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Enemy Within
Last Updated:
2025-01-14 14:59:52
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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
Last Updated : 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.
Last Updated : 2025-01-22A Bride For A Truce The Mistress and the Wife
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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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 in 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, taken a cab to
Last Updated : 2025-02-07
Latest chapter
A Bride For A Truce Red stains and Reckless Hearts
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 spot. I needed
A Bride For A Truce Auction From Hell
ADRIKO The blue Cadillac pulled up in front of The Baccarat Hotel.I stepped out, adjusting my cufflinks before moving to Serafina’s side of the car. As I opened the door, she hesitated for a second before placing her hand in mine. Her skin was warm and soft.The moment we enter the underground gallery, all eyes turn to us. Conversations dwindling, hushed whispers trailing our movements as we cross the foyer to the main room where the auction will be held.This is my first public appearance with Serafina since the wedding and the first time I’ve ever brought a woman with me. There were extra security details with us tonight. I wasn't taking any chancesSerafina moved beside me, her posture calm but I noticed the way her eyes darted around, quietly observing the room I caught the leering gazes of men as they drank her in, their gazes lingering too long on her curves. I honestly do not blame them. She’s a siren in that sinful green dress.Tension coiled in my chest but I forced my exp
A Bride For A Truce Bratva Princess
SERAFINA I sighed exasperated as Adriko shut down yet another dress with a clipped ‘No.’ Seriously? I glared at the screen, resisting the urge to throw my phone at the nearest wall. Why did he even insist on approving my dress if he was going to reject every single one? It wasn't like I was showing up in rags. But no, the Almighty Pakhan had to have a say in everything. Staring at the message thread, my fingers hovered over the keyboard. A part of me wanted to send him something atrocious. Maybe a neon pink dress with feathers, just to ruffle his controlling feathers. Actually… That's not a bad idea I thought as a smirk pulled at the corner of my mouth. ”So, how are you enjoying married life?” Diana asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I had texted her last night to accompany me Shopping. Luckily for me, she didn't have a shift today. Dima and Mikhali trailed a few paces behind us as we moved around the aisle. I groaned dramatically “Oh, it's magical” I deadpanned
A Bride For A Truce Breathless Defiance
ADRIKO I watched her as she looked away from me, her hands gripping the plate she had just pulled from the microwave. “Why are you asking me that?” she finally responded. I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the countertop and pinning her with a stare. “Answer the question.” She exhaled sharply, moving forward to place my food in front of me. “Six years ago, I got in an accident with my mum.” She shut her eyes tightly as she continued “I survived. She didn't.” her voice broke on a choked sob. Her eyes fluttered open and my gut twisted the moment i caught the look in her eyes. Unshed tears swam in the gray depths. “Things became strained between Papa and Lorenzo after that. Lorenzo blamed him for her death.” she continued. “He disappeared a couple of months after.No one knows what happened to him.” I tilted my head, watching the vulnerable look on her face. I wanted to believe her, but trust was something i didn't give easily. “I’m sorry about your mother Serafin
A 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 in 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, taken a cab to
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
