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CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
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2024-01-10 20:15:58ZOEY
The hospital room had become my temporary safe place, complete with sterile walls and the ever-present hum of medical equipment. While the physical pain from the gunshot wound had subsided, the emotional aftermath lingered, like a shadow refusing to fade.
Alexei, true to his word, remained a constant presence by my side. It was both comforting and disconcerting—comforting because his closeness provided a sense of security, and disconcerting because it emphasized the dangerous world we were entangled in.
The first day after the attack was a blur of painkillers, occasional naps, and fleeting moments of wakefulness. Alexei sat beside me, occasionally engaged in low-voiced conversations with Yaz, who would then leave the room, only to return with a serious expression etched across his face.
As the days unfolded, my mind gradually cleared from the fog of medication. The bandages on my stomach itched, a constant reminde
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
