My stomach turned to lead. He refused. This was a script from my worst nightmare. I could feel the blood draining from my face. Had I been too arrogant in thinking he might agree? Perhaps I was only fooling myself. I wasn't presentable enough. I had no true value to him. Still, I wanted to know. I needed to hear it. “Why?” I choked out. “Is it because I'm not Italian?”He shook his head. “If I'd wanted someone to act as my wife, I would have hired an actress.” His cold voice echoed through the room.“Then what else do you want?” My hands shot up in frustration. “You want me to become your assistant? Your personal maid? Or maybe you want me to bake you fucking cookies?!”His lips curved, but the smile that formed was dark... feral. “What you offer is still only the wrapper. What I want is the whole package.”I swallowed, suddenly feeling naked despite the layers of fabric covering my skin. “There are limits to what I am willing to sell,” I gritted out.A soft chuckle escaped him. “Do y
I was still in a daze after our quite intense kissing, but I was conscious enough for all kinds of questions to appear. I stared at him in silence, processing everything he had told me before blurting out, “I won't bear you a child.”Amusement danced on his lips. “Never say never.”My hands fisted. “We're not going to add a child into our deal.”“There won't be any deal.” He leaned forward, his lips forming a sly smirk. “You will marry me because you want to, and I will pay for your mother's treatment out of the goodness of my heart.”I huffed out a laugh and folded my arms across my chest. “Are you serious?”His smirk turned into a sultry grin. “Deadly serious. My friend, Rowan, will drive you home and give you a few documents to fill out. I'll need them to take care of your mother.” He leaned back in his chair and glanced at his watch. “Now I'll have to ask you to leave. I'm having an appointment in a few minutes.”I studied him in absolute disbelief. “You really mean what you said,
HUNTERI stood by the wall-to-ceiling window, looking at the sun setting over Manhattan. I should have been celebrating. The first part of my plan had succeeded. Instead, the mix of emotions I felt put me on the edge.The sun was bloody as if to emphasize the recently spilled blood. Exhaling slowly, I looked at my hand and the itching skin on my healing, still-reddish knuckles. A faint smile stretched my lips. At least one good thing happened today. One piece of shit less in this fucked-up world.The door behind my back slid open, and Rowan stormed into my office. “The news about the police finding Marchetti's body is now everywhere,” he said through his teeth. “I bet that the old fucker is already heading here.”I could feel the incoming headache. I glanced at my hand again and turned around to face Rowan. “How much do you think he knows?”Rowan dragged his hand over his face and slumped down on the sofa. “He knows that Giulio was last seen at the wedding. Apparently, Giulio told one
I woke up the same way I'd woken up yesterday and the day before—with a painful hard-on. Growling out a curse, I rose from the bed and walked into the shower cabin. If only jerking off could lessen the thirst I felt. It sure as fuck didn't work this way, and Catherine Duncan was the one to blame.I wanted those rouge, heart-shaped lips wrapped around my cock. I wanted to watch those stunning green eyes widen as she took me in. I dreamed about it and about everything I would do to her once she became mine. I wondered if she knew how badly she had gotten under my skin. I bet she had no idea.I couldn't fully comprehend it myself. At first glance, she wasn't much different from other pretty faces I had met before her. Perhaps it had been that wild determination in her eyes or the way she'd tried to fight in my office. I could still hear her breathy little moans… Fuck, I was hard again.I'd just walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around my hips, when my phone rang. I snatched it
CATHERINE“And this will be your bedroom.” Marcello Salvo, the maggiordomo, opened the door and gestured for me to enter.I gave him a nervous nod before passing the threshold. My breath caught at the sight of a beautiful chamber filled with light. A slow smile rose on my face as I took in the large, dark wooden floor, cream-white furniture, large canopy bed, and carefully chosen accessories. My feet moved on their own, heading to the row of arched windows. They overlooked the stunning garden. God… I could paint this place for hours and hours.“I hope you'll find this place comfortable,” Marcello's voice sounded behind me. Only then did I realize he was still here, waiting for my reaction and perhaps acceptance.I turned around and smiled at the gray-haired man. “This room is amazing. This whole place is mesmerizing.”Marcello slightly bowed at the waist before pointing at the door on the right. “The bathroom is over there. I took the liberty of filling it with a few cosmetics worthy
I walked through the doors into the marble-covered veranda, and my eyes instantly drifted to the black Bentley parked in front of the mansion. The driver dressed in a jacket, a fitted tee, and slacks—all black—leaned against the front door with his muscled arms crossed over his broad chest. He had chestnut hair and light hazel eyes, slightly creepily emphasized by his golden-brown complexion.He watched me descend the steps, scanning me from head to toe before offering a curt bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Duncan.”“Ferro… right?” I gave him a nervous smile.“At your service.” He nodded and opened the door, helping me into the car. “Where to?”“Sinclair Clinic,” I said, watching his dark brows rise in a silent question. “Doctor Robert Sinclair is a neurologist. He's treating my mother.”“I see.” He nodded before rushing to sit behind the wheel. He started the engine and glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Hope she'll get better soon.” A small, sympathetic smile curved his lips.“Th
This had to be some seriously fucked-up joke. Why, of all people, did I have to run into the one I was supposed to avoid?! Calvin closed the door behind him as his father—the hoarse voice I had heard before—continued to yell at the poor doctor.Grinding my teeth, I stepped back and squared my shoulders. “I heard about Connor. Sorry for your loss,” I clipped. Then I offered him a shallow bow and tried to walk past him.He was faster, stepping in front of me and blocking my way again. “So that's it? You say your sorry-ass condolences and walk away? Why are you here, Catherine?”I saw his fisted hands and clenched jaw. I could almost feel the acidic rage radiating from him. “My mother's in this clinic,” I explained quietly. “I need to go back to her, so…” I turned around, but he grabbed my arm, forcing me to a halt.“What are you doing here, on this floor?” he hissed.I jerked my arm, freeing myself from his grip. “I don't need to answer your questions.”He leaned over me, fury burning i
HUNTERCatherine frowned at me, summoning defiance, even though the lovely blush on her cheeks had already betrayed her. My eyes slowly traced the slender column of her neck and the well-defined curves of her breasts before drifting lower to her thighs, now wrapped in her skinny blue jeans. I didn't fail to notice how she squeezed her legs together. I couldn't help but smile at that.She bit her lip hard enough to cut skin. Did my firecracker enjoy a little pain? I was more than eager to test that theory. The more I anticipated the moment she would be mine.“And what if I say no?” she asked, deepening her frown. “Will you force your claim on me?”I stepped back and locked my eyes on hers. “I would never force you,” I said, and meant it.She huffed, folding her arms across her curvy chest. “Then are you planning to seduce me?”My tongue darted out, tracing the seam of my lip. “The question is: do I truly need to?”She rolled her eyes. “There should be limits to that arrogance of yours.
The high-pitched tone kept ringing in my ears. My breath was labored, and my legs threatened to give up from under me. I failed her. I let them take her away. I should have done things differently. I should have assumed the worst and headed to that fucking lab faster. I shouldn't have hesitated. I should have just lunged at them and blown their fucking heads off.I forced another deep breath into my lungs, but my tightened ribcage refused to cooperate. I could barely focus on my surroundings. My mind kept replaying the moment the redhead had carried my unconscious firecracker into the van and then driven away…“They're all dead.” Rowan's voice dragged me out of my bewilderment. He walked over to me with a tight grimace twisting his lips. “A few we didn't kill committed suicide as soon as they figured out they lost. Others were killed by the drug.”“Fucking perfect.” I dragged my fingers through my hair. “Catherine is gone, and there's no one who could tell us where those fuckers took
HUNTERCatherine. Hearing she might be in danger knocked the air out of my lungs. I barked out several commands, grabbed my combat clothes and guns, and a moment later, I was inside the van, heading to the location Catherine had sent in her text.It wasn't far from Scarsdale, but we still needed time to get there. What if we came too late? No. We would make it. I couldn't let myself think otherwise.I shoved those thoughts away. I needed to focus. We rode in the column—five vans with my best men inside them. Ferro was driving the one I was in. I could see his firm grip on the wheel and rage burning in his eyes. I had rarely seen him this infuriated, but this was about Catherine, and I knew that he—just like the others in my team—would annihilate everyone who tried to hurt her.I called Lazar. His first team had just arrived and began to check the area, quickly confirming our suspicions: the renegades had surrounded the entire complex.My blood turned into molten lava. “Who else knew a
My heart hammered against my chest. I looked around, but there was only him and me standing in that courtyard. I whirled around, trying to run, but then he grabbed my arm, violently pulling me to a halt.“Don't resist. It will hurt if you do.” His dark laugh sounded. He turned me toward him and pressed the gun to my temple. My breath hitched as I saw his finger slowly curling on the trigger. “He wanted you to live, but I could get away with killing you on the spot,” he purred.I believed him. He wanted me to give him a reason. Shit. I couldn't even risk calling out to Logan without provoking him. Not to mention that I would have been dead before Logan heard me…“I'll… behave,” I choked out.He huffed out a laugh. “Good girl.” He shifted his gun, pressing the barrel against my back as he pushed me toward a narrow passage. “Move,” he snarled.I was partially relieved he led me away from the lab, but that didn't exactly solve my problem. I started walking, cautiously glancing around. It
CATHERINEI dropped the phone on the table and slumped down on the bed. My hands were shaking, and I could barely stop my hectic swirl of thoughts. The people I had laughed with a few days ago were slaughtered in their own house along with thirty members of the staff working for them.The renegades' attacks had become more frequent and more brutal than ever, and our new allies had grown impatient. My great-uncle told me to ignore them. He said he would handle them himself, but how could I let him when I caused it all?Vera or Nikolay had been coming to Lazar's office at least twice a day, asking for the Pink Opium. They kept pushing, demanding that Lazar tell them where our lab was. He wouldn't tell them anything, but I knew that their frequent visits had already been drawing too much attention. I would have lied had I said their reckless behavior hadn't made me anxious. I knew it was only a matter of time before the news about the complete Pink Opium formula reached the renegades' ea
Exhaustion coated my feet like lead, turning each step into a struggle, but I couldn't allow myself to rest, not after what we had just found out. I rolled back my shoulders and walked into the salon where the rest of my Italian allies waited for the news.They occupied two leather sofas and two armchairs. Only Guido stood by the window, clearly avoiding my gaze as I entered. “Glad you're all here,” I said as my eyes swept through the room. Then I walked toward the seats, stopping in a place where I could see them all. “I bet you all want to know about the results of Arianna Pelligrini's interrogation.”I heard a quiet huff, and I didn't need to look to know it was Guido. He was the only one who already knew what Arianna had told us—he'd heard it all. Even now, a few hours after the interrogation had ended, I could feel the mix of rage and shame radiating from him.“Hope you learned something useful from your—as I believe—former fiancée.” Luca Barbieri gave me a meaningful look.I res
I walked over to Ferro, who leaned against the wall next to Arianna's cell. I jerked my chin at the door. “Did she behave?”A wicked smirk appeared. “She kept banging at the door and screaming for about an hour. Then she finally gave up and remained quiet ever since.”“I see.” I nodded before gesturing for him to open the door.He pulled out the key card but then halted and gave me a wry smile. “Boss… you don't have to do this. Remo and I can take care of the interrogation.”I almost laughed. “Your concern is unnecessary.” I clasped my hand on his shoulder. “Do you honestly believe I would feel sorry for someone who tried to kill me for my money?”“I see your point.” His lips formed a thin line. Then he nodded and opened the cell.The door creaked, revealing a dark cell. I pushed the door further, letting the dim light illuminate the small space. Then I noticed Arianna sitting on the floor with her legs curled up to her chest and hands wrapped around her knees. She was barefoot and dr
HUNTERI knew that showing up at this meeting was risky. Not to mention that my current allies had yet to find out about the changes they would be a part of. The mutual agreement would not come peacefully. They might have even more objections than the leaders at Lazar's table. But we had to start building this mutual front, and we had to do it now.I knew Catherine well enough to realize that something was off, and I knew I had to support her. It was crucial that none of the remaining Bratva leaders question her words. Fortunately, only Vera was overly curious about the drug and where it was produced. The new head of the Nikitin family helped shut her up. He seemed like a decent guy, and knowing the numbers of his family's soldiers, I wouldn't mind having him as my ally.The rest of the meeting had gone without incident. We all agreed we needed more information about Lagunov's army. A few shared the information they had on the renegades, but everyone was aware that this wasn't enough
I sat at one of the top seats, on Lazar's left, trying to ignore the glowers coming from all sides of the table. The leaders' hostility toward me was nearly palpable, and none of them cared I was here under my great-uncle's protection. To them, I was a whore who had taken the Fedorov's name by some fucked-up accident. Yep… their attitude surely wasn't helping.A few seats remained empty. Several leaders refused to come; two or three were running late. Others, however, seemed impatient, urging Lazar to start the meeting.Vera sat next to her son, Nikolay, both were glaring daggers at me. Abram and Rafail appeared more neutral, but I was positive neither of them enjoyed my presence. Even Mr. Boris Sokolov, Nina's father, looked at me with cold indifference. I knew I shouldn't let their attitude get to me. I should just focus on my task. Still, I wished I had more than just my great-uncle's support.Finally, Lazar meaningfully cleared his throat and rose to his feet. “Most of you know wh
CATHERINEI woke up in the middle of the night soaked in cold sweat. My heart thundered, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I pressed my trembling hand to my chest, trying to soothe the frantic pounding. Then I realized my throat was sore… Had I been screaming?The knock on my door caused me to flinch. “Ms. Fedorova… is everything all right? May I come in?” Daniel's voice sounded through the door.I sucked in a shaky breath and pulled the sheets up to my neck. “Come in,” I rasped.The door opened, and Daniel's bald, bronze head appeared. “I heard screaming,” he muttered cautiously. “I thought it was better to check…”I smiled wryly. “I only had a bad dream… but feel free to enter.”His lips formed a tight line, but then he nodded and stepped inside the room. “I apologize for my intrusion,” he murmured, swiftly checking every corner. In the dimly illuminated space, he resembled a graceful shadow. His inspection lasted less than a minute. Then he stopped a few steps away from my bed and