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, his ocean-blue eyes scanning my face. His fingers brushed against my forehead and I caught a glimpse of a red crimson stain smeared across his fingertips as he pulled away. My stomach churned. “Is that…blood?” I muttered, my voice coming out weaker than I expected. ”It’s a small cut,” he said quickly, his voice firm. A sharp pain flared through me as I tried to move. “My side” my throat burned as i spoke, “It hurts”. His expression turned to one of concern immediately. “Lay back down, I’ll be back,” he responded tightly. Before I can process his words he rises to his feet, the sudden absence of his warmth making me shiver. He strides towards Sergei and the rest of his men, giving out orders. “Lockdown the area, evacuate the guests”.Alert Dinma to send reinforcements now, he barked. “Yes boss”, Sergei responds. “How about Irina?” Adriko asked. “She’s safe.” Adriko nodded, then paused mid-step. “Find the source. I want to know who is behind this, every link,every whisper, track it down”. He says sharply. Sergei nodded and disappeared into the shadows. I pushed myself up on trembling arms but the world spun violently, forcing me back down. Hot tears clouded my vision, threatening to spill over. Just a week ago, my life was so simple. How did I go From singing on stage to now being a target? Adriko returned a moment later kneeling beside me. “Hey,” he whispered, his hand brushing my forehead, steady and surprisingly gentle. “We’re leaving”, he continued, his voice low but firm as if trying not to betray the tension pulling at him. “Can you stand?” “I think so” I lied through gritted teeth, the pain flaring sharply in protest. He pinned me with a stare as if he knew the truth but didn't bother to call me out on it. He scooped me up with ease, his stride steady despite the chaos around us. My head rested against his broad chest, my limbs too heavy to move. I sucked in a sharp breath as pain laced through my side with every step. “I can walk,” I protested. “No you can’t,” he replied with a note of finality. Barking out sharp and urgent commands, he carried me to the waiting SUV. The cool leather seat pressed against my back as I snuggled into the warm blanket that was placed over me. Adriko got in beside me as the driver put the car in motion and sped from the mayhem. ************************* The ride to the penthouse was a quiet blur. Adriko’s occasional instructions over the phone breaking the silence. “Here,” I turned to see him extending a bottle of water towards me. I hesitated, my hands still trembling too much to be able to grip it firmly. He sighed with a slight shake of his head, unscrewing the cap and holding the bottle to my lips, his fingers brushing against my chin. I took a small sip, the cold liquid immediately soothing my parched throat. “Thank you” I murmured, my voice still faint. He didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the road. The car came to a halt in front of a massive building. Adriko came to my side of the car, his movements swift. He pulled open the door and lifted me out. I hated how safe I felt. How dare he make me feel this way when my world was in turmoil? “Put me down,” I muttered. “I can…” “Enough!” he snapped, his tone sharp and final. I bristled at his sharp tone “You seem to be very good at barking out orders. Why don't you command me to breathe while you're at it?” His grip tightened on me “Watch your words Serafina” he murmured calmly “or I might drop you''. I fell silent, biting back the retort on the tip of my tongue. Inside the reception area, the luxury of the building was even more glaring. Security guards littered the perimeter reminding me of the mayhem we just left, they glanced briefly at us and looked away just as quickly. Paying them no mind, he strode towards the elevator and placed his thumb over a scanner. The doors swung open and he stepped in, cradling me closer as we rode up to the first floor. When the doors swung open it revealed a penthouse that was breathtaking with its floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the massive living room. Walking down a faintly lit hallway towards a door, he pushed it open to reveal a guest room. Striding towards the bed, he placed me down gently. I glanced around, noting the lavish furnishings and the faint scent of lavender in the air. “Stay still” he ordered, disappearing briefly before returning with a first aid kit and a damp cloth. He discarded his jacket, revealing the tattoos that snaked up his arms. “This might sting,” he soothed pulling a chair close, his intense gaze locking on mine. “You don't have to fuss over me” I whispered looking away to avoid his gaze that suddenly made me uncomfortable. “Fuss?” he scoffed. “I’m doing you a favor, people don't get this kind of treatment from me”. “Oh, lucky me,” I said dryly. He started with the cut on my forehead, dabbing at it gently with the damp cloth. I winced, the sting sharper than I anticipated. He worked fast and expertly, stitching the cut and placing a light bandage over it. He glanced at me while packing up the first aid box. “You'll need to get out of this dress, “ he quipped eyeing the torn-up and greased dress. “Why?” I asked sharply, my guard rising instantly. He sighed in frustration “To check your ribs. Relax Serafina”, he said, his voice laced with mockery. I have no interest in seeing you naked. You're not my type”. My cheeks burned “Go to hell” I spat. Clenching my fists at his mocking tone. “Ladies first” he murmured, his lips curling into a humorless smirk but as soon as it appeared, it was gone. The ringing of his phone cuts through the tense silence. He glances at the caller ID and slides it into his pocket. Standing, he picks up his jacket. “Nadia, my housekeeper, is coming to help you out of that dress.“Get some rest,” his voice was cold as he strode towards the door. “The doctor will be here soon to check your ribs.” And then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.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
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
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
ADRIK There are a lot of principles I live by and one of them is to never hit/touch a woman. But as I stared at Zlata who was tied up to a chair in the club’s basement, I found myself dangerously close to crossing that line.“I called Dr Lebedev.” I said keeping my voice even “We’re going to be running a pregnancy and DNA test to confirm your claim.” Her eyes widened slightly. She wasn't expecting this. “If it turns out that you're lying.” I pause for a second to let the weight of the words sink in. “Well Let’s just hope you're not.” She squirmed in her seat. “You didn't have to tie me up like some criminal. This is humiliating.” “You came to my house. In front of my wife, I reminded her coldly. You humiliated yourself the moment you did that. Now we play by my rules.” She scoffed. “Is that what she is now? Your wife? Don't tell me you're actually catching feelings Adrik.”I didn't reply. My silence was enough answer. She leaned forward, her voice dripping with bitterness. “
ZLATA’S POV My hands trembled with barely concealed rage as I fished my phone out of my clutch and placed a call through. “I’m coming over.” I spat.without waiting for a response, I hung up.“Take me to his apartment,” I instruct the driver as he sped downtown. That bitch. I thought to myself as I replayed Serafina’s words to me. She doesn't know him the way I do. She hadn't watched him lose it when the memories/nightmares hit. She hadn't comforted him when he spiraled after his mum's death. She hadn't waited in silence for years, letting him go and come as he pleased because deep down I thought he would choose me. I believed I was the only one who could handle all of him—his rage, his cruelty, and his rare softness. Adrik and I go way farther than New York. We had grown up together in Russia, our families closely knit, our father’s business partners. I had been hopelessly in love with him for years holding out hope that he would ask me to be his wife. But the only thing he had e
ADRIKO ☦︎ One week after the explosion☦︎ The days that followed were a blur. With one day fading listlessly into the next. Gio was gone—declared dead on arrival. Serafina hadn't spoken much since, not beyond whispered thanks or soft refusals. Gio’s death had triggered a raging type of anger within me, knowing that Sera was the initial target had made me more paranoid. I’d been burying my rage beneath the weight of security briefings, investigations, and logistics. It was a gray morning. Ironically it was the type that whispered of rain and also smelt like grief. The cemetery was quiet, except for the wind, blowing through the branches overhead. I stood beside Serafina, her hand clutched tightly in mine, though she hadn't said a word since we stepped out of the car. She wore black, as did everyone here.Her eyes…which were red rimmed and far away, never left the casket. Next to her stood her best friend Diana and Irina as well. Giovanni Morelli. Her manager and frie
ADRIKOThe opera was packed full. I hated crowds, the reason why I usually stayed away from most events. I sat in the private box with Irina to my right.she had been chatting my head off from the moment i got here. My hands drummed lightly against the armrest. I have to admit, I was a little bit anxious to watch her perform. The memory of her flushed skin as I fastened the necklace around her neck hadn't left my head.A hush falls over the crowd as an announcement comes from the PA system. A welcome to the audience and a reminder to silence all devices. The curtains rose. And there she stood centerstage, the gold lights bathing her skin. She glowed in the champagne silk dress, my gift sparkling at her throat but it wasn't the diamonds that stole my breath away. It was her. She commanded the stage and owned it. Every emotion in her grey eyes said i belong here, this is my turf but i could tell she was nervous from the tightness of her shoulders. Her lips parted and the first note
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 hen. “Hot tea is in yo
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
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
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
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