp on my diamond earrings. I had chosen a rich deep purple off-the-shoulder dress, with an asymmetrical neckline and draped satin that extended over an arm. It clung to my figure in all the right places, the high slit revealing just enough of my thigh to be a distraction. I let out a breath, running my hand over the fabric as Nadia fussed around, arranging my hair in soft waves. “You look like a dream,” she murmured, stepping back to admire her work. A small smile tugged at my lips. “A dream or a well-dressed lamb walking into the lion's den?” Nadia snorted. “
ADRIKO After breakfast, Serafina informed me that she had to go to the Opera for rehearsals—she had a performance coming up. I instructed Dima and two other soldiers to accompany her as Mikhail was already on assignment. I stepped into my shower, the scalding water hitting my skin as thoughts of Serafina clouded my mind. Auburn hair, doe eyes that could make even the devil sin, and the body on her. A low groan rumbled in my throat as I fisted my cock, the memory of her lips closing over the fork at breakfast playing on repeat. I stroked harder, my free hand bracing against the tiled wall, tension coiling low in my stomach. “Yes” Her voice echoed in my head, breathy, soft and my cock twitched in response. “Fuck” I growled as I increased my pace. The sounds of my labored breathing filled the bathroom as I felt my release bearing down on me fast— Then my phone rang, the shrill tone shattering the moment. “What the fuck?” My head snapped towards it. Sergei’s name flashed
ADRIKO I stared after her with a realization that I couldn't let her continue to think that I didn't want her. She consumed my every thought and I wanted her with a fierce intensity. She had issued a challenge and I was up for it. “Buckle up Mrs Ivanov. You’re in for a wild ride” I smirk. My phone vibrated in my back pocket and I brought it out, placing it to my ear “Govori” “Two of Marco’s and Vincenzo’s warehouses went up in flames today.” I didn't miss the note of tension in Sergei’s voice. “No survivors.” A ghost of a smile tugged at my lips “I’m aware.” Silence settled between us. Then. “You're behind it.” It wasn't a question. “Of course.” Sergei cursed under his breath. “Marco is not an idiot, Adrik. If he figures it out—” “He won't.” I cut him off, strolling down the hallway to my bedroom. “I took care of the loose ends.” Sergei sighed but he didn't argue. He knew better. Instead, he shifted topics. “About the USB….I did some more digging.” M
SERAFINA Dinner is always a perfect way to end an amazing day but as I sat across Diana in the dimly lit upscale restaurant where we had ended our girl's day out in, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive. ”The thing is, he’s just so annoying. The other day after I got attacked at the hospital, we came home to meet Zlata waiting.” I huffed as I remembered the incident. “And then he left with her! Such an ass.” Tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear, I stabbed at my salad with force, channeling my frustration into the poor vegetable. I looked up and caught Diana smirking at me. “You do realize you’ve spent the last twenty minutes talking about him right?” she teased, setting her glass down with a knowing look. My fork froze mid-air before I quickly dropped it onto my plate with an annoyed sigh. “I am not talking about him. I am complaining about him. There’s a difference.” Diana rested her chin on her hand, amusement dancing in her dark eyes. “Mmm-hmmm. And what exactly are
ADRIKOI woke up to a banging headache and a throbbing pain at my side. The stitches pulled slightly, a reminder of the fucked up night I had.A groan slipped my lips as I rolled to my unhurt side. I sat at the edge of the bed, rotating my arm in slow deliberate movements. The stiffness lessened but not by much. My phone vibrated on the bedside table. I ignored it but then it buzzed again.Letting out an annoyed sigh, I reached for it, my mood souring further the second I saw the name flashing on the screen. Zlata. Zlata: I’ll be waiting for you at the club tonight. I stared at the message, my thumb hovering over the screen. A few weeks ago I would have jumped at the opportunity—anticipated our meetings with a certain hunger. The guarantee of easy pleasure has always been a lure but not today and in as much as I tried to deny it, it was all because of a certain doe-eyed minx. My pulse quickened at the mere thought of her. And that was the problem. I typed out a reply. Adrik: N
ADRIKO I chuckled as Serafina stormed out of the living room. The faint scent of jasmine and warmth lingered. Soft, warm, and addicting. I flexed my shoulders as the dull ache in my chest reminded me of the night’s events. The bullet wound burned but pain was an old companion, it barely registered anymore. But what registered was the memory of her hands on me, the heat of her touch, and the look in her eyes. She had been scared—For me. And for some reason, I liked that. The way she bristled at my words, the fire in her eyes…that was all the confirmation I needed. I hadn't expected her to run off though. I expected another slap, a sharp retort to mask the truth in her eyes but she ran—like my presence was a match that could ignite the feelings she kept buried. A slow smile curled at the corner of my lips. The sound of footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. Sergei stepped into my line of vision, his sharp gaze sweeping over me. He had snuck away when Serafina ha
SERAFINA The penthouse was suffocatingly quiet. I paced the living room, panic clawing at my chest. It had been two hours since Mikhail delivered me home and I was yet to hear a word from Adriko. No calls.No text. Mikhail and Dima had returned a while ago but Adriko wasn't with them. They said nothing except “He’s handling it”. As if that was supposed to stop me from worrying. I had tried calling him but my calls kept going to voicemail. Thirty minutes ago, I attempted to leave the penthouse but was sent back by guards who were stationed downstairs. The thought of something terrible happening to him flashed through my mind and my chest tightened painfully. These emotions were foreign to me. When did I start caring about his safety? “Oh, Dear. You need to change out of that dress.” Nadia commented from the doorway, staring at me in concern. This was the fourth time in two hours that she had tried to get me to move and relax but I couldn't find it in me to leave my