Demitri POVThe oversized bear sits ominously in the corner, and that card—Arkadi’s twisted little message—stares back at me like a ticking bomb. We’ve messed up by letting those slip through. The nurse brought them in otherwise I would have known instantly. As much as I want to keep Alissia under our watch twenty-four-seven to prevent her from doing something reckless and setting back her recovery, I know I have to give her some space. It doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. I just hope Axel can keep both her and Jenni calm and inside where they’re safe.I look around the room, where Blake and Lucas are already seated, their expressions mirroring my own concern.Lucas leans forward, his gaze sharp. “You mentioned how Arkadi walked away a little too easily.”I nod, the thought still gnawing at me. Arkadi left without causing a scene, which isn’t his style. There’s no way he’d let his father’s death go without a price. And now he’s still hanging around, clearly waiting for something—or som
Demitri POVArkadi leans back, stretching his arms along the back of the booth, like he’s just lounging around, but his gaze is deadly serious. “A seat at the table is exactly what I want, Demitri. And before you dismiss it, think carefully.” His voice drops, the playfulness gone. “Because if you want Alissia safe, if you want a lasting peace, then this is the price. I bring something to your organization that you haven’t had before—a way into places you can’t reach. And I bring with me influence that will strengthen your empire.”“You think I’d jeopardize my world, my family, by letting someone like you in?” I say, voice steely. “Someone who could destroy it from within the second it suits him?”He shrugs, unbothered. “Demitri, there’s risk in every alliance. But I think we both know that rejecting this offer carries greater risk. Alissia… Jenni… you know what can happen. These girls of yours—they don’t belong in this life, but here they are. You keep them safe by making the smart ch
Blake POVThe second I agree to Arkadi’s twisted proposal, I feel the weight of his demand settle like a lead weight in my chest. He’s asking a hell of a lot, and as far as I’m concerned, this entire deal is a ticking time bomb. But if this job keeps him at arm’s length and out of our lives for good, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.Arkadi leans back, his smirk settling back into place, watching us like a cat with a mouse. “I don’t need this done right away,” he says, a new glint in his eye. “In fact, I’d prefer if you waited exactly a month. There’s a… let’s call it a substantial deposit that’s due in the account, and I’d like the funds to be nice and plump when I take control of it.”The subtle emphasis on substantial is all I need to know: he’s not just looking to drain this rival account; he wants the full weight of the money they’re expecting, too. It’s a massive power play, the kind that would cripple his rivals and put Arkadi right at the top of his twisted world.Lucas tenses
Alissia POVIt’s been a full month since I got back home, and I can finally move around with almost no pain. My days have been split between diving into my writing and hanging out with Jenni. Oddly enough, Demitri suggested that Jenni could stay here for a while, apparently to make sure Jake—or any other lingering threat—wasn’t coming back. Not that she’s really “moved in” here. Most nights, she ends up at Axel’s place down the hall.I’m convinced that her spending most of her time with Axel has more to do with some kind of unspoken deal between Demitri, Blake, and Lucas. In those first few days, I did nothing but sit with Jenni, ignoring my writing and barely interacting with the guys. Whether or not it’s true, I can’t shake the suspicion that they gave her a bit of a time limit on visiting me. True or not, it worked. I threw myself into my writing, cranking out chapters faster than I ever have in my life. I’m almost scared to go back and read through it all—who knows what kind of em
Blake POVI step out of the building and slide into the car, my mind racing as I try to piece together Arkadi’s intentions. He’s only bringing two men with him to this meeting, which doesn’t make sense. This is Arkadi—the man who never leaves without an entourage, always watching his back. The fact that he’s coming with such a small crew means he’s either overly confident or hiding something, and my gut tells me it’s the latter.Demitri and Lucas must have felt the same. They’re heading to the airstrip now, convinced that while I’m keeping Arkadi busy, he’s slipping something—or someone—onto that plane. Whatever he’s planning, one thing is clear: Arkadi isn’t going down without a fight. He won’t get close to Alissia, not with the security we’ve set up around her, but I know he’s still a threat. He’s been too quiet, too composed, and it feels like he’s waiting for the perfect moment to strike.I drive to the meeting point, an abandoned, crumbling building on the edge of town that feels
Blake POVMy stomach drops as the screen lights up. There, tied to an airplane seat with her wrists bound and a gag across her mouth, is Alissia. Her wide, terrified eyes meet the camera, and it feels like a punch to the gut. I stare at the image, frozen, my blood running cold.“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Arkadi sneers, his smirk widening. “All tied up, waiting for you to save her. But here’s the thing—you don’t get to see her again unless you do exactly as I say. Transfer everything. Demitri’s accounts. Yours. Lucas’s. Every last bit of it. And only then, Blake, will I consider giving her back to you.”I shake my head, swallowing hard, trying to keep the panic at bay. No. This can’t be happening. I grab my phone, fingers shaking, and dial Axel’s number, praying he’ll pick up. But it rings and rings, each unanswered tone driving the panic deeper into my chest. I try Demitri, then Lucas, but the silence stretches on, suffocating, and my hands start to tremble as I realize I’m completely cu
Alissia POVWhen Jenni arrives she’s all smiles and happy. I'm glad she's having some good luck for a change. She deserves to be happy. I skip over to her, and she chuckles, watching me closely.“Good, you’re here,” I say, grabbing her hand and dragging her to my room. “Help me pick something to wear for a date with Blake.”She smirks, her eyes glinting with mischief. “A date, date, or like a date where you plan your next stalking victim?”I groan, rolling my eyes. She's right to ask that, of course, she is. It could be a date where we stalk someone, although it isn't. “A real date. I wouldn’t need your help picking dark clothes to hide in.”She laughs, stepping into my closet and shaking her head as she surveys the options. “I’m still amazed by the sheer amount of stuff you’ve got here. You could probably dress half the city.” She turns and stares at the entire contents. Yeah, it's a lot, and it's not like I got a say in it either. It was all Demitri, I take no blame in it.“Tell Dem
BlakeThe blood, the pain—none of it matters. She’s safe. She’s here. And after everything I just went through, after the sheer terror of thinking I’d lost her, I need her in my arms, against me, as close as I can get her.I grab her as if she’s the last lifeline I have. Her lips part in shock as I pull her against me, my hands finding her waist and gripping tight. My mouth crashes down onto hers, fierce, desperate, and raw, and I feel her shiver, her surprise melting into the same frenzied urgency that’s overtaken me.I lift her, ignoring the sharp sting in my side and arm as the movement aggravates the fresh wounds there. She wraps her legs around me, her hands tangling in my hair, and I press her back against the nearest wall, my fingers digging into her hips, holding her there as if letting go would mean losing her all over again.Her soft gasps mix with the roughness of my breathing, and I can taste the metallic tang of my own blood, mingling with the sweetness of her kiss. It on
Blake POVThe backyard is alive with laughter and music, a celebration buzzing with life. Today is Zane’s third birthday, and he’s tearing across the lawn, his little legs pumping as he darts between the tables. Not far behind him is Elijah, toddling as fast as he can to keep up with his older brother, his green eyes wide with excitement. I watch them both, my chest tightening with pride and love I never thought I’d feel.Demitri’s over by the grill, chatting with Axel while flipping burgers, and Lucas is putting up the last of the decorations that Alissia decided we “needed” at the last minute. As for Alissia, she’s cradling Keziah in her arms, bottle-feeding her while keeping a close eye on our two sons as they play. The whole scene is something I never dreamed would be mine—kids, family, this sense of belonging that goes deeper than I can put into words.Alissia made sure it was as close to a regular kids party as possible, no overly priced locations, just something simple at home
Demitri POVAs I pace quietly through the kitchen, Keziah nestled soundly in my arms, her tiny breaths soft against my chest, I feel the weight of it all—the life we’ve built, the family we’ve created. Axel leans against the door, arms crossed, his expression one of quiet amusement, a glint in his eye that tells me he’s up to something.“What, Axel?” I murmur, keeping my voice low to avoid disturbing Keziah.“Nothing,” he replies, though the smirk says otherwise. I narrow my eyes at him, and he finally chuckles, unable to hold back. “You know she’s three months old now, right?” he says, raising an eyebrow.I frown, not quite following. I grab my coffee, nodding for him to follow me as I head out of the kitchen. “And?” I prompt, confused by his insinuation.He shrugs, his grin widening. “I was just thinking… after Zane was born, you three were so caught up in the whole baby frenzy that you kinda… forgot a key point about Alissia. Next thing we know, Alissia’s pregnant again, and then w
Alissia POVI don’t know how long I’ve been out when a sharp, intense pain jolts me awake. I gasp, clutching my stomach, my heart racing as I try to make sense of what’s happening. The pain is undeniable, and as it fades, I feel Demitri’s hand on my shoulder, concern etched into his face.“What’s wrong?” he asks, eyes wide, and I can feel the tension ripple through the car as Blake and Lucas turn, alarmed.“I think…” I pause, sucking in a shaky breath. “I think I’m in labor.”Demitri stares at me, as if hoping he misheard. “This better be a joke, Alissia,” he says, his voice a mixture of worry and frustration. “We’re still an hour away.”I manage a laugh, but it quickly turns into a scream as another contraction hits, the pain searing through me. “Oh god, it hurts!” I gasp, squeezing his hand with all my strength.“Okay, okay, don’t panic,” Blake says from in front of me, though his voice sounds anything but calm. “Lucas, find something—anything—useful. Blankets, towels… anything. I'l
Alissia POVI rest my hand on my stomach, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves flutter beneath my fingertips. My book was published three months after we moved into our new home—six months ago now. And here I am, cutting things close to the wire, but there was no way I was going to miss this event, not for anything.Suddenly, I feel strong hands grip my shoulders, gently but firmly pushing me down into a chair. I look up to see Demitri standing over me, a smirk on his face. I glare at him, but he only shrugs and lets out a soft chuckle, clearly unfazed. The room around us is buzzing with energy, filled with authors at their tables displaying all sorts of extravagant setups—banners, exclusive bookmarks, even themed merchandise like mini handcuffs and… sex toys. Meanwhile, at my table, there’s just me and these three men. I have books and such and as well, but it's these three who are the main attraction. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, but none of them would even consider stay
Alissia POVThe marble floors beneath my feet are pristine, veined with dark streaks that run through the stone like rivers. In the center, an elaborate medallion design is inlaid, drawing the eye and adding a touch of artistry to the already lavish setting. Along the walls are portraits in gilded frames, each one depicting figures from history or perhaps ancestors I’ll never know. The sconces beside each painting cast a soft, ambient light, illuminating the dark wood paneling that lines the walls and lends an air of timeless elegance.I stand there, awestruck, and feel Demitri’s hand rest lightly on the small of my back, guiding me further inside. “Welcome home,” he murmurs, his voice gentle, yet filled with a pride that’s unmistakable.Turning to face him, I still can’t quite process what I’m seeing. “This… all of this… it’s ours?” I whisper, my voice barely more than a breath.“Yes,” Blake chimes in with a grin. “A real home for all of us, and a place where our family can grow.”Lu
Alissia POVThis week has been all about immersing myself in my book. The second draft is finally done, and I’ve been piecing together the perspectives of Demitri, Blake, and Lucas, capturing their unique thoughts and emotions. They’ve been surprisingly helpful, giving me these rare glimpses into their minds during moments I wouldn’t otherwise understand. But even though the draft is complete, releasing it isn’t quite on the horizon yet. There’s one major thing in my life that needs my attention first.Jenni nudges me, breaking my train of thought, and I glance down at the pregnancy test on the bed. “You know you actually have to look at it to see the results, right?” she teases, her chuckle light but encouraging.I groan, my stomach knotting with anxiety. “This wasn’t in the plan, Jenni! We were supposed to stick to the plan!” My voice is almost a whine, frustration spilling over.“Planning isn’t always necessary, you know,” she laughs, not the least bit fazed. “But if you’re gonna d
DemitriA week has passed since that date with Alissia, and every night since, I’ve tried to create small, ordinary moments with her. Even if it’s something as simple as sitting quietly with a book for ten minutes, I find myself drawn to carving out these snippets of normalcy for her—and, strangely, for myself too. It’s a shift that hasn’t gone unnoticed.Lucas and Blake have been watching me with a mix of curiosity and confusion, clearly wondering what’s prompted these small changes. They’re not ones to pry, but the unspoken questions in their eyes are obvious. Today, however, some things are going to change, and I need them to be a part of it. I’ve made up my mind, and there’s no turning back.When our car finally stops, we step out and make our way into the restaurant. The air is thick with the scent of expensive wine and seasoned wood, the atmosphere humming with quiet conversations and the soft clink of glass. Lucas and Blake follow behind, exchanging wary glances as I lead them
Alissia POVI sit on Lucas’s lap, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, absorbing his words, the intensity of his memories, and the raw honesty that drips from every line he’s just written. There’s something liberating about letting the story be real, about capturing not just the actions but the emotions beneath them—the twisted, obsessive need that drove him to act out, to lash back.“Go on,” he murmurs, his voice low and encouraging as he wraps his arm around my waist, anchoring me there. “Keep that line. Let it shape the chapter. Show how I felt, how my control slipped with every message that went unanswered.”His words sink into me, and I type out a few more lines, allowing myself to step inside his mind, to feel the frustration, the dark hunger that simmered beneath his surface. Lucas watches as I write, his eyes on the screen, reading every word as it takes form. I can feel the intensity in his gaze, like he’s reliving the moment, pulling me deeper into his world.After a while
Alissia POVAfter getting dressed, I step out and spot Lucas in the kitchen, focused and completely at ease, stirring something on the stove. The smell of spices fills the air, warm and inviting.“What are you doing?” I ask, hopping up onto the kitchen island to sit and watch him work, swinging my legs slightly.He glances over his shoulder, a small grin forming on his lips. “Well, I figured going out would just mean dealing with people and noise. So I thought we’d spend the night here instead—just us,” he says, his voice low and easy, as he turns back to his task. “Unless you’d rather go out?”I shake my head, smiling. “No, this is perfect.” I mean it, too. I don’t need anything extravagant. Being here, just the two of us, feels exactly right. He catches my gaze for a moment, a soft smile crossing his face before he goes back to cooking.He stirs a pot, then glances at me, curiosity lighting his eyes. “How’s the story coming along?”I groan, rolling my eyes, which makes him chuckle.