Alissia POV
Demitri’s face softens, his dark eyes searching mine with a mix of concern and understanding. “Now, we need to discuss last night—what happened while we were out and what it truly means,” he says gently, his voice steady, though I sense the urgency beneath it.
I nod, taking a breath, and look at each of them before speaking. “I already know,” I begin, my voice barely a whisper but filled with conviction. They glance at one another, surprised, so I continue. “That shot? It wasn’t meant for you, Demitri. I saw it all in the way you reacted, the way you moved without a second thought to protect me. There was panic in your eyes, like you knew I was the target all along. And it hit me hard—that you all would do anything to protect me.” My voice wavers, but I push through, feeling the weight of every word. “I realized last night, during everything, that each of you would willingly put yourselves on
AlissiaAs Demitri steps out of the room, I take a deep breath, collecting myself. The moment he returns with Jenni, reality hits—I completely forgot she was coming tonight. Glancing at the dimly lit windows, it surprises me that the day has already faded into night. I’ve barely processed anything beyond the whirlwind of emotions, intense moments, and laughter that have filled today. I feel myself sway as I stand, and Lucas steadies me, his hand trailing down my leg with a gentle stroke before letting go.I walk to Jenni, and we share a tight hug, a grounding connection that reminds me of normalcy in the midst of everything. Demitri smiles, gesturing toward another room. “Go on, the bar’s set up for you,” he says, his voice soft. I nod, taking Jenni’s hand, leading her through. Her eyes dart around as we pass through the hall, taking in every detail of this world I’ve stumbled into. It isn’t until the door closes behind u
Alissia POVHours pass and it feels amazing.Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupts my tipsy trance, and I turn, trying to focus on the figure in the doorway. “You’re drunk,” Demitri says, raising an eyebrow and looking as amused as he does exasperated.“I’m just… happily relaxed!” I announce with a tipsy grin, waving him off as I raise my glass for another sip. Before I know it, he’s across the room, gently prying the glass from my hand and switching off the music with a smirk.“Hey!” I protest, pouting. “We were dancing.”“Really?” He crosses his arms, nodding towards the other side of the room. “Because your friend’s been asleep over there for, oh, about twenty minutes now.”I blink, squinting across the room to see Jenni slumped back in a chair, softly snoring. When did that happen? I start laughing uncontrollably, reaching for my glass,
DemitriStanding face-to-face with Axel, I can feel my frustration boiling over as Alissia pulls Jenni out of the room. I level my glare at him, my voice low but edged with fury. “You went behind my back and had things searched that had absolutely nothing to do with me or you,” I snap, my words cutting through the silence.Axel sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I wanted confirmation. I wanted to know if what she suspected was true,” he explains, his tone calm yet unrepentant. “I would have told you, but it was late.”“You could have waited until morning!” I snap, barely containing the edge in my voice. “And what’s worse, I asked you to put her in a room, not fuck her, how did that happen.”“She woke up,” he begins, voice softened like he’s reasoning with me. “We started talking and she was asking about Alissia—how she was doing here, if she was happy. Th
Demitri POVBlake and Lucas walk her through the details, explaining how they’re going to take care of Kozlov and exactly what steps they’ll take to ensure her safety. Her attention, though, is clearly split; I catch her gaze flicking over to the door now and then. She’s here with us, but her thoughts are clearly somewhere else. I keep my arm firm around her, hoping it’ll help ease her mind.Then, right on cue, my phone buzzes, and I see Axel’s name. I step out of earshot, answering the call as soon as I’m clear.“Well?” I ask, my voice low but sharp. I know the answer before he even says it. If Axel dug too deeply into Jenni’s life, she’d run right back to Jake. She’s bound to cling to anything familiar when her trust is broken like that.“I need his address,” Axel says, tension thick in his voice.I laugh, bitterly. “Oh, so now you’re asking permission to di
Alissia POVI make my way down the hall and slip into the hidden room that Demitri calls his “sanctuary,” but I’ve taken to calling it what it truly is—his personal dungeon. Dark, luxurious walls lined with velvet and leather greet me, along with the faint scent of musk and rich wood. It’s a place where he’s always been in control, where every inch of it has been arranged to cater to his dominance. But today, I want to turn that on its head. I know when he's in this room, Axel knows not to try contact him. It's where he hides from things even if he's not using it.I let my fingers trail over the variety of implements he’s neatly arranged on a sideboard. There’s an artistry to how he’s laid them out, like they’re his favorite tools. The leather cuffs, the ropes, the paddle, each placed with deliberate care. I pick up one of the silk scarves, running the soft material between my fingers as a small grin plays on
Alissia POVTurning to my closet, I run my fingers over the rows of carefully chosen outfits, my eyes settling on a pair of towering black heels. I slip them on, the extra height adding a confidence that makes me grin. I glance across the shelves lined with lingerie, eyeing the sets, each more daring than the last.If I’m going to break him tonight, I’ll need to make it worth his while. A lap dance, perhaps? Slowly stripping, just to watch him squirm in that perfect combination of lust and restraint? The thought makes me smirk, and I reach for a set of black lace that leaves little to the imagination, with thin straps and delicate material that hugs in all the right places.I study myself in the mirror for a second. The reflection staring back at me is both fierce and playful, fully aware of the power she holds tonight. I give my hair a slight tousle, running a finger along my lower lip as I consider my next move. Then, slipping on a
Alissia POVWith a playful smirk, I slip off his lap, stepping back to let his anticipation build, and turn to the wall where the riding crop hangs. I take my time reaching for it, letting him see exactly what’s coming next, his eyes narrowing as I turn back to him with the crop in hand."Alissia," he growls. I smile, the leather handle feels warm and familiar in my grip, and I run it slowly up his thigh, watching the way his muscles tense with each inch it travels. He’s trying to hide his reaction, but the light in his eyes betrays him.I stroke the crop up his chest, tracing a path along his abs, letting it dance over his collarbone, teasing him as he breathes a little faster. Without warning, I flick my wrist, letting the crop tap his shoulder lightly. He stiffens, but there’s a spark in his gaze, his lips pressing into a tight line as he suppresses the smirk I know is fighting to surface.I climb back onto his lap, feeling the heat r
Blake POVI’ve been at this for well over an hour, digging through every piece of information on Jake with Lucas by my side. We’ve uncovered bits and pieces, small incriminating details here and there, but nothing substantial enough to send him running from Jenni for good. Every promising lead fizzles out, and frustration gnaws at me. Without the option to kill him—since Jenni would inevitably blame Alissia for any “mysterious disappearance”—we’re left with blackmail or some other way to scare him off.Lucas mutters under his breath, frustration clearly getting to him as well. Then, out of nowhere, he chuckles, the sound low and amused. I look up from my screen, curious.“You found something?” I ask, hopeful.“No, but I’d bet anything that, based on how long they’ve been quiet, she’s probably got Demitri under her thumb,” he smirks, eyes glinting with amusement.I g
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.