Alissia POVI stir awake, feeling like my bodyâs made of lead and my headâs in a fog. My eyes flutter open, and the first thing I see is Demitriâs face, his familiar smirk easing into a warm smile as he leans down and presses a soft kiss to my forehead.âYou had us worried there, you know?â he murmurs, his voice low but relieved.As he pulls back, Lucas and Blake appear on either side of me, taking turns kissing my cheeks. I manage a chuckle, and I canât resist throwing in a bit of sass.âHonestly, you three act like I was dying or something,â I smirk, rolling my eyesâalthough the effect is a bit lost as I wince. âI just needed a nap. Iâm totally fine!â I give them a wink, trying to sit up... and instantly regret it as pain radiates through me. âOkay, maybe...not so fine.âBoth Demitri and Lucas are on me in seconds, guiding me back into a semi-comfortable position. As I settle, my gaze drifts around the room, my mouth dropping open at the sheer volume of gifts piled up around me. The
Alissia POVBy the time weâre in the elevator, Iâm sulking, arms crossed as I stew over the fact that my freedom has been yanked away along with any last shred of dignity.Demitri glances over, sighing loudly, as if heâs dealing with a particularly stubborn child. âAlright, Alissia, what is it you want?âI donât hesitate. âTo be allowed to do things. Alone! I donât need someone to hold my hand to the bathroom or get me a drink. Youâre all going completely over the top here.â I glare for emphasis, hoping theyâll finally take me seriously.The elevator doors open, and Lucas carries me all the way to a chair, placing me down carefully, like I might break if Iâm not positioned just right. Just as Iâm about to protest, I hear a familiar squeal.âAlissia!â Jenniâs voice is pure sunshine, and sheâs already halfway to me when Demitri steps in front, holding up a hand.âWait,â he says, his voice firm. Instead of letting her pass, he kneels in front of me, his hand reaching up to gently grip my
Alissia POVItâs been four long, drawn-out days in this hospital bed. Four days of being treated like Iâm on the verge of falling apart with every move. Four days of Demitri, Blake, and Lucas insisting I need help walking, or bathing, or, heaven forbid, even putting on a top. At this rate, theyâll be spoon-feeding me next.And donât even get me started on Jenniâshe hasnât been allowed anywhere near me, all because, according to these three geniuses, I âneed to rest.â Iâve tried every trick to get them to bring her here, but itâs no use. Demitri keeps mentioning Axelâs got her covered and that heâs busy handling work, as if thatâs supposed to reassure me.Then thereâs the whole situation with Arkadi. Apparently, heâs still lurking around the city. Blakeâs been tracking him, and I can feel the tension in the room every time it comes up. They know something I donâtâof course, theyâre probably convinced itâll âstress me outâ if they actually tell me. Meanwhile, not knowing is driving me a
Demitri POVThe oversized bear sits ominously in the corner, and that cardâArkadiâs twisted little messageâstares back at me like a ticking bomb. Weâve 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 doesnât mean Iâm happy about it. I just hope Axel can keep both her and Jenni calm and inside where theyâre 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. âYou mentioned how Arkadi walked away a little too easily.âI nod, the thought still gnawing at me. Arkadi left without causing a scene, which isnât his style. Thereâs no way heâd let his fatherâs death go without a price. And now heâs still hanging around, clearly waiting for somethingâor som
Demitri POVArkadi leans back, stretching his arms along the back of the booth, like heâs just lounging around, but his gaze is deadly serious. âA seat at the table is exactly what I want, Demitri. And before you dismiss it, think carefully.â His voice drops, the playfulness gone. âBecause if you want Alissia safe, if you want a lasting peace, then this is the price. I bring something to your organization that you havenât had beforeâa way into places you canât reach. And I bring with me influence that will strengthen your empire.ââYou think Iâd jeopardize my world, my family, by letting someone like you in?â I say, voice steely. âSomeone who could destroy it from within the second it suits him?âHe shrugs, unbothered. âDemitri, thereâs risk in every alliance. But I think we both know that rejecting this offer carries greater risk. AlissiaâĶ JenniâĶ you know what can happen. These girls of yoursâthey donât belong in this life, but here they are. You keep them safe by making the smart ch
Blake POVThe second I agree to Arkadiâs twisted proposal, I feel the weight of his demand settle like a lead weight in my chest. Heâs asking a hell of a lot, and as far as Iâm concerned, this entire deal is a ticking time bomb. But if this job keeps him at armâs length and out of our lives for good, itâs a risk Iâm willing to take.Arkadi leans back, his smirk settling back into place, watching us like a cat with a mouse. âI donât need this done right away,â he says, a new glint in his eye. âIn fact, Iâd prefer if you waited exactly a month. Thereâs aâĶ letâs call it a substantial deposit thatâs due in the account, and Iâd like the funds to be nice and plump when I take control of it.âThe subtle emphasis on substantial is all I need to know: heâs not just looking to drain this rival account; he wants the full weight of the money theyâre expecting, too. Itâs 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 POVItâs 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 Jakeâor any other lingering threatâwasnât coming back. Not that sheâs really âmoved inâ here. Most nights, she ends up at Axelâs place down the hall.Iâm 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 itâs true, I canât 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. Iâm almost scared to go back and read through it allâwho 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 Arkadiâs intentions. Heâs only bringing two men with him to this meeting, which doesnât make sense. This is Arkadiâthe man who never leaves without an entourage, always watching his back. The fact that heâs coming with such a small crew means heâs either overly confident or hiding something, and my gut tells me itâs the latter.Demitri and Lucas must have felt the same. Theyâre heading to the airstrip now, convinced that while Iâm keeping Arkadi busy, heâs slipping somethingâor someoneâonto that plane. Whatever heâs planning, one thing is clear: Arkadi isnât going down without a fight. He wonât get close to Alissia, not with the security weâve set up around her, but I know heâs still a threat. Heâs been too quiet, too composed, and it feels like heâs 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 POVThe backyard is alive with laughter and music, a celebration buzzing with life. Today is Zaneâs third birthday, and heâs 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 Iâd feel.Demitriâs over by the grill, chatting with Axel while flipping burgers, and Lucas is putting up the last of the decorations that Alissia decided we âneededâ at the last minute. As for Alissia, sheâs 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 mineâkids, 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 allâthe life weâve built, the family weâve created. Axel leans against the door, arms crossed, his expression one of quiet amusement, a glint in his eye that tells me heâs up to something.âWhat, Axel?â I murmur, keeping my voice low to avoid disturbing Keziah.âNothing,â he replies, though the smirk says otherwise. I narrow my eyes at him, and he finally chuckles, unable to hold back. âYou know sheâs three months old now, right?â 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. âAnd?â I prompt, confused by his insinuation.He shrugs, his grin widening. âI was just thinkingâĶ after Zane was born, you three were so caught up in the whole baby frenzy that you kindaâĶ forgot a key point about Alissia. Next thing we know, Alissiaâs pregnant again, and then w
Alissia POVI donât know how long Iâve 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 whatâs happening. The pain is undeniable, and as it fades, I feel Demitriâs hand on my shoulder, concern etched into his face.âWhatâs wrong?â he asks, eyes wide, and I can feel the tension ripple through the car as Blake and Lucas turn, alarmed.âI thinkâĶâ I pause, sucking in a shaky breath. âI think Iâm in labor.âDemitri stares at me, as if hoping he misheard. âThis better be a joke, Alissia,â he says, his voice a mixture of worry and frustration. âWeâre still an hour away.âI manage a laugh, but it quickly turns into a scream as another contraction hits, the pain searing through me. âOh god, it hurts!â I gasp, squeezing his hand with all my strength.âOkay, okay, donât panic,â Blake says from in front of me, though his voice sounds anything but calm. âLucas, find somethingâanythingâuseful. Blankets, towelsâĶ 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 homeâsix 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 setupsâbanners, exclusive bookmarks, even themed merchandise like mini handcuffs andâĶ sex toys. Meanwhile, at my table, thereâs 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 wasnât 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 Iâll 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 Demitriâs hand rest lightly on the small of my back, guiding me further inside. âWelcome home,â he murmurs, his voice gentle, yet filled with a pride thatâs unmistakable.Turning to face him, I still canât quite process what Iâm seeing. âThisâĶ all of thisâĶ itâs ours?â I whisper, my voice barely more than a breath.âYes,â Blake chimes in with a grin. âA real home for all of us, and a place where our family can grow.âLu
Alissia POVThis week has been all about immersing myself in my book. The second draft is finally done, and Iâve been piecing together the perspectives of Demitri, Blake, and Lucas, capturing their unique thoughts and emotions. Theyâve been surprisingly helpful, giving me these rare glimpses into their minds during moments I wouldnât otherwise understand. But even though the draft is complete, releasing it isnât quite on the horizon yet. Thereâs 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. âYou know you actually have to look at it to see the results, right?â she teases, her chuckle light but encouraging.I groan, my stomach knotting with anxiety. âThis wasnât in the plan, Jenni! We were supposed to stick to the plan!â My voice is almost a whine, frustration spilling over.âPlanning isnât always necessary, you know,â she laughs, not the least bit fazed. âBut if youâre gonna d
DemitriA week has passed since that date with Alissia, and every night since, Iâve tried to create small, ordinary moments with her. Even if itâs something as simple as sitting quietly with a book for ten minutes, I find myself drawn to carving out these snippets of normalcy for herâand, strangely, for myself too. Itâs a shift that hasnât gone unnoticed.Lucas and Blake have been watching me with a mix of curiosity and confusion, clearly wondering whatâs prompted these small changes. Theyâre 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. Iâve made up my mind, and thereâs 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 Lucasâs lap, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, absorbing his words, the intensity of his memories, and the raw honesty that drips from every line heâs just written. Thereâs something liberating about letting the story be real, about capturing not just the actions but the emotions beneath themâthe twisted, obsessive need that drove him to act out, to lash back.âGo on,â he murmurs, his voice low and encouraging as he wraps his arm around my waist, anchoring me there. âKeep that line. Let it shape the chapter. Show how I felt, how my control slipped with every message that went unanswered.âHis 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 heâs 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.âWhat are you doing?â 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. âWell, I figured going out would just mean dealing with people and noise. So I thought weâd spend the night here insteadâjust us,â he says, his voice low and easy, as he turns back to his task. âUnless youâd rather go out?âI shake my head, smiling. âNo, this is perfect.â I mean it, too. I donât 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. âHowâs the story coming along?âI groan, rolling my eyes, which makes him chuckle.