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Enemy Within
Huling Na-update:
2025-01-14 14:59:52
Kaugnay na kabanata
A Bride For A Truce Shadows At The Door
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-15A Bride For A Truce You're Safe With Me
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.
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-22A Bride For A Truce The Mistress and the Wife
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25A Bride For A Truce Silk And Secrets
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-28A Bride For A Truce Tempting the Devil
BACK IN THE PENTHOUSE ADRIKO The 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. The silence lingered, enough for them to feel the weight of my fury. Then finally I spoke… “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…” serafina cau
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-30A Bride For A Truce Kill You Myself
BELYE NOCHI-2 HOURS LATER The 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 on 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 plagued me. 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 was infuriating. I t
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-31A Bride For A Truce Stage Fright
SERAFINA “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 m
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-03A Bride For A Truce Devil in the audience
ADRIKO Nothing could have prepared me for the sights and sounds that welcomed me the moment I stepped into the theater. I knew Serafina was a performer. I’d heard the gossip and glimpsed occasional videos of her when my men ran a background check before the wedding. But i never paid much attention nor did i care until now. I stayed in the shadows, hands shoved deep in my pants as i leaned against the doorframe, watching her sing. The lights in the theater were dimmed with the only source of light coming from the stage so i knew she hadn't noticed my entrance. She stood at the center of the stage, the overhead lights casting a warm glow on her skin, her Auburn mane cascading down her back as it flashed hints of gold. She was stunning. When her voice caught on a note, i felt my chest tighten with an unfamiliar feeling. I told myself that i only came here to make sure that she had arrived safely. But i knew that was not true. Even after Sergei had texted me that she had,
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-07
Pinakabagong kabanata
A Bride For A Truce Adorned In Diamonds
SERAFINA ★2:45PM- Less than two hours to the show★ By the time we wrapped up the final run-through, my body ached and my throat was a bit raw. Thank God for my lozenges. Applause bounced off the empty theater from a few staff and stagehands but all I could think of was getting home in time to change and clear my head before the final call. Yuri opened the car door the moment I stepped out of the building. “Home?” he asked. I nodded, tugging my coat tighter. “Yes.” And step on it please..” The ride back home was quick and uneventful. I leaned my head on the window as I watched the city blur past as i mentally ran through every note of my aria.Occasionally my thoughts would drift to Adrik and how he had said my name this morning. By the time we pulled up to the penthouse, it was nearing 3:20pm. I had roughly an hour to transform myself from a tired woman to a soprano who would command the stage. Nadia met me at the door, hovering like a mother
A Bride For A Truce Rooting for you.
SERAFINA I jolted upright as my eyes landed on the time—9:30am. “Shit,” I muttered as I scrambled out of bed, throwing off the covers and darting into the bathroom. The show might not start until 5pm, but rehearsals, fittings, and last-minute preparation meant I had to be at the theatre by 11. I couldn't afford to be late. After a quick shower, I towel-dried my hair and grabbed my phone from the counter where I had left it. Two unread messages were waiting. The first was from Diana. Diana: ‘Emergency surgery this morning. I’m so sorry Sera. Break a leg tonight, I’ll be cheering from the hospital.’ The second was from Irina. Irina: ‘Landing at JFK at 2:15pm. Can't wait to see you. Save me a front-row seat, my favorite diva’. A small smile tugged at my lips. Leave it to Irina to be dramatic. I had told her about today's performance weeks ago and she had cleared her schedule and booked a flight to be here in person. My thoughts drifted t
A Bride For A Truce Claiming her carefully.
SERAFINA Adrik helped me down from the counter but I couldn't look away from him. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll ignore the fact that I have a meeting in 20 minutes and fuck you right now.” My cheeks flushed in embarrassment as I bit my lip, looking away shyly. “Fuck, Malyshka.Don’t do that.” he cursed. My eyes darted back to him in alarm. “Do what?” “Bite your lip like that again and i’ll forget every ounce of restraint, i have,” he smirked. “But your first time with me?” He said tracing a finger down my cheek. “It won’t be rushed.” I clenched my thighs together as images of Adrik kissing and thrusting into me flooded my mind. At this point, I wanted him to have his way with me but I was too shy to admit it. My phone rings out from its position on the counter and I walk to it and see Giovanni’s name across the screen. “Hi, Gio. How are you this fine morning?” I greeted. From the side of my eye, I notice Adrik stiffen slightly. “Amore!” he called out
A Bride For A Truce Heat in the kitchen 🔞
SERAFINA My heart shouldn't be fluttering like this. This man makes me feel things I wasn't ready to confront yet, emotions that scare me and make me want to let loose all at the same time. My lips still tingled from the kiss, my body thrumming in anticipation of more. He held the glass of water to my lips as he stood between my parted legs, grinning like he had just won a Grammy and I was the trophy. “Open up sweetheart.” His voice sounded like honey. “After breakfast…I’m having you for dessert.” Heat coursed through me. Not just because of the words, but the way he said them, the words sounding like a promise. Like he’d already imagined the way my body would melt under his mouth and hands. And the worst part? So had I. I took a sip from the glass, focusing on the cool water rather than the mischievous look in his eyes. “You're a shameless flirt,” I muttered, pushing the glass away with a huff. “Only for you,” he murmured as his gaze roamed down to my mouth, lingeri
A Bride For A Truce You for dessert
ADRIKO The warmth beside me was gone. I blinked against the morning light as my eyelids fluttered open, stretching my arms against the space where Serafina laid snuggled up against me a few hours ago. The sheets still felt warm but she was gone. A frown pulled at my lips as i glanced around the room. “Sera?” I called out,my voice still gruff with sleep but there was no answer. She hadn’t slept well last night—even being curled up to me, she had found it difficult to fall asleep. I hadn’t asked questions or prodded to know what the nightmares were about but i could tell that they upset her. I’d stayed with her, whispering words of comfort in Russian until she drifted asleep, her fingers still holding me for comfort. The scent of something spicy drifted into my nose, luring me out of bed. I ran a hand through my hair, stepping into her bathroom to brush my teeth with the spare toothbrush I knew was there. My eyes scanned the bathroom sink as I took in the array of product
A Bride For A Truce Chasing Nightmares
ADRIKO THE PENTHOUSE I needed a drink. Something stiff to relieve the tension, frustration, and a little bit of bloodlust that plagued me. I was spiraling and I hated the feeling of not being in control. Striding to the bar, I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and took a swig straight from the bottle. I knew leaving Russia and setting base in New York would raise eyebrows especially as I was straying away from the more traditional aspects of the Bratva but from today's attack, it seemed a particular syndicate had grudges against my operations. I paused at Serafina’s doorway and looked in. She was asleep, curled up against the pillows, her hair a mess of fiery auburn spread across the pillow. Her lips were parted slightly, her breathing soft and even. She looked like she didn’t belong here in my fucked up world. She looked so out of reach, untouchable. But I had touched her. And fuck I wanted to do it again. I exhaled, dragging a hand through my hair as I approached the
A Bride For A Truce Play by the rules
ADRIKO If 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 now. 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, in
A Bride For A Truce Taste Like Heaven
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. A
A Bride For A Truce Crave You
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. “
