ZOEY
The next morning greeted me with an unusual sense of peace. The chaos that typically surrounded me seemed to have taken a backseat, and even spending a whole day with Alexei didn't ignite my usual anger.
Surprisingly, I found myself opening up to him about my life with Emma. To my surprise, he listened with genuine sympathy. It wasn't a pity party; I could see a reflection of his own struggles in his eyes when I shared the story of my birth parents abandoning me.
Behind the infuriating and annoying Don facade, there was a man battling his own demons.
As I looked at the adjoining door, I wondered if he was right behind it. My perspective of him had shifted after our conversation.
With a soft sigh, I tiptoed to the door, gently opening it, only to find his room empty. It was the same as the last time I'd been there.
Sighing, I returned to my room, had a refreshing bath, and changed into a comfy b
ALEXEII stood in my office, glancing through the wide window that offered a view of the garden. Down below, Zoey and her friend, Emma, were engrossed in conversation. The sight of Zoey smiling and laughing brought an unexpected warmth to my chest.It was strange, considering my usual demeanor. I found solace in the moments when she seemed at ease, free from the burdens that constantly weighed her down. Her laughter, like a melody, echoed in my thoughts, creating a rare sense of peace.She looked different when she smiled, like a flower blooming amidst chaos. For a moment, I forgot about the ruthless world I navigated daily. It was just Zoey and her friend, sharing laughter and stories.I couldn't deny the magnetic pull she had on me. It wasn't just about the physical attraction; it was something deeper. Seeing her happy resonated with a part of me I had long kept buried. A part that craved moments of normalcy, moments of genuine happines
ZOEYThe weight of Alexei's admission lingered in the air as we stood in his office, a room that often felt like a fortress guarding his secrets. His vulnerability, though brief, left a lasting imprint on my perception of him. The layers of complexity beneath his stoic exterior intrigued me, challenging the preconceived notions I held.As he turned away, his reluctance to confront the possibility of change was palpable. The scars of his past, etched deep into his psyche, had become an integral part of his identity. Yet, a small part of me believed in the potential for transformation, the flicker of goodness that dared to reveal itself.I reached out, my fingers gently grazing his arm, an unspoken assurance that he wasn't alone in this internal struggle. "Alexei," I spoke softly, "you can choose to break free from the chains you've bound yourself with.""Enough, Zoey." His eyes, once guarded, now bore a mixture of defiance and contemplatio
ALEXEII stood in my office, the estate grounds unfolding beyond the window like a distant tapestry. Thoughts of Zoey danced in my mind, her presence a puzzle I couldn't figure out.She had a way of unsettling the carefully constructed walls around me, and I found myself struggling with unfamiliar emotions.Yaz's voice echoed from the doorway, pulling me from my thoughts. "Boss, you've got a meeting in half an hour."I nodded, my mind still lingering on Zoey. The relationship between us were shifting, an invisible thread connecting us in ways I hadn't anticipated.Love, or whatever it was, had a knack for complicating the straightforward path I had carved for myself.There was a vulnerability in her eyes that tugged at something deep within me. Love was a liability, a weakness I couldn't afford. Yet, the mere idea of it lingered, an uninvited guest in my thoughts.I strolled into the garage,
ZOEYI sat in the garden, engrossed in my book when Yelena approached with a radiant smile."Morning, Zoey," she greeted cheerfully.I looked up, returning the greeting. "Good morning."She shifted, her excitement evident. "I'm going shopping today. Want to come along?"I hesitated, considering the repercussions. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea."Yelena frowned. "Why not?"I sighed, my thoughts drifting to Alexei's reaction. "Alexei would have a fit if he finds out."In recent days, an unexpected connection had formed between Alexei and me. Against my better judgment, I found myself gradually opening up to him. Was there something more than friendship developing, or was it just my imagination? Thoughts of him lingered, and my heart raced whenever he was near."Do you have feelings for my brother, Zoey?" she asked with a knowing smile.Yelena's question caught me off guard. "What?
ALEXEII got a tip that Carlos, the spy sent to infiltrate our ranks, was holed up in one of our famous clubs. The audacity of choosing such a familiar place thinking we wouldn't find him there amused me. With Yaz, Ivan, and Viktor by my side, we took our positions in the higher-class section, observing the crowd below."Any sign of him, Yaz?" I inquired, impatience evident in my voice as Yaz typed away at something only he understood."Not yet, Alexei. Just be patient. He'll make a slip, and we'll catch him," Yaz assured me, his eyes focused on the task at hand."I'm done being patient. It's time to spill some blood," I declared, the thirst for retribution pulsating through my veins."You're a sadist," Yaz remarked, a glint of amusement in his eyes."Don't act like you don't enjoy the game," I retorted, smirking at the shared understanding between us.As Yaz continued his work, I noticed Viktor pacing r
ZOEYThe world came back to me in fragments—disjointed sounds, blurred images, and a disorienting sense of weightlessness. My mind struggled to make sense of the swirling chaos around me. It felt like waking from a dream, but the haze that clouded my senses told me this was no ordinary slumber.As my awareness sharpened, I heard the rhythmic beeping of machines and distant voices speaking in hushed tones. The sterile scent of antiseptic invaded my nostrils, confirming my suspicions—I was in a hospital.A fleeting thought crossed my mind: Am I dead? Is this what heaven feels like? The idea seemed absurd, but the disorientation of my surroundings fueled a surreal sense of unreality.Slowly, I tried to open my eyes. The harsh brightness of the hospital room assaulted my senses, and I squinted against the glare. Shapes and shadows gradually took form, revealing the clinical whiteness of the room.I turned my h
ZOEYThe 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
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