ALEXEI
My main concern was for Zoey as I wished to shield her from any harm. The adrenaline surged through my veins, my senses on high alert, calculating each move with precision.
Zoey's whimper cut through the chaotic symphony of gunfire. "I don't want to die, Alexei."
I turned to her, my gaze softening. "You won't, little sparrow. I won't let anything happen to you." The determination in my voice was as much for her as it was for myself. I couldn't afford to lose her.
The car continued its relentless pursuit, bullets pinging off the bulletproof windows. I took a deep breath, assessing the situation. We needed a plan, and fast.
"Zoey, hold on tight," I warned, my eyes focused on the road ahead. I accelerated, weaving through the narrow streets with practiced precision. The pursuing car followed relentlessly, its occupants relentless in their pursuit.
Zoey's grip on the seat tightened, and her eyes were wide with fear. "What
ALEXEIAfter ensuring that Zoey was in a deep sleep, I quietly slipped out of our room and made my way to the office. There, I found Yaz and Viktor waiting for me. We were all concerned about how Zoey had handled the recent attack."How's she?" Yaz asked, genuine concern etched on his face.I wearily slumped into the chair in front of the mahogany table. "She was scared," I admitted, I recounted the events of the attack as soon as we arrived home."Anyone in her shoes would've been scared," Viktor chimed in, understanding the gravity of the situation.Turning my attention to Yaz, I asked, "Do you have Pavel's location?"Yaz nodded. "He knows you're coming for him, so he's hiding out in a motel down south.""Does he have any men with him?" I prodded further.Shaking his head, Yaz replied, "It's suspicious, but he's alone.""It could be a trap," Viktor warned.I nodded, acknowledging the possibility. "Viktor, I need you on standby. Yaz and I will check him out, and if it turns out to
ALEXEII maintained my stern expression, studying Pavel's every move. The room was tense with anticipation as I contemplated the best way to handle the situation."Why were you after us?" I demanded, my voice unwavering.Pavel hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's business, Alexei. Nothing personal."I scoffed at his attempt to downplay the severity of his actions. "Attacking me and my wife in the dead of night doesn't seem like 'just business.'"Yaz, standing by my side, added his own remark. "You picked the wrong man to mess with."Pavel glared at us, a mixture of fear and resentment in his eyes. "You've become soft, Alexei. Too attached to your little family."I clenched my jaw, suppressing the anger building within me. Family was a sore point, and he knew it.Before I could respond, Yaz stepped forward. "Enough of the chit-chat. Where is he?"Pavel's eyes darted nervously between Alexei and me in confusion. "Where is who?"The tension in the room was palpable, and I could
ZOEYTime seemed to slip away as Alexei delved deeper into his plans to take down Mikhail. His days were consumed by strategy meetings, covert operations, and endless preparations for the impending confrontation.Despite his overwhelming schedule, Alexei always made it a point to check in with me. Whether it was a quick call, a brief moment together over breakfast, or a stolen kiss before he disappeared again, he ensured that I felt his presence amidst the chaos.Lately, I've been feeling off, waking up either sick or exhausted every day. I didn't want to bother Alexei with my problems, so I kept it to myself. Today, he left early before I woke up, and I decided to freshen up and change into comfy clothes before heading downstairs.In the kitchen, Olga was at work. "Good morning, Olga," I greeted with a smile."Good morning, my girl. How was your night?" she asked."It was good. What's cooking this morning?" I inquired.
ZOEYThe shock was evident in her face until she pulled me into a tight hug, and despite the awkwardness, there was a sense of warmth that washed over me."Come in, come in!" she exclaimed, leading me into her home.As we settled in the living room, her laughter seemed uneasy, almost forced. "I never imagined you would come see me first," she said, her tone uncertain."Why didn't you come to me when you learned I was your daughter?" My words came out harsher than I intended, but the frustration and confusion were overwhelming.She seemed taken aback, unable to meet my gaze. "Because I did not know what to say," she finally admitted, her voice trembling.I couldn't hide my confusion and frustration. "Excuse me?" I demanded, feeling a mix of hurt and anger."What did you expect me to do when I learned that my daughter, who I thought was dead for almost half of my life, was actually alive?" Her tears mirrored the p
ZOEYWe sat in the car for a moment, the weight of the recent events hanging in the air. Viktor seemed to sense that I needed a distraction."So, do you want to grab some coffee or something?" he suggested, trying to lighten the mood.A small smile played on my lips. "Coffee sounds good. Let's go."As we entered a nearby café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us. We found a quiet corner, away from prying eyes and ears.Sipping on the warm beverage, I took a moment to collect my thoughts."You've been a great help through all of this, Viktor," I said, breaking the silence.He grinned. "Well, I do try my best. Friends stick together, especially in the midst of mafia drama and long-lost mothers."I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to inject humor into the situation. "Yeah, you've been a solid friend. I don't know what I would do without you guys and Alexei."Viktor raised his cup
ALEXEII've been feeling uneasy all day, second-guessing whether I should've gone with Zoey to see Anastasia. But deep down, I know giving her space was the right call. She needed that time to reconnect with her mother, and I trust Viktor to watch over her.Meanwhile, our plans to take down Mikhail have hit a snag. The warehouse where he's holed up is heavily guarded, and we've been struggling to find a way in. We've been studying the place for days, waiting for an opening to strike.Yaz just came into my office with his laptop. "Any lead?" I asked him.He nodded. "Yes. Pavel finally spilled something useful. Turns out, there's a secret entrance that only a select few know about. If you look here," Yaz pointed it out on the map—a subtle blue dot indicating a hidden passage. "It looks a bit invisible to the eye but if you look deeply, this blue dot here indicates a secret passage.""Why didn't Pavel spill this so
ALEXEIAs the nurse's words hung in the air, the news of Zoey's pregnancy hit me like a ton of bricks. A mixture of emotions swirled within me—joy, surprise, and a newfound sense of responsibility. But along with those feelings, an unexpected wave of doubt crashed in.In the world I belonged to, being a Mafia Don, the concept of fatherhood was riddled with complexities. The shadow of my own tumultuous relationship with my father loomed large, casting doubt on my ability to be the father I wished to be. In our world, vulnerabilities were seen as weaknesses, and the fear of perpetuating a cycle of hardship haunted me.It's not that I didn't want to be a good father. It's just that the echoes of my own tumultuous past and the intricacies of my present life as a Mafia Don painted a daunting picture of parenthood. I grappled with the fear of inadequacy, questioning if I could provide the love and stability a child deserved in the tumultuous world I navigated.Yaz clapped me on the back,
ZOEY I couldn't shake the surreal feeling that settled over me as I whispered the words, admitting the life growing within me. Becoming a mother had always been a distant dream, but now it was a reality, entangled with the dangerous world of the Bratva. As my hand instinctively found its way to my stomach, I felt the weight of responsibility and the incredible realization that a life was growing inside me. Yet, an unwavering determination simmered within. I knew, deep down, that Alexei and I would be the shields around our unborn child, guarding them against the shadows that lurked. With a sense of newfound purpose, I vowed to cherish and protect my child fiercely. Thoughts of Viktor flooded my mind. Gratitude swelled within me. He had unknowingly rescued not just me but the precious life growing within me. I felt an enduring sense of indebtedness to him, a debt that could never truly be repaid. Tur
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