Chapter 32 – Sofia BoylePOVI sit in the living room alone since we arrived in New York. I didn’t expect I’ll ever be back here. I didn’t think they’d kept this apartment since they’ve kicked me out. I’m I still salty about that? Yes! Of course, I am.This apartment holds nothing but bad memories for me. This is where I was raped and taken advantage of.In this very living room. I clench my fists just thinking about all the things I had to go through for my so-called best friend.“What’s up with you?” I jump at the sudden voice behind me.I turn to see Alexsei.He takes a seat beside me. “So, what’s going on with you? I can see troubled expression when I see one.” He says.I shrug my shoulders. I look over at the room Ellie’s sleeping in. the door’s closed. My poor daughter had to leave everything she’s ever known because of me. what I expect would happen when I asked Damien for help?“You can tell me? Honestly, I won’t be around much longer. As soon as you let me leave, I’ll be gon
Chapter 33 – Alexsei PopovPOVI run my fingers through my hair, I watch her and her daughter sleep. She’s clinging to the poor girl as if she needs her to breathe.“Lexi, we need to get going they’re about rotate guards…” Sasha’s voice in my ear brings me back to my senses. I take a picture of Sofia and her daughter. I walk back into the room I woke up in. I write a quick note and left the phone there for her. I did want to repay for her kindness…I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for her. I climb out of the window and make my way to my bike. Seeing Sasha almost feels like a dream.“We got a job; I need to brief you…” she says before starting her bike and taking off. I drive after my sister. =========I run my fingers through my hair as I watch my sister at the bar with our target. Since I’m out of action for the near future, I’ve been tasked with watching her back.I can’t stop thinking about Sofia. I have no idea what’s wrong with me. This has never happened to me before. I h
Chapter 34 – One week laterSofia Boyle -PriestPOVIt’s been a week since Andre’s wife’s death and today was her funeral.The funeral was small and nothing like the funerals I’ve attended. Mattia has stayed by my side since this morning, even when I need to use the restroom he waits outside the door.He’s never made me feel uncomfortable. Not until people started thinking there’s something going on between us. Now I’m uncomfortable being around him all the time. Even Damien who doesn’t look beyond his wife and nose asked me if we were together today.I sit in the corner with Ellie. We’re at my parents’ house with everyone having lunch and cakes. Ellie’s enjoying herself having the snacks given to her by everyone around.When Ellie falls asleep on my lap, I make my way up to my room. I told Mattia to stay downstairs because I didn’t need him to protect me in my room and it was weird.I place Ellie on the bed…I wipe her bangs out of her face.“I thought your tail would be on your ass
Chapter 34 – Part 2Rowan PriestPOV“I’ve decided to change Sofia’s guards and I’ll be sending you to Italy…” I tell Mattia.He sits up straight. “Sir…” he pauses. “I would like to continue to be Miss Priest’s guard…” he says softly.I’m almost surprised by his sudden show of emotion, I don’t think I’ve so much has seen him smile before…“It’s already been decided” I tell him.“What did Miss. Priest say?” he asks.I frown… “Sofia agreed with my suggestion. My father believes its not appropriate for you to continue to be her guard…” I tell him.I could see the disappointment on his face.He nods his head. “Sir do you mind if I stay in New York? I have a girl I’m interested in here…” he says softly.I nod. “If that’s what you want. Though I’ll have to speak to Damien about where to assign you…” I tell him.I call my brother…“What’s up big bro?” Damien answers on the first ring.“I’m going to send Greco to you, you assign him to someone or whatever you have available…” I say before han
Chapter 35 – The birth Two months later… Rayna Constance. POV Meeting Andre for drinks after work is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever had in my life. It’s been two months since the death of his wife, and I still don’t know if he’s okay. He has been stuck in his own head for a while now and all I want is to be there for him. I walk into the bar I spot him almost immediately. I take a seat next to him. “How could you start without me?” I ask him. He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about me. Why don’t you get a couple of drinks to catch up to me…” he chugs back a shot. I shake my head. I order myself a couple of shots and a sex on the beach. When I found out Andre was married and there was no future for us like I thought there would be, I drunk myself into a coma, not a real coma, I just needed to forget about him, and I did. But now that she’s gone, I keep thinking about a future with him again. I want to be a good friend and be there for him, but my heart is making it hard for m
Chapter 36Two weeks laterThird PersonPOV“Where is she?” Alexsei shouts slapping the woman across the face.“Relax brother…” Sasha says walking into the basement.Alexsei’s head snaps to his sister. “Sofia is missing, and these motherfuckers know where she is!” Alexsei shouts.Damien Priest walks into his brother’s basement. “Anything?” He asks.Alex shakes his head in disappointment. “She refused to tell me anything. She wouldn’t even tell me if Sofia was kidnapped or if they got rid of her…” Alexsei says trying to stay calm.“How about we tell Rowan? They’re coming home today so he’ll notice we’re using his basement without his permission.” Damien suggests.His sister was missing, and he had no idea what happened to her. He had no idea if she was okay. He would have to tell his parents and brother soon. Alexsei said he wanted to handle it on his own, but it’s been two days, and they haven’t heard anything yet.When Alexsei charged into his home demanding where Sofia was, he thoug
Chapter 37 – Mattia’s out of his mindSofia Boyle – PriestPOVI laugh at Angie; we’re laying in my mother’s garden watching the clouds. The boys went out with my father again. Angie’s really close to Damien and Rowan. my older twin brothers. She’s dating my brother Rowan and she’s best friends with Damien. Where do I fit in that equation you ask? I’m the backup for when my brothers are out. It’s not that I mind really. If I’m not in the library studying, I’m with Angie so I didn’t mind being there for her when she needed me. “When Rowan and I marry. I want this big wedding, but I don’t want it Priest big but Graves big. If you get what I mean?” she says.I look at her frowning. “Why don’t you want people knowing you married to Rowan?” I ask her.“If we tell people I’ll have to be heavily guarded twenty-four seven and I want my privacy and freedom. Look at you, you have no freedom, a dirty little secret…” she smiles looking at me. My parents didn’t announce my birth to anyone. My
Chapter 38 – The Greco Family…Two days later…Third PersonPOVA black sedan with tinted windows drives down a back road in the city, in the back seat sits sixty-six-year-old gentlemen.“I’m going to need more than that, if you want me to submit your proposal to be approved.” A man’s voice in the car is heard.“No that doesn’t work for me…” he says over the phone.Balding at the top of his head, his grey suit a size too small. The red tie sticks out sitting loosely around his neck. The white shirts buttons straining…“You want me to approve of your idea for free. I’m going to need a lot more than that…”Slurping sounds echoes throughout the car.The girl on the floor of the car on her knees giving the man head.“You’ve got to be kidding me…” he snaps. “Those fucking Priests they want to come after me and I’ll let that slide? They think we’ll let them off because they have a little power?” the anger in his voice bounces around the car.The girl trembles.He glances at the girl below.
EpilogueFive years laterSofia PopovPOVAlex turns me around roughly he glares at my jumpsuit. “What fuck is this? Why won’t the dress go over your hips.” he growls.I bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. “It’s called a jumpsuit. It doesn’t go up your hips, it’s not a dress.” I tell him.“What the fuck is a jumpsuit? Why would Sasha let you something so ridiculous?” he asks.Before I could say anything, I felt him rip the jumpsuit right off me.I stare at the fabric laying at my feet in shock.My eyes move up to my husband.He smiles innocently. He shrugs his shoulders. “I couldn’t get it off you and we don’t have much time before Sasha’s and the kids come looking for you.” He wasn’t joking.Today was Sasha’s wedding day and we were supposed to be downstairs at the reception, but Alexsei wanted some time alone away from everyone.Me being pregnant with our fourth child we barely have any time to ourselves anymore. Ellie’s nearly ten now and the twins Shasha and Dasha are three
Chapter 53Damien PriestPOVA few minutes ago, when my daughter was born, I watched her laying on her mother’s chest. She’s got a head full of dark hair similar to mine."Would you like to hold her?" Amara asks.I nod."Where’s the baby bag?” Amara asks.My eyes widen. “In the car…” I forgot to bring it in with us.I take Sutton from Amara and hold her in my arms. She’s so tiny.“Hello Sutton, it’s your father…” her little fingers form fists. she’s so fucking cute. I’ve never seen a prettier baby.“Why don’t we run a few tests and have little Sutton cleaned and we’ll have her back to you before you know it.” the nurse suggests.I nod handing her over to the nurse.I kiss Amara’s forehead. “You did great momma…” When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect the day to end holding my baby in my arms.What I didn’t expect either was my wife being a fucking trooper through it all. I thought she’d be biting my head off cursing me out. She fucking took the pain I wouldn’t have known she was
Chapter 51{Three months later} Amara PriestPOV I’m sick of this. I’m so fucking sick and tired of this shit!!!!I’m so done with all of this pregnancy shit. I’ve been pregnant forever now. I’ve been pregnant for almost a fucking year.This little shit won’t get out. We’ve tried everything, spicy food, walking, sex we have sex almost five times a day and she still refuses to leave my damn body.If I could evict her I would. Damien’s been walking on eggshells around me because every time I so much as look at him I want to throw something at his fucking head! He put me in this situation in the first place.For the last month I’ve been to the hospital almost every week. I’ve been having those damn fake contractions. They don’t feel fucking fake to me though.Sutton is our rainbow baby; Damien and I’ve gone to therapy and had every hospital check up possible. We made sure she was healthy. Fear grips us no matter what we do.The longer she’s in here the more I worry. On the one side I w
Chapter 50Sofia PopovPOV"Ladies and Gentlemen please help me in giving a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Popov…" The MC’s voice boomed throughout the ballroom.My brothers were very generous when it came to today’s proceedings, Damien paid for the bridesmaid dresses, Rowan opened up his house for us for today.Growing up my brothers and I weren’t close, they had responsibilities they needed to take care of, I had to learn how to take care of a family while they learnt how to protect their own.Alex and I walk into the hall hand in hand. He squeezes my hand as we approach the table with my grandmother and some of my friends from Ireland.Ellie rushes off to her friend. They flew out to America thankfully. Everything happened so suddenly Ellie couldn’t even say goodbye.“Hello everyone.” I greet them. They stand. Wendy Moira’s mom hg me first. I introduce her and her husband Henri. All five of their kids were in attendance. Addis, Adeline, William, Rush, and Moira. Addis and Adeli
Chapter 49 – The WeddingTWO MONTHS LATERAlexsei PopovPOVToday was one of the biggest days of my life. Today I change the last name of the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Sofia stayed over at her parent’s house last night while I stayed over at Sasha’s new apartment.My sister got her own apartment so I could get the house we were staying in, she said it was the perfect home for a family and she didn’t want to get in the way of our family time. I thought it would be better if she stayed with us, but she didn’t feel the same way.I stand at the end of the aisle, watching Sofia’s brothers stand with their wives. Amara was seconds away from popping.I had no idea how far along she was, but she looked ready to pop. Not that I know much about women’s bodies and how they work.A slap on my back brings me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Sasha.Wearing a teal blue dress.“What are you doing out here? You’re supposed to be with Sofia…” I remind her.She rolls her eyes. “Th
Chapter 48 – the dress part 2After everyone told Randy which dresses would look good on me.Randy asks me. "Please this way."He leads me to the dressing room. A woman is waiting for us when we walk in. “This is Samantha, she’ll help you into the dresses and have it fitted to you.” He introduces her.I nod. We talk a little more. After that he goes off to check out dresses.I am told to change into a robe and to wait for him.When Randy returns, he has a huge bag in his arms.“I want you to try this one on. Your father picked this one out…” he tells me.He walks back out.Samantha unzips the bag and I gasp out. The dress was stunning huge but stunning.An A line dress, it looked like a ballgown dress. It was white the material looked like mesh with lace appliques. The top was a boat neck, and the sleeves were off the shoulder.Samantha helps me into the dress, and it fits perfectly. It fit me so well. Tears well up in my eyes just looking at the dress on me.“It looks so good on you.
Chapter 47 – The dressSofia Boyle - PriestPOVToday is one of the best days of my life and the day hasn’t even started yet. Today is my wedding dress appointment.Today I’m getting one step closer to walking down the aisle.I have no idea what the men are getting up today, but Alex said Rowan and Damien asked to see him. I’m also well aware of the fact that if they didn’t, he would find a way to sneak into my appointment. He hates leaving me alone, even when we’re with family.He's constantly looking over his shoulder making sure Ellie and I are okay.Ellie will be joining us at my appointment today, she’s just as excited to pick out her own dress.All the women are joining. My mom, Amara, Grace, Sasha, Mia, Rayna and Ellie"What are you doing up so early?" Damien asks walking into the kitchen."I couldn’t sleep…" I say taking a sip of my coffee.He smiles he leans against the cabinet crossing his arms and legs.“What?” I ask.He shakes his head. “Just I never thought the day would
Chapter 46Four months laterDamien PriestPOVWe’re at a studio getting Amara and my pregnancy photoshoot.She’s only six months pregnant. But there’s are for our baby shower, Amara has this whole plan for the baby shower, she’s been planning it since she found out we’re pregnant again.This being our rainbow baby, Amara’s been extra cautious. She’s handed the reigns over to me. letting me take care of her.Do we still mourn the baby we lost before, yes. She’d insisted we get scans as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She wanted something to hold onto. We didn’t have anything for the baby we lost, no stuffed bears, no scans not a piece of clothing nothing.“I’m so excited to get this done…” Amara says with a smile. “Sutton will look back at these pictures and love them…” her smile bright her blue eyes shining brightly.Sutton our daughter’s name. We found out last month. We haven’t informed our family yet. We’re doing it at our gender reveal in three weeks.Sutton Wren Priest…
Chapter 45Rowan PriestPOVSitting in bed with my wife I keep thinking about how to be there for Andre and Rayna without overstepping.Andre was there for me through my darkest moments, I want to be there for him, help him.I don’t want to overstep by telling Rayna the truth. Andre helped me realize that was in love with Grace, he told me to move on with Grace and I know we wouldn’t be where we are without him.“What’s going on with you?” Grace pauses her show and looks at me.I shrug my shoulders. “This whole drama with Andre. I want to help.” I tell her honestly. Though it wasn’t the whole story, Grace knew there were parts of my life I could never be honest about.She’s never held it against me. When I say Grace is an angel, I’m not lying. She knows I’m a terrible man, that I’ve killed people. That our empire was built on other’s bones, yet she still finds it in her heart to love me.She’s not only an amazing wife but an amazing mom to the twins. I don’t know what I’ll do without