Andrei's POV “I need you to wrap things up, Paul. Adjourn the meeting until tomorrow evening. I'm slammed right now. Get out of the office and go pick up Brielle — it's almost 7 pm,” I tell him over the phone, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice. This guy can be a bit of a space cadet sometimes. I swear, I told him to leave the office early and pick Brielle up on time. What's going through that head of his? He's still rambling on, saying something about how he thought I was going to pick up Brielle myself. But honestly, I don't have time for this conversation. I'm not in the mood to argue, and even on a normal day, I wouldn't hesitate to debate him until I proved my point. I suck in a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill my lungs. The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers is nice and all, but I'm not exactly here to stop and smell the roses. My mind's preoccupied with one person: Brielle. The woman who's been on my mind 24/7, and who I'm about to put
Andrei's POV. I'm heading towards my car at a rapid pace, my mind consumed by thoughts of what could be happening. But when I try to call Paul, I'm met with an annoying busy signal. I hear Helen's frantic voice behind me, but I don't have time to reassure her. I rip open the driver's door and dive into the seat. My key jams into the ignition, and I crank the engine to life. Taking a moment to collect myself, I turn to Helen… “Keep Alexis indoors, lock every door, every window. Don't open them for anyone. Not a neighbor, not a delivery guy, not even a cop. No one. You're the only one I trust to keep him safe. I'll be back as soon as I can." Helen's subtle nod is enough. I floor it, racing away from the Carter estate. It's Jeremy. I'm certain of it. He's the only one twisted enough to pull a stunt like this. I slam the pedal to the floor, racing towards Brielle's apartment with a gut full of rage. What's his twisted motive for snatching her because I know it's him – the sick
Andrei's POV Hands laid firmly on Jeremy's chest, a hard shove follows, “Don't you dare try to deny it, you son of a bitch! You're the one who did it. Dirty bastard, you killed Jamie and left her body here, What's your game, huh? Trying to set me up?!” “You're pointing fingers awful fast, Andrei. Maybe you should take a hard look at your alibi before accusing me. Timing's not on your side, is it? I'm sure you saw me pull in. How could I have possibly committed the crime in the last two minutes?” “Don't think I'm oblivious to your checkered past, Jeremy. You've been around the block a few times.” “Listen, I've paid my dues and changed my ways. I don't know what you're insinuating, but I've never seen that woman before. She means nothing to me.” “Cut the act. No one's gonna believe that you were just taking a midnight stroll through my office building for no reason.” Jeremy throws his hands up, looking all innocent. “I have no clue what you're on about. I'm telling you, m
Brielle's POV. It's incredibly quiet – the kind of silence that makes you acutely aware of your heartbeat and every breath you take. My mind foggy, Every thought feels like it's slogging through knee-deep mud. I try to move, but my wrists are bound tightly behind me, the rope digging into my skin with a dull ache that's become all too familiar. I've been drifting in and out of consciousness, One minute I'm up, the next I'm face-planting into dreamland. Time has lost all meaning. The silence and darkness are absolute. The chair is hard and cold beneath me. The blindfold cinched around my head shuts out all light, forcing me to rely on my hearing. Footsteps echo. One, two, three, four, five… deliberate, unhurried. The creaking sound that follows signals the door slowly opening and chilly gust sweeps in, reviving my senses. It's him. A chair scrapes against the floor, the sound grating and loud. Then, silence. A moment later, the wooden frame creaks. I sense a presence acr
Andrei's POV I've known Paul for what feels like an eternity — through thick and thin, ups and downs. He's been more than just a friend or colleague; he's been my rock, my confidant, my partner in every sense. But lately, I've been plagued by doubts, serious doubts. Now, I'm faced with the unsettling possibility that Paul might be involved in all this chaos. The thought alone makes my stomach turn. Could the one person I've trusted with my life be the very one betraying me? It's a question I never thought I'd have to ask, but here I am, wondering if our years of friendship and loyalty have been nothing more than a clever ruse. It's a real pain in the neck dealing with him and his issues. If only he could get his act together and start behaving like a decent human being, maybe things would run more smoothly. But no, he's vanished into thin air. I'm talking zero trace, zero communication. It's like he never existed. And the worst part? He was the last person I sent to fet
Andrei's POV “You've got a lot of nerve showing up here, Jeremy. You're not forgiven. Not by a long shot. So don't think for a second that you can just waltz in here and expect everything to be okay. You better leave.” “Can't you see I'm trying to make amends? I've changed, and I want to prove it to you. All I'm asking is for a chance to meet my nephew, Alexis. Is that too much to ask?” I meet Jeremy's gaze, my expression cold and unyielding. There's no sympathy, no weakness in my eyes. He may think he's found a way back into the family's good graces, but he's mistaken. “Whatever delusions you have of redemption, of second chances, they don't matter here. Get back in your car, leave.” He glances back at his car, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of his true self: a smug, self-assured individual who thinks he can charm his way out of anything. “No worries, brother, Next time I'll make sure to let you know I'm coming. You know so you can barricade yourself inside and hide. Wouldn'
Brielle's POV The bathroom's lavish decor is truly fit for royalty, brimming with lavish details that dazzle the senses. My gaze is darting everywhere, drinking in the luxurious marble floors, gold fixtures, and the crazy exotic scents too. I inhale deeply, the scent of vanilla bean Noel and caramelized amber envelops me, transporting me to a world of tranquility. It's like my worries are dissolving in a warm bubble bath. But, just as I'm about to surrender to the bliss, my conscience decides to stage an intervention. 'Hey, snap out of it! This isn't a five-star hotel – it's a hostage situation!' I blink back to reality. That’s me, standing there like a deer in the headlights, trying to process the cognitive dissonance of being held hostage in a palace of caramel-scented luxury. As if the situation couldn’t get any more lavish, I spot freaking sauna – a real-life, steam-emitting temple of zen – nestled in the corner of this already-insane bathroom. It's weird how the
Brielle's POV. “My shooter's just waiting for the green light. Don't make me give the order. It’s that simple.” I swallow hard, realizing that this is no idle threat—this man means business, and he’s playing a game I don’t know the rules to. As much as it terrifies me, I force myself to nod. “Go. Take the papers from Andrei. Don't speak. Don't hesitate. Just bring them back to me.” Our eyes meet, and I nod, signaling my understanding. He accepts my silent assent and resumes his instructions. “Get the papers, then head to exit five. I'll be there, waiting for you. We'll leave together, nice and quiet. Eyes on you, don't mess this up.” The music stops. The party freezes. He releases my arm, and in an instant, he's gone, swallowed up by the crowd. Masks glint, jewels flash, and the murmur of conversations assaults my senses. The room tilts, and I stumble, my senses reeling. The sound of my name, or rather, the term 'beautiful', startles me. I spin around, and my gaze m
Andrei's POV. Striding through the marble-lined corridors of my headquarters, I navigate my way toward the Control Room, a high-tech nerve center situated on the upper floor of the Carter Estate. I'm on the phone with Helen, trying to talk some sense into her. She's being stubborn, as usual, and I'm having to work overtime to keep my cool. “No, you can't come over to the estate. Not yet,” I tell Helen firmly, trying to stall her. "Just… just give me a little more time We're on the precipice of something crucial here. I need more time to ensure everything is in place before your arrival. I'm handling things, just as I've always done. “Think of your son, Andrei. He needs you right now.” It's a painful truth I often overlook: being a father. My son needs me, but life's demands have taken over. The thought of not being there for him fills me with regret, anger, and a deep sadness that's suffocating me. “Alexis stays out of this, Helen,” I assert. “The situation is far too volatile
Brielle's POV. “Sweet mother of chaos, Ivy. You’re like a moth drawn to the flame, begging to get scorched. And I’m here, trying to wave you away like a lunatic waving a fan at a forest fire.” What the hell do I have to do? Sing a lullaby about how dangerous Valtor is? This is ridiculous. I shouldn't have to babysit Ivy like this. But I can’t just let her walk into this mess with Valtor. She’s gonna get herself killed. I'm stuck pacing my room, trying to make sense of Ivy's latest crisis. But then, I glance out the window- Andrei's car is parked in the driveway. Without thinking, I'm hurtling downstairs, my feet pounding out a staccato rhythm on the steps. The wooden banister glides beneath my hand as I round the landing. Fingers crossed Mom's snoring peacefully, completely clueless about Andrei's midnight rendezvous. And Jeremy? Let's just say I'm counting on his exceptional talent for being clueless. Or we’re pretty much screwed, aren’t we? One slip-up, one misstep, and it’s
Brielle's POV Andrei's taillights fade into the night, leaving me wondering what just happened. I take a deep breath, pushing open the front door to find Mom on the phone, gushing to Ivy about my homecoming. The music is playing, the champagne is flowing, and I'm stuck here, pretending to be happy about my engagement. Andrei's 'support' only adds to the farce. Jeremy's eyes burn with an inner fire as he asks for my hand. But instead of romance, I'm hit with a wave of dread. Those gray eyes are freakishly familiar — they're reminding me of the psycho who held me captive. For a second, I could swear it's my captor's eyes staring back at me. *** The party's over, and I'm left alone with my thoughts. Ivy's arrival is a welcome distraction, but my mind remains fixated on the ring and the unsettling sense of déjà vu that's been plaguing me since Jeremy proposed. “The prodigal daughter returns! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about everyone else, what with your busy s
Brielle's POV. “Hit the shower, toss on some clothes, we're heading to your parents'.” “I'm having second thoughts, Andrei. Seeing my parents might be more than I can… handle.” “It's not a big deal, really. We'll just keep it to ourselves and pretend everything's fine. No need to explain anything.” “what if Mom asks about… us.” “We have a contract, that's all.” We're driving to my parents' place, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around why Andrei's being so pushy about this visit. What's behind his sudden interest in seeing them? It all seems pretty random to me. He makes quick pit stop at a convenience store, hops out, goes inside, browses for a bit, and then makes a purchase. Whatever it is, he's quick to hide it in his pocket. Before I know it, he's back in the car, starting the engine like nothing's happened. *** “Brielle?! Oh my Gosh, it's really her!” Mom’s voice rings out across the yard, warm and cheerful, carrying the sounds of merriment. Her party vibe is und
Brielle's POV Sunlight dances across my eyelids, teasing me awake. I blink, and the room comes into focus – I'm snuggled up in a white sheet, feeling warm, fuzzy… and utterly naked. I'm still clutching the sheet around me, its folds providing a little modesty. I've got a deliciously sore core, but it's a good kind of ache — the kind that comes with memories of a passionate night. The room's empty, and it feels like a part of me is missing. I stumble towards the bathroom, still trying to shake off the remnants of last night, when I see a stain on the sheet—blood. My cheeks burn hotter than a bonfire as I sit back down. Andrei chooses the moment to walk in. He's wearing a white shirt, buttoned halfway, the fabric hugging his muscles in a way that makes my stomach do a little dance. His jeans are slung low on his hips, the denim accentuating his strong legs. He's truly, breathtakingly gorgeous. “I was starting to think you’d sleep forever," he teases, but his smirk looks a bit for
Brielle's POV Our eyes stay locked as he removes his shirt, revealing a body that's both beautiful and intimidating. His muscles are strong, defined, utterly masculine. It's not just his physique that's impressive – it's the way he carries himself. It's ridiculously… sexy. I lick my lips, my eyes fixed on him. I'm dying to run my hands over his body, stroke those chiseled abs, those strong arms. I want to run my hands all over him, feel every inch of that hard, muscled skin beneath my fingers. Andrei gives me this wicked little grin, like he knows exactly what I'm thinking. He takes my hand, places it on his abs. Oh man, it's like touching a rock-hard, warm marble statue. He fingers stroke my hand where it rests on his abs. “You know you want to explore.” I let my fingers slide over his skin, tracing the lines of his muscles. “You're…you're not making this easy,” I whisper, feeling my cheeks flush as I meet his gaze. He's like a breath of fresh air in a world that's always
Brielle's POV Andrei shifts his gaze, his throat bobbing as he swallows. Oh, Andrei's shy. Who knew? The nervous gesture makes him look endearingly vulnerable, and I feel a pang of affection for him. Feeling utterly self-conscious, I turn away. I must be losing my mind. No, it's my body. It's like… I don't know… That kiss, that… kiss, it unlocked something within me that's been lying dormant, waiting to break free. That kiss was… everything. Andrei's lips, his tongue, the way he devoured me… it's all still so raw. I lick my lips, and my nervous habit of biting them kicks in. I bite down. Hard. Like, I'm trying to punish myself for wanting more. But I do want more. So much more. My turbulent thoughts crash into Andrei's gaze, and it's like the whole world has come to a standstill… Those gorgeous brown orbs are igniting a fire… down South. “Why now?” he asks with a smirk, his eyes taunting me as he strides closer, “What's gotten into you? We're in the middle of a storm, and
Brielle's POV. “Give me a name, Brielle.” “I… I don't know. Andrei. I never got to see his face.” This is bad. Andrei's fury is palpable, and I'm not sure what he's capable of when he's this angry. “Nothing? No name? No details at all?” His questions come rapid-fire. A small shake of my head is all I can… manage. I catch a glimpse of his frustration, and it throws me off guard. I don't know what to make of it. Is he mad at me? At himself? I wish he wouldn't turn away like that; it's hard to read him when he's like this. He turns to face me again, his gaze intense, “I'll kill the bastard who did this to you. I swear it. No one hurts my woman and lives.” I'm gonna go ahead and high-five my heart for its little happy dance because, seeing Andrei here, ready to kick ass and take names, it's like a shot of adrenaline straight to my soul. I feel like a… what's the word? Giddy? No, that's too schoolgirl crushy. Overjoyed? Nah, too Hallmark movie-ish. Ecstatic? Yeah, that's it. Ecs
Brielle's POV Instead of revealing his identity, I'm here, sitting on a bed that feels more like a trap than a refuge. Blindfolded, tied up, and at the mercy of this creep. The thought of what he's planning to do makes me feel sick to my stomach. I guess my big mouth and daring ways finally caught up with me. It's like he's everywhere and nowhere at once, and I'm just sitting here, trying to figure out what his deal is with my hands tied behind my back, literally. Can't see a thing, but I feel his presence. And I'll bet a thousand bucks that he's not wearing a mask or anything, just standing there with his mug out for the world to see. Which makes me even more nervous. “I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm occupied, and I don't have time for your nonsense. Just… just hold your horses, alright? Don't bother trying to reach me. Stay put and wait for me to contact you.” A brief silence, and then it clicks – he's on a call. I start to wonder who's on the other end of that phone. Who