ZOEY
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
ALEXEIThe air in the dimly lit room was thick with tension as Yaz and I faced the person responsible for the attacks on Zoey and Yelena. The room was adorned with the trappings of luxury—a stark contrast to the malevolence that emanated from the man seated across the table."Alexei Pushkin," he sneered, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"I fixed him with a cold, unyielding stare. "You know exactly why we're here."Yaz, standing at my side, exuded an air of silent menace. His presence alone was often enough to unsettle even the most composed adversaries.The man leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "Ah, the protective husband. How's your dear wife? Recovering, I hope?"My jaw tightened at the mention of Zoey. "You're playing a dangerous game, and you're going to pay for it."He chuckled, a sound devoid of remorse. "You see, Alexei, in o
ALEXEI I watched Zoey as she slept, a temporary break from the chaos that consumed my world. With a silent sigh, I left her room, making my way to the office. The weight of responsibility clung to every step, a constant reminder of the dangerous dance we were entangled in. Yaz was waiting in the office, his expression serious. "How did it go in the warehouse?" I asked, my voice edged with concern. Yaz grimaced. "It was a trap. Mikhail knew we would investigate, and he set it up. Five of our men paid the price." Anger simmered beneath my skin. Mikhail was playing a dangerous game, planning attacks with cunning accuracy. I clenched my fists, the desire for payback burning within me. "Mikhail is good at hiding," Yaz remarked, echoing my thoughts. "But we'll find him, Alexei. He can't hide forever." I leaned against the desk, my jaw tight. "He thinks he can outsmart us, but he underestimates the lengths I'll go to protect what's mine. I couldn't do it the first time but I'll do it t
ZOEYI woke up feeling surprisingly light-hearted, a sense of peace settling over me like a warm blanket. The gentle sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. It took me a moment to realize that this was the most peaceful sleep I had experienced in ages.As I turned, my eyes fell on Alexei, still in peaceful sleep beside me. His face, usually stern and guarded, now seemed softened in sleep. The lines that marked the weight of his responsibilities disappeared, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't expected.His face, usually stern and guarded, . The lines that etched his features seemed to fade away, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't seen before.Studying his face, I couldn't help but realize that Alexei wasn't solely the cold and ruthless man he portrayed himself to be.In the delicate curve of his lips and the ease in his closed eyes, there was warmth and care. It was a side of him hidden beneath
ZOEYAs I walked down the stairs, I spotted Alexei waiting at the bottom. His eyes widened in admiration, and a genuine smile graced his lips."You look gorgeous," he complimented.His compliment warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but return the sentiment, "You look dashing too."Hand in hand, we made our way to the garage and into the car. The drive to the party was surprisingly quiet, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. Nerves fluttered in my stomach, and I felt like a chaotic mess inside. We soon pulled up at the extravagant venue.Alexei turned to me with a reassuring gaze. "Come on. Let's go. Remember to stay close to me, okay?"I swallowed hard, my nerves bubbling, and nodded in agreement. "Okay."As we entered the grand party, it was like stepping into another world. The venue was filled with influential figures from the Bratva world. Alexei's reminder echoed in my mind,
ALEXEIThe 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