Alessia's pulse quickened as she watched Nicolai's skilled fingers traced the outline of the plug, his touch sending shivers along her nerve endings. She felt a slow heat building within her, a mix of anticipation and desire that made her wet.Gently, Nicolai applied a slick substance to the toy, the cool gel contrasting with the warmth of his touch. On her hands and knees, the sheets slipping against her skin as she fisted them in her fingers, preparing for something she wasn't sure she was ready for.Nicolai must have sensed her uncertainty because he gave her a dark, reassuring smile. "You will take everything I give you, Alessia. I will be gentle, but you will feel every inch. All of your body is mine."With expert precision, Nicolai guided the tip of the butt plug inside her, his movements slow and deliberate. Alessia's breath hitched as the smooth object stretched her, filling her in a way that was both foreign and exhilarating."Easy, moya krasavitsa," he murmured, his voice low
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
As their relationship deepened, Nicolai found himself grappling with unfamiliar emotions. The fierce protectiveness he felt for Alessia went beyond anything he'd experienced before. He caught himself thinking of her during meetings, wondering what she was doing, if she was safe. He wanted everything for her. It both thrilled and terrified him.One evening, as Nicolai sat in his study reviewing reports, Sergei entered with a grim expression. "Boss, we've got a problem. I've been hearing whispers about Dmitri."Nicolai's jaw clenched at the mention of his half-brother's name. Their history was complicated and bitter. When their father had shown up at Nicolai's mother's funeral when he was 20 and recognized Nicolai as his son, Dmitri had at first seemed to be happy to have a little brother. The novelty quickly wore off, however, and the resentment had taken over and had now festered for years, even after Nicolai moved his operations to the US. His brother was a dangerous and unstable man.
The drive to Nicolai's country estate was a blur for Alessia, her eyes never leaving his strong profile as he focused intently on the winding road. Nicolai had been reassuring, his thumb stroking her knee back and forth, but she'd been unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss.White Birch Manor appeared before them, a majestic fortress surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. Alessia's memory of her previous visit sent a shiver down her spine. It had been her first experience being dominated by Nicolai in the bedroom. She'd been shocked at the way her body and mind responded to his roughness. She'd left with a few finger bruises on her body but a big smile on her face. Everything was a new and exciting experience since Nicolai came into her life.As they pulled up to the house, Alessia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the gazebo at the edge of the river. That gazebo was where it all began for them. Nicolai's strong arm snaked around her shoulders, pulling her clo
Nicolai couldn't help but smile as he approached the chair where Alessia had obviously fallen asleep. The book that had dropped from her hands onto the thick carpet was facedown, its title Twisted Shifters – Four Twisted Romances. One Very Good Time. He picked it up and flipped through the pages, chuckling. Cursed Dildos and AI that came alive indeed. A faint blush dusted her cheeks from the warmth of the fire and he imagined her reading the steamy passages, lost in a world of make-believe lovers.As he settled into the matching chair across from her, he studied her face in the firelight. Her features were relaxed, her eyes gentle beneath long lashes, unlike the intense gaze she fixed on him when awake. The stress lines that so often creased her forehead and the corners of her mouth were absent, giving way to a peacefulness he hadn't often seen. Her lips were slightly parted, and he imagined the softest of sighs escaping them as she dreamed.Alessia's hair was splayed across the armre
Nicolai's mind was full of memories of his brother as he prepared the bath for Alessia. His life had all changed when their father had suddenly appeared at Nicolai's mother's funeral. Nicolai had been twenty, and his world had been turned upside down by the revelation of his true paternity. Suddenly, he'd gone from being an only child to having a half-brother, and their father had shown him an unexpected affection.He and Dmitri had always been so different even as young men --Dmitri so serious and focused, Nicolai wild and unpredictable used to being on his own. Even so, Nicolai had looked up to Dmitri, admired his strength and the power he already garnered in their father's business. He'd followed in his wake, desperate to belong. To be a member of 'the family'. But where Nicolai had been overjoyed to finally know his true heritage, Dmitri had seen his father's attention as an insult, a challenge to his legacy. Their father trying to bring Nicolai into the fold had fueled his broth
Alessia sighed contentedly as Nicolai carefully lowered her into the deep tub, the warm water enveloping her sore muscles. She felt him behind her, his strong fingers working the kinks from her shoulders and back, and she leaned into his touch, reveling in the familiarity of his hands on her skin."This feels amazing," she murmured, closing her eyes and letting the stress of the past few weeks melt away."You're amazing," Nicolai replied, his breath warm against her ear. "Stronger than you know."Alessia's cheeks warmed at the compliment, and she turned her head to capture his lips in a soft kiss. "Thank you. For everything. I know this can't be easy for you, keeping me close while dealing with your brother."Nicolai's hands paused, and she felt his body tense. "It's my job to protect you," he said, his voice strained. "No one will hurt you, Alessia. Not while I'm alive."She turned in the large soaking tub to face him, gripping his wrists. "You're scaring me, Nicolai. What's going on
Alessia sat in the den, her eyes unfocused as she stared out the window. Nicolai hovered nearby, his concerned gaze never leaving her. The news of Petr's death and Dmitri's disappearance had shaken them both, but Nicolai's constant presence was beginning to wear on her nerves.She took a deep breath, forcing a small smile as she turned to him. "Nicolai, darling, why don't you go to your office? I'm sure there's work piling up."He frowned, moving closer. "I don't want to leave you alone, my love. Not after everything that's happened.""Really, I'll be fine. I know..."Just then, Sergei appeared in the doorway, a stranger at his side. "Boss, Mikhail needs you to go over some business matters," Sergei said.Nicolai hesitated, glancing between Alessia and the newcomers.Sergei cleared his throat and spoke directly to Alessia. "Mikail is...an accountant. He's got some important, uh, figures to go over."Alessia seized the opportunity. "Go on, darling. I'll be fine. I have some medical jou
Nicolai pulled Alessia close in their room, his embrace fierce, almost desperate. The tension of the day had wound him tight, and he needed her—needed her warmth, her comfort, her love. "If anything happens to you..." he began, his voice raw with worry."Don't," she interrupted, pressing her fingers to his lips. "Kiss me and make me forget this day."Nicolai's eyes darkened with desire, and he captured her mouth in a searing kiss, his lips hard and demanding against hers. Alessia melted into him, her body pressing against his as she met his passion with her own. He backed her up against the nearest wall, his hands roaming over her curves, igniting a fire within her that matched his own.She could feel the urgency in his touch, the raw need that drove him. He nipped at her lower lip, drawing a gasp from deep within her. His hands slid down to her hips, gripping her tightly as he lifted her off the ground. Alessia wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the hard length of him pressin
As the morning light filtered through the curtains of the safe house, Taylor—or rather, Tatiana Petrov—stood by the window, looking out at the unfamiliar neighborhood. The events of the past few days had spun her world into a tailspin, thrusting her back into the life she had fought so hard to escape. Her real name echoed in her mind, a remnant of a past she had tried to bury. Tatiana Petrov, the daughter of Viktor Petrov, a man known for his honor and integrity within the Bratva.Her father had been a legend in his own right, respected and feared. He had seen the corruption within the brotherhood and had dedicated his life to trying to cleanse it. But his crusade had ultimately led to his downfall. Tatiana remembered the nights she would sit by her father’s side as he pored over documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. She remembered the anger in his voice as he spoke of the injustices he witnessed, the lives lost to greed and power.And then, one fateful night, her world had s
When Taylor woke the next morning, she found Sergei already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching her with a soft smile on his face. She stretched, her body sore in all the right places, a contented sigh escaping her lips."Morning," she murmured, her voice still husky with sleep."Morning," he replied, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. "How are you feeling?"She considered the question, taking stock of her body, her mind, her heart. "Good," she said finally. "Better than good, actually. I feel... ready."Sergei's smile widened, and he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. "That's my girl," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Ready to face whatever the day brings."Taylor nodded, her expression turning serious. "But first, I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee."Sergei chuckled, rolling out of bed and padding naked to the small coffee maker in the corner of the room. Taylor watched him go, her eyes appreciating the view, her mind already racing with t
As the meeting in the kitchen wrapped up, Taylor could feel the weight of the coming day settling on her shoulders. She stood, stretching slightly to ease the tension in her back, and caught Sergei's eye. He had been watching her throughout the discussion, his gaze intense and protective. She offered him a small smile, appreciating his concern.Sergei approached her as Nicolai gathered the blueprints and began discussing final preparations with his men. "You should get some rest," Sergei said, his voice low and gentle.Taylor nodded, but her mind was racing with the details of the plan, the danger that lay ahead. "I don't know if I can," she admitted. "Too much to think about."Sergei's hand found the small of her back, his touch warm and comforting. "Come on," he said. "Let's get you out of here. A change of scenery might help."They slipped away from the group, Sergei leading her through the safe house to a quiet room at the back. It was simple but cozy, with a large bed, a small si
Nicolai sipped his coffee as he gazed out the master suite's windows and watched staff running around like ants below getting ready for today's events. Good. Everyone should be busy. Everything had to be perfect.Today, he would make Alessia his wife.The thought sent a frisson of excitement and nerves through him. After a lifetime of violence and isolation, he had found a modicum of peace, and love. He'd also found a reason to build something beyond his criminal empire. Alessia had become the center of his world, her light guiding him out of the shadows he had inhabited for so long.A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Sergei enter, looking uncharacteristically nervous in his new suit."Everything is almost ready, boss," Sergei reported. "The guests are starting to arrive."Nicolai nodded, straightening his tie. "And Taylor?"A small smile tugged at Sergei's lips. "She's with the doctor, helping her get ready."Nicolai studied his lieutenant, noting t
Nicolai stood at his office window, the weight of Viktor's letter heavy in his pocket. The past weeks had brought revelations that shook his world, yet also cemented what he'd known in his heart - family was everything. Not just blood, but the bonds forged through loyalty...and even love.He turned as Alessia entered, her presence bringing light to the room as always. She moved to his side, fitting perfectly under his arm as they looked out over the city together."I heard the surgeon cleared you today," she said softly. "Your shoulder's fully healed.""Da," he replied, his hand moving to touch the spot where his brother's bullet had torn through flesh and muscle. It was not one hundred percent, still stiff and his strength wasn't completely back but it no longer pained him. The physical wound had healed, but the betrayal still burned."And Boris? How is he doing?""Better. Taylor says he'll make a full recovery." Alessia leaned into him slightly. "She's good at what she does.""Like
Back at the safe house, Alessia and Taylor waited anxiously for news of the operation. The hours ticked by slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity as they worried about the men they cared for.Finally, the sound of approaching vehicles filled the air, and moments later, Nicolai and his men entered the safe house, their faces etched with fatigue but also a sense of relief.Alessia rushed to Nicolai's side, her eyes searching his for answers. "Did you find the weapons?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Nicolai nodded, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close. "We found them. And we found Dmitri too. He's dead, poisoned by his own hand."Alessia let out a sigh of relief, her body sagging against Nicolai's. "It's finally over," she murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and exhaustion.Taylor stepped forward, her expression grave. "What about the weapons? How do we dispose of them safely?"Sergei moved to her side, his hand resting gently on h
Nicolai stood in the center of the war room, surrounded by his most trusted men. Sergei stood to his right, bearing a fresh scar along his jaw, a reminder of the recent skirmish with Dmitri's men. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their impending mission heavy on everyone's shoulders."Dmitri has crossed a line," Nicolai began, his voice steady and commanding. "His greed and ambition have led him to acquire chemical weapons, intending to use them against not just us, but innocent people as well."A collective murmur of disbelief and anger rippled through the room. The brotherhood had its dark sides, but the thought of using such deadly weapons against civilians was abhorrent even to the hardest of them."We have to stop him," Nicolai continued. "And we need to find these weapons before it's too late."Sergei stepped forward, laying out a map on the table. "Our informants have narrowed down the possible locations of the weapons to three warehouses in the industrial district.
The tension in the room thickened as everyone processed the weight of the decision before them. The stakes had suddenly become much higher than a family feud or a struggle for power within the brotherhood. Thousands of innocent lives hung in the balance. The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. Finally, Vadim spoke up from his position near the door."We could split into teams," he suggested, his tactical mind already working. "One group to verify the storage unit's contents, another to reconnoiter the warehouse.""No splitting up," Nicolai said firmly. "That's exactly what Dmitri would want - to divide our forces, make us vulnerable.""Then how do we proceed?" Taylor asked, her mind already calculating medical supplies they might need if things went wrong.Sergei moved closer to the group, though his gun remained trained on their visitors. "We need more intelligence before we move. These two can be questioned separately - compare their sto