The Price Of Peace

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 to glance back at Sergei. “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 through gritted teeth. “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, his voice calm “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 said, pulling a chair close, his intense gaze locking on mine.

“You don't have to fuss over me” I muttered, 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.