ALEXEI
The night settled in a quiet hold as Zoey's breathing steadied in peaceful sleep. Gently, I tucked her in, my fingers tracing a soothing path through her hair.
Leaving her side, my steps led me to the familiar boundaries of my office.
Seated behind the polished mahogany desk, I replayed the events of the evening in my mind. Zoey's change in behavior after encountering Anastasia raised an invisible barrier, a puzzle I couldn't quite decipher.
Something in the air shifted, and I couldn't ignore the tendrils of doubt that snaked into my thoughts.
The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated the room as I leaned back in my chair, fingers interlaced in contemplation.
The shift in Zoey's demeanor didn't escape my notice. Her eyes, once a window to a world she guarded fiercely, now held a flicker of vulnerability.
It was as if the encounter with Anastasia had stirred inactive echoes, unlocking a
ZOEYI tried to shake off the lingering unease that clung to me like a persistent shadow. The truth about my past felt like a storm brewing on the horizon.Seeking a semblance of normalcy, I made my way to the dining room, hoping a hearty breakfast would somehow dispel the heaviness in the air.The clinking of utensils and the aroma of fresh coffee greeted me as I entered. Ogla, the ever-efficient presence in the Pushkin household, was already there, arranging a spread of food on the table."Good morning, Zoey," Ogla greeted with a warm smile."Morning," I replied, my voice carrying a weight I couldn't quite shake.She cast a curious glance toward the door. "Where's Yelena? Usually, she's the first one here for breakfast."I shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't seen her at all.""What about Alexei?" She asked.I tried to mask the turmoil within me with a casual tone. "Oh, he had some business to attend to. Said he'd be back soon."Ogla's eyes, sharp and discerning, lingered on me for a
ZOEY The drive back home from Anastasia's estate felt longer than usual. The revelation that Zoey was Mikhail Volkov's granddaughter reverberated in my mind, a discordant melody of disbelief and bitter understanding. Zoey, the woman I had grown to care for, was linked by blood to Mikhail Volkov—the very man who had planned the death of my brother. The city lights blurred in the distance as I navigated through the maze of my own conflicted emotions. Zoey, with her innocent charm and resilient spirit, had become a beacon of light in the shadows of my world. Now, those shadows threatened to engulf her, intertwining her fate with the legacy of a man consumed by vengeance. Yaz sensed the turmoil within me. His sharp gaze lingered, unspoken questions hanging in the air like an unyielding fog. Finally, he broke the silence. "What's going on in that head of yours, boss?" Yaz's words cut through the quiet, probing for answers I wasn't ready to give. I remained silent, the weight of the t
ALEXEIRestlessness clawed at me all day. The search for Zoey remained unproductive, and a growing sense of panic enveloped everyone. Yet, I couldn't allow myself to succumb to fear. I had to find her, no matter what it took—even if it meant searching every corner of the earth.In the midst of the anxious atmosphere, Yelena barged into my office, her face etched with panic. "Alexei..."I shot up from my chair, concern flooding my senses. "What's wrong?"She sniffled, visibly shaken. "You should come and see this."Confusion furrowed my brow. "What is it?"Without answering, Yelena grabbed my hand and pulled me with urgency. I followed her, my heart pounding as we made our way to the garden. At the foot of the garden, she pointed at something, and my heart skipped a beat.Blood.Dread settled over me like a heavy shroud. The once serene garden now bore the threatening mark of violence. I knelt down, scruti
ZOEY My head throbbed with pain, a relentless ache that accompanied the incessant banging. As I gradually opened my eyes, the world swayed in a disorienting dance. I tried to make sense of my surroundings, but the dull ache in my head clouded my thoughts. Confused and disoriented, I forced my eyes open, squinting against the dim light. The surroundings slowly came into focus, revealing I was in a dimly lit building of unknown origin. Blinking away the haze, I realized I was confined to a chair, tightly bound as if I were a captive in some twisted game. Panic surged as I tested the restraints, the cold bite of fear settling in the pit of my stomach. Why was I here? Where was here? My mouth felt oddly restricted, and I attempted to call for help, but the realization hit me hard—my mouth was taped shut. Fear tightened its grip as I struggled against the restraints, the room closing in on me with each passing second. The sound of
ALEXEIThree days had dragged on like an eternity since I last laid eyes on Zoey. My stoic exterior, the façade of strength I always wore, crumbled beneath the weight of missing her. Even though I'd convinced myself not to show any weakness, the truth was, I fucking missed Zoey, and it seeped through my every action.In her room, surrounded by the echo of her absence, I found myself rifling through her closet like a man possessed. The idea of losing her had shaken me more than I cared to admit. When I got her back, I swore to myself I wouldn't let her out of my sight.Yaz and Viktor were starting to feel the frustration emanating from my every move. Even Ivan, who had been noticeably absent, added a layer of suspicion to the mounting tension.Yelena, observant as ever, caught me in the act of what could only be described as obsessive behavior. Her voice sliced through the room as she stood in the doorway."You miss her, don'
ZOEYThree days. Three agonizing days in this dimly lit room that seemed to close in on me with every passing moment. Fear crept into the edges of my mind.For the first two days, Mikhail, the man claiming to be my grandfather, reveled in tormenting me. He circled like a predator, taunting and sneering. If these damn restraints weren't holding me back, I would have gladly kicked him where it hurt the most.In the midst of my fear, one thing dominated my thoughts—I missed Alexei. I longed for Alexei, missed him in a way I couldn't quite put into words. I longed to see him, to apologize for the pain Mikhail had inflicted upon him. It wasn't fair that he had to bear the brunt of this madness.I wanted to tell Alexei that I was sorry, that Mikhail's actions weren't a reflection of who I am. I wanted to apologize for the turmoil my presence had brought into his life. Mikhail's twisted games had scarred him, and it tore at my soul.I wanted to say sorry for any part of Mikhail's actions tha
ALEXEI I sat in my office, the weight of the revelation about Ivan heavy on my shoulders. How could someone I considered a brother, a trusted member of our tight-knit circle, turn out to be a mole? I needed someone to confide in, someone whose judgment I trusted implicitly. Yaz was that person. I took a moment to collect my thoughts, the weight of this newfound knowledge pressing heavily on me. How had I missed the signs? How deep did Ivan's betrayal run? These questions circled in my mind as I dialed Yaz's number and asked him to come to my office. Yaz entered, a quizzical look on his face. "What's going on, Alexei? You look like you've seen a ghost." "Yaz, we've got a problem," I began as he entered my office, concern etched on his face. "What's going on, Alexei?" Yaz asked, taking a seat across from me. "Ivan," I uttered his name, my voice carrying the disbelief I still felt. "He's the mole." Yaz's e
ALEXEIMaria returned with a mischievous glint in her eyes, gesturing for Yaz and me to follow her. As we moved across the lively club, she led us to an modest door that, when opened, revealed a stairwell leading underground.The bass of the music above gradually faded as we descended into the underground realm. The dimly lit space opened up into an hidden safe place of technology. Computers lined the room, their screens casting a soft glow on the faces of those hunched over them.Maria gestured towards the array of machines. "Welcome to Dominic's playground."She excused herself with a sly smile, leaving Yaz and me alone in this underground techno haven. Soon, Dominic looked up from his station, his eyes lighting up as he recognized me."Alexei, my man!" Dominic greeted with a grin, extending a fist for a casual bump.I reciprocated the gesture. "Dominic, how's life in the digital frontier?""Same old chaos," he chuc
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
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
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,
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
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
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.
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
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
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