Duality

Weeks passed in a whirlwind for Alessia and Nicolai. Every day, Alessia found herself drawn deeper into Nicolai's world, glimpsing more and more of the duality of his nature - the hardened leader versus the calm, the attentive, affectionate man in their quiet, private moments with her.

Alessia did her best to navigate her own double life. By day, she was Dr. Rossi, respected ER doctor. By night, she was Nicolai's woman, privy to a world of shadows and power.

Her first taste of that power came when Marco, one of Nicolai's lieutenants, stumbled into the ER with a knife wound. Alessia recognized him instantly.

"Hunting accident," Marco grunted, eyeing her warily.

Alessia's lips tightened as she sutured the wound. "I'm sure it was," she murmured. "You should be more careful... when hunting."

Word spread quickly after that. Soon, Alessia found herself treating more of Nicolai's men, always after hours, always with discretion. She never asked questions, but her silent competence spoke volume