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CHAPTER EIGHT
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BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER NINE
ZOEYI stood there, staring at myself in the mirror for what felt like forever. The decision to go to Velvet Shadow and face him weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Emma, my best friend, was losing her patience with my endless contemplation.I mulled it over repeatedly. Should I really go? Despite my burning desire to uncover everything about him, I also wanted to steer clear of the danger he exuded. After all, he wasn't just anyone; he was the most powerful man in the entire country.Emma's frustration bubbled over as she groaned behind me. "What the hell are you doing now? We agreed you're meeting him tonight!"I let out a heavy sigh. "I'm having second thoughts."She shot me an incredulous look from the bed. "You're my best friend, and I love you to bits, but I'm not risking my job for you."And she was absolutely right. That insufferable Theodore had threatened to kick both Emma and me to the curb if I didn't dig up something about Alexei Pushkin."So, you wouldn't care if I end u
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER TEN
ALEXEI Zoey’s defiance rattled me. I had expected fear, submission, anything but the steely resolve that burned in her eyes. She was a viper in a velvet dress, her beauty a disguise for the venom she carried within.I watched her leave, her emerald gown trailing behind her like a war cry. A slow smile spread across my face. I had underestimated her. That was a mistake I wouldn’t make again.As I sat alone in the dimly lit private room, I replayed our conversation in my mind. Her words echoed in the silence: “You are not invincible.”A wave of anger washed over me. Invincibility was the very foundation of my power. I had built an empire upon it, brick by bloody brick. To let even a shred of doubt creep in was to weaken the entire structure.Zoey was a threat, yes, but a manageable one. She was a lone wolf, armed only with words and a fragile sense of justice. I, on the other hand, had an army at my disposal,
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER ELEVEN
ZOEY The fluorescent lights of Gotham Press buzzed like angry bees, their harsh glare reflecting off the clutter of my desk. Papers piled high, coffee mugs forgotten in their wake, and a half-eaten donut provided the backdrop for my latest battle—a battle not with shadowy mob figures or elusive informants, but with my own infuriating boss, Theodore. Theodore, resplendent in a pinstriped suit that could probably buy a small island, stormed into my office, his face contorted in a scowl that would curdle milk. “Zoey,” he barked, his voice dripping with disapproval, “what in God’s name have you been doing?” I braced myself, already anticipating the lecture. “I’ve been working on the Pushkin story, Theodore,” I replied calmly, trying to keep my own irritation in check. He scoffed, a sound that resembled a particularly disdainful cat. “Working? You call this working? You’ve barely scratched the surface of this story, Zoey. Weeks ha
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER TWELVE
ZOEYI watched him walk away, my mind reeling. The audacity of the man, demanding my hand in marriage like it was nothing! My heart pounded against my ribs, anger and fear warring within me.His last words, the chilling threat about someone close to me, echoed in my ears. I knew he wasn't bluffing. This man was dangerous, capable of unspeakable acts, and I had inadvertently put myself and those I cared about in the crossfire.But I wouldn't let him win. I wouldn't become a pawn in his twisted game. I had a voice, and I would use it. I wouldn't sacrifice my dreams, my life, for his convenience. He may have the power, but I had the courage.Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. The path ahead would be fraught with danger, but I wouldn't back down. I would find a way to expose him, to protect myself and those I loved. I would not be another victim. He may have underestimated me, but I wouldn't make that mistake.The phone vibr
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ALEXEIThe metallic tang of blood filled my nostrils, the scent mingling with the acrid smoke that choked the air. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, a primal response to the chaos that had unfolded before my very eyes. Zoey lay still on the asphalt, her face pale and drawn, her eyes tightly shut.Panic, a monster I knew all too well, clawed at the edges of my control. It was the same fear that had haunted me for years, the fear I had worked so hard to suppress.As the orange tongues of fire licked the metal, a surge of memories flooded my consciousness—a haunting echo of the past that refused to be silenced. The world around me seemed to blur, and for a moment, I was transported back to a night marred by tragedy.The acrid scent of burning rubber and the crackling of flames filled the air. The night was etched with despair as I stood, paralyzed, watching my brother Kirill’s car engulfed in an inferno. His wife, my sister-in-
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ALEXEI The old warehouse loomed before us, a skeletal silhouette against the moonlit sky. The air hung heavy with the scent of salt and decay, a fitting backdrop for the confrontation that awaited us. Yaz pulled the car to a stop, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Ready, boss?” he asked, his voice a low rumble. I nodded, my heart pounding a steady rhythm against my ribs. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for. We stepped out of the car, the silence broken only by the lapping of waves against the pier. The warehouse stood before us, a dark and ominous presence. “Stay here,” I instructed Yaz, my voice firm. “I’ll handle this.” He hesitated for a moment, then nodded curtly. “Be careful, boss.” I gave him a reassuring smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. I knew the risks involved, but I wouldn’t let fear deter me. With a deep breath, I approached the warehouse, my footsteps echoing in the sti
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ZOEYThe acrid tang of smoke clawed at my throat, searing my lungs with every ragged breath. Flames danced before my eyes, licking at the tattered wallpaper and gnawing at the wooden beams above. Each crackle and hiss was a taunting whisper, echoing the inferno that had consumed my childhood.I was six again, small and terrified, huddled against the inferno with my mother. Her comforting embrace, once a haven, was now a scorching cage. The heat warped the air, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. Was I trapped in the burning embers of the past, or was this the chilling reality?The inferno pulsed around us, a monstrous heart spewing licks of fire like venomous tongues. The screams of my mother, raw and desperate, pierced the cacophony of crackling wood and roaring flames. She shielded me with her own body, a frail barrier against the searing heat."Mommy, it hurts!" My voice, a thin thread of terror, was lost in the inferno's
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ZOEYThe tears, hot and silent, streamed down my face, carving salty trails through the soot stains of my mascara. It wasn't just the fear, the chilling reality of my situation, that choked me. It was the humiliation, the burning shame of being so easily subdued, my defiance crumpling like a dry leaf under Alexei's icy grip.My gaze fell on the luxurious surroundings, the plush chair that felt like a throne of mockery, the sunbeams dancing on the polished floor like mocking laughter. This opulent cage, meant to be a haven, now felt like a gilded tomb for my freedom.But amidst the despair, a tiny spark, a stubborn ember, flickered back to life. I wouldn't let him win. Not completely. Not yet.Sniffling back the tears, I straightened in my chair, wiping the mascara smudges with a trembling hand. My voice, when I finally spoke, was shaky but firm."You can keep my job," I said, my words ringing out in the silence he had left behind.
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BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER NINETY
ALEXEIThe hospital room was a whirlwind of emotions – joy, relief, and a bit of lingering panic. Zoey lay in the bed, holding our newborn son, who seemed blissfully unaware of the chaos he had just caused. The guys, Viktor and Yaz, were still grappling with the reality of the situation.Yaz was pacing back and forth, muttering to himself. "Man, I never signed up for this. I thought we were just dealing with the mafia stuff, not witnessing a childbirth!"Viktor, ever the practical one, was attempting to hand me a stack of diapers as if that would solve everything. "Here, Alexei, you need to be prepared. Diapers are crucial."I chuckled, taking the diapers from him. "Thanks, Viktor. But I think I got the basics covered."Emma and Yelena, the unsung heroes in this comedy of errors, were quietly reveling in the spectacle. Yelena shot me a smug grin. "Looks like the mighty mafia boss is facing a challenge he never expected."Emma nodded in agreement. "Who would've thought that our toughes
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE
ZOEY TEN MONTHS LATER As the dust settled and the chaos faded away, life began to return to some semblance of normalcy. Alexei and I found solace in each other's arms, our love strengthened by the trials we endured together. The Bratva, once a source of fear and danger, was now under our control. The dark clouds that had loomed over us lifted, leaving room for the warmth of a new beginning. We worked tirelessly to rebuild what was broken, not just in the organization but in our personal lives. Our love grew stronger as we faced the challenges together. The scars of the past were healing, and the future looked brighter than ever. Yelena, Emma and the guys stood by our side, their loyalty unwavering. The bond forged in the crucible of adversity proved unbreakable. We laughed together, cried together, and celebrated the victories we thought were impossible. As time passed, the nightmares of the past were replaced by the dreams of a promising future. The once-dreaded name of Mik
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT
ALEXEIThe drive to the warehouse was tense, the weight of the situation pressing down on us. Yelena, Yaz, and I were focused, each lost in our thoughts.The plan was simple – storm the warehouse, neutralize Mikhail and his men, and bring Zoey back unharmed.As we approached the warehouse, I couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline. The familiar sights of the criminal underworld surrounded us – dimly lit alleys, shadowy figures, and the distant sounds of the city at night.Yaz parked the car at a discreet distance. "We're here. Let's go over the plan one more time."I nodded, taking a deep breath. "We need to catch them off guard. Yaz, lead our men to the back entrance. Yelena, you and I will go through the front. We'll converge on Mikhail and Zoey from both sides."Yelena gripped the weapon at her side, her eyes fierce. "We've got this, Alexei. Let's bring Zoey home."As we moved into position,
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN
ALEXEII stood there, staring Mikhail down. This guy had caused so much havoc in our lives. He took my brother from me, tried to harm Zoey and me countless times, messed with my businesses, and now he had the nerve to demand my Bratva.It was a sick joke.There's no way I'm handing over my Bratva to him, no matter what he thinks.But then Zoey yelled, and my blood ran cold. "Don't do it, Alexei. He has Yelena."Yelena? What had that bastard done now?Before I could react, Mikhail slapped Zoey across the face, and I felt fury boil inside me."How dare you hit her?" I roared, ready to tear him apart. But then he grabbed Zoey and pointed his gun at her head."Take one step, and she's gone," he sneered, his gaze daring me to defy him.He ordered his scar-faced henchman to go after Yelena, and I felt a surge of panic.Yaz's voice came through the earpiece, "Don't worry, Alexei, I'll follow him and get
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX
ZOEYI sat there in the cold basement, wondering where Alexei was. He had gone after Mikhail, so I assumed he didn't know Yelena and I were kidnapped.I was so thirsty and hungry, and the cold in the basement was making it worse. Yelena and I huddled together for warmth in the chilly space, but it wasn't enough to ease the discomfort.Yelena, her face full of concern, asked, "Are you okay, Zoey?"I nodded, trying to downplay the discomfort. "I am fine.""Are you sure?" She pressed.I sighed. "Just hungry, that's all." Hunger was gnawing at my insides.Suddenly, Yelena shot up and marched angrily to the door. She started banging on it loudly, yelling for whoever was responsible to let us out. "Hey! Get us the fuck out of here, assholes."Yelena's outburst startled me, and I watched as she unleashed her frustration on the door, demanding answers.I sat on the floor, too exhausted to join Yelena in her futi
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE
ZOEYOne moment, I'm alone in Alexei's office, and the next, someone covers my nose with a wet cloth. The next thing I know, I wake up in a creepy basement.And guess who's behind this delightful surprise? Yep, my dear old grandfather, Mikhail. It's amazing how family can turn into your worst nightmare.This time, though, I'm not just scared; I'm downright terrified. There's a tiny human growing inside me, and I'll be damned if I let anything happen to my baby. No way am I letting my own blood pose a threat to my child.I'm ready to fight tooth and nail to protect my little one. Bring it on, Mikhail. You have no idea the mama bear you've just awakened.I scanned the dimly lit basement, my eyes adjusting to the gloom. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of the situation sinking in. It wasn't just me anymore; I had a life inside me, depending on me. My child. I couldn't afford to lose my composure.
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR
ALEXEIThe room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension as Mikhail's piercing gaze met mine. The moment felt suspended in time, the weight of our shared history palpable in the charged atmosphere.I took a step forward, my eyes never leaving Mikhail's. "You didn't think I'd come knocking, did you?"Mikhail chuckled, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "Alexei, my old friend, I must admit, this is unexpected. What brings you to my humble abode?"I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his feigned innocence. "Cut the act, Mikhail. We both know the game we've been playing."He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Game? This is no game, Alexei. It's survival. And in this world, only the strong survive."I scoffed at his pseudo-philosophical posturing. "Survival doesn't justify the lives you've ruined, the chaos you've sown. You've crossed too many lines, Mikhail."His eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE
ALEXEIThe concealed entrance opened into a dimly lit corridor, and we moved swiftly, our senses heightened. I led the way, flanked by Viktor and Yaz. The echoes of Viktor's team creating chaos outside served as our cover.The corridor branched into narrow hallways, and Pavel navigated with confidence, guiding us deeper into Mikhail's stronghold. The air was thick with tension as we approached the heart of the operation.The first sign of resistance came in the form of a couple of guards patrolling a corridor. Viktor's team had drawn them away, but we needed to neutralize any stragglers.With a subtle hand signal, Viktor and Yaz dispatched the guards efficiently, ensuring minimal noise. As we moved forward, the scent of musty air mixed with the acrid tang of industrial chemicals filled our nostrils.Pavel directed us through a series of winding passages until we reached a door that seemed inconspicuous but held the pr
BLOODSTAINED HEARTS CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO
ALEXEIThe pre-dawn darkness hung heavy in the air as I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Zoey. A soft kiss on her forehead was my silent goodbye before I dressed in the attire of my trade – all black, from head to toe. The weight of the leather jacket felt familiar, a shield against the impending storm.I made my way to the office where Viktor and Yaz were already waiting, the air thick with anticipation. I could see Viktor, ever the showman, flexing his muscles."You sure you're up for this, Viktor?" I asked with a smirk.He grinned back, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Born ready, boss. Ready to kick some ass."Yaz chuckled at Viktor's bravado. "Let's hope those muscles are as ready as you claim."We headed to the garage where our men were gathered, a sea of faces that mirrored a mix of determination and uncertainty. As their leader, it was my responsibility to address them, to give them purpose and instill
