Alissia POV
As I step into the room, all three of them turn to face me, eyes sharp and expectant.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Demitri’s voice is calm but curious.
“To grab something to eat,” I say, unable to hold back a grin. “Jenni and I are going to have some food, maybe a few drinks, just to relax.”
Demitri raises an eyebrow. “Go to La Dolce.” Demitri looks at me.
“We will, so is that a yes?” I ask.
“Fine. Just promise me you’re not getting wasted.” Demitri laughs.
I hold up my pinky finger, giving him my most innocent smile. “Pinky promise. I’ll keep it classy.”
He nods, though his gaze is still assessing. “Alright. Axel will drive you both there and pick you up. You don’t leave that restaurant, understood? If you need anything, call.”
“I won’t leave. I promise,” I ass
Alissia POVWe stare at the masterpiece in front of us, both marveling at its presentation. When we finally cut into the crispy shell, the savory aroma that wafts out is heavenly. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors—the smoky salami, the tender meatballs, the melted cheese, and the rich, buttery pastry crust. We eat slowly, savoring each bite, occasionally exchanging looks of awe.“This is… amazing,” Jenni sighs, eyes closed in bliss.“Demitri was right about this place,” I say, thoroughly enjoying the meal. After a moment, I take a deep breath, and Jenni notices the thoughtful look on my face.“So,” she says, arching an eyebrow, “you look like there’s something else you want to share.”A small smile tugs at my lips. “I told them I love them,” I say, watching her eyes light up.“Wait, really? All three of them?”I nod, feeling
Alissia POVI twist my wrists against the ropes, feeling the rough fibers dig into my skin as I fight to keep calm. I know exactly why Kozlov wants me. The rhythm—my uncle’s strange, lilting tune—is the key to the family’s most treasured possession, a gold painting he stole from them. It’s why they’ve been hunting me all this time, why Kozlov couldn’t let me simply disappear. I’d found that old video of my uncle singing it to me when I was a child, and that melody had stayed hidden in my memory, only surfacing when I stumbled upon the video.Kozlov steps back into the room, his eyes dark with calculation as he sizes me up. His mouth curves in a cruel smile, his tone mocking. “Are you ready to be reasonable, Alissia? Or shall I continue to wait while you test my patience?”I meet his gaze, forcing myself to stay steady. “You’re wasting your time. I haven’t interfered with your business.
Alissia POVKozlov leans in close, his eyes glinting with a dark curiosity as he studies me. “Why are you fighting?” His voice is quiet, menacing, but I meet his gaze with a bitter smile.“Why would I give in?” I murmur, refusing to show fear.He straightens, casting a glance at one of his men. “She was with a woman in the restaurant, right? No one else?”The man nods, his voice flat. “Just her and another woman. No one who would come looking.”Kozlov’s lips curl into a satisfied smile as he turns back to me. “And her phone? Was it left behind?”“On the table.” The man shrugs, confident. Kozlov visibly relaxes, reassured.My lips quirk despite myself, and I can’t hold back a smirk. Kozlov catches it, his eyes narrowing, suspicion dawning. He leans closer, his gaze piercing as it sweeps over me.“No… there’s something else. You
Alissia POVFor a brief moment, I wonder if he might actually be trying to help me. But then I remember who he is, the calculated menace lurking behind that half-smile. Could he really be helping me? Or was he just trying to win me over, only to turn on me once I’ve spoken?I tilt my head, lips curling into a smirk. There’s no way I’m giving in. Instead, I decide to respond with a rhythm, something completely useless to him—a subtle dig at his arrogance.“Oh, Kozlov, mighty and cruel,You play with fire, but you’re just a fool.You think I’ll break, but here’s a clue—I’m tougher than anything you could do.”Kozlov’s face twists in fury as the mocking rhyme hangs in the air. Salazar groans audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose, as if I’ve just proven every suspicion he had about me.“Did you honestly think asking nicely would work?” Kozlov sneers, shooting Salazar a look of derision.Salazar shakes his head at me, clearly frustrated. “Well, beating her hasn’t worked, has it?” he sn
Demitri POVThe tension is thick as we pore over every detail of the plan, each of us feeling the weight of what’s at stake. Trusting Alissia’s protection to Axel doesn’t sit right with me, but it’s necessary. If we go after Kozlov, all of us are needed, leaving her vulnerable.“I still can’t get back into his system,” Blake mutters, his fingers moving deftly over his laptop. “It’s like he’s gone dark. Either everything’s shut down, or he’s only using burners, keeping everything temporary.”Neither possibility bodes well for tracking him. I’ve already received confirmation from Rocco that Alissia made it safely to the restaurant, but it’s thin reassurance.Lucas pushes over a set of photos and diagrams. “I’ve mapped out the layout for where he’s supposed to be staying. Blake will decide the best places for hidden cameras, but as you mentioned, that entire floor is isolated, reserved solely for his use. I’ve also arranged a route through the back of the building to avoid the elevator.”
Demitri POVAs we turn onto the industrial stretch leading to Southcore, Axel parks a block away, out of sight. We exit the car in silence, and I motion for everyone to stick close. With no way of knowing what waits for us inside, we move cautiously, taking cover behind old crates and stacks of rusted metal. The warehouse is surrounded by fencing and debris, long-abandoned, yet there’s a faint glow inside—movement, shadows shifting.We arrive outside the abandoned building. Blake motions to the entrance, his face taut with grim determination, and Lucas is already scanning the area, his jaw set.As we reach the doors, we spot a guard positioned outside, his back to us. Without hesitation, Blake raises his gun, the shot muffled but precise. The man slumps to the ground, and Lucas is already moving forward, pushing open the heavy doors as we slip inside.The stale, heavy air of the abandoned building does nothing to mask the sounds within. From down the corridor, I can hear Arkadi’s low,
Blake POVAs Arkadi and his men disappear into the shadows, leaving Kolya behind at our mercy, I watch him, trembling, his gaze darting between Lucas and me with a mix of terror and pleading. He knows what’s coming.Lucas and I close in on him, our faces expressionless as we consider all he’s done to Alissia. The man is already cowering, curling in on himself as if it will make a difference. My grip tightens around the handle of my knife as I step forward, and his wide eyes meet mine, sheer panic etched across his face.“You like hurting people, don’t you?” I ask, my voice low and cold, each word deliberate. “You enjoyed watching her suffer.”Kolya shudders, a strangled noise escaping him, but he says nothing. His lips quiver, his eyes filling with a desperate plea for mercy, but he knows he won’t find it here.Lucas steps in beside me, a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth as he looks down at Kolya, who’s shaking so hard I can see his shoulders quivering. “Oh, don’t go silent on
Lucas POVAs the doctor disappears down the hall, a weight settles over the room, thick and suffocating. Demitri is silent, standing statue-still as he stares after the doctor. Blake’s pacing has slowed, but every now and then he stops, fists clenched at his sides, eyes flickering with worry. I lean back against the wall, folding my arms, every ounce of patience wearing thin.An hour. Two, maybe five. The words repeat in my head, and I can’t shake the image of Alissia lying there, broken, needing surgery. It feels surreal, like none of this should be happening. She’s supposed to be fine. She’s supposed to be here with us, laughing, or making some sarcastic comment, teasing us about taking things too seriously.“She’ll pull through,” I finally say, though I’m not sure if I’m saying it to them or to myself.Blake lets out a low, frustrated breath, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “She better. Damn it, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this…helpless.” He shakes his head, his voice almost a whispe
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.