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20| A Suppressed Memory.
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Defiant Queen 21| I Hope It's My Name You'll Be Uttering.
"Tesoro [Treasure], Listen to the words that are coming out of my mouth very carefully," He says fiercely, taking no prisoners. "No one is going to touch you, no one can get to you ever again, they would have to get through me first."My fingers bite into his skin as they tighten around his comforting words."And that will never happen." He says with conviction.I speak through the ache in my throat, "He's dead," my voice shudders, "My mother had come in to check on me, with Uncle Viktor by her side like she usually did. But this time, something had compelled her to come to check on me earlier and she told Uncle Viktor to bring her gun with him. Just as my attacker was..." I sniffle, shaking my head as I release a shuddering breath, "... just as he was entering me, stretching my insides... the light came on, and my mother yelled something out in Russian. She took the gun Uncle Viktor had passed her and ... She shot him." I whimper, letting the torrent of tears free; releasing the press
Defiant Queen 22| I'm Going To Russia.
I exit the ensuite wrapping my towel around my body a little tighter than I usually would. For some odd reason, I feel dirty, my body tingles with a forbidden sensation that has me questioning my sanity. How could I want to be touched, sexually after my night's terror and by Amani, whom I'm not in a relationship with? Does masturbating in the shower thinking of an ex make me a cheater? Is there something mentally wrong with me? Shouldn't I be feeling sorry for myself and sick to my stomach? There are so many emotions bomb barding my mind and I don't know what to make of it. As I peer up, I see Amani sitting on the foot of the bed with his head dipped, and wearing just a pair of sweats. I falter in my strides and gasp with surprise as my heart momentarily ceases, and my breath hitches. He looks up through narrowed eyes, they slowly glide up my body, drinking in each inch of my exposed flesh and I gnaw on my inner cheek suppressing a soft moan. As his gaze trails up my body,
Defiant Queen 23| Loner.
I step out of the uber out front of the airport and I slam the door behind me. The icy cold feeling of bitter annoyance at myself invades my mind like a plague. I still can not believe I pulled a fucking gun on Amani. He didn't deserve it but in the heat of the moment, I didn't know what else to do. If I had told him to stay, he would have fought me at every corner until I gave up. I walk through the airport cautiously looking over my shoulder, scrutinizing everyone near and far from my proximity. I'm so out of my element, if someone was to rush up behind me, place a pillowcase over my head and shove me into the back of a white van with blacked-out windows, I'd still be trying to find my voice to scream for help. "Hello, my name is Alicia, thank you for flying with us, how may I help you?" A petite female with exotic taupe colour eyes addresses me with her focus on the computer in front of her, and her fingertips effortlessly glide across the keyboard. I pull out one of my alias
Defiant Queen 24| CEO Billionaire Meets Street Fighter.
I leap from my seat and gaze menacingly at the sassy cow, imagining myself lunging at her, tackling her to the ground as I begin to pull her hair, and slamming her skull against the bottom of the trolley cart.I can smell the sweet scent of copper and molasses assaulting my senses, and I lick my lips as my toes curl in my shoes, keeping myself rooted on the spot."What the hell are you doing here? You do know that it is a crime to stalk people right?" I hiss as I suck on my upper teeth. "Ha ha!" She chuckles in a menacing tone, "Don't flatter yourself, Caterina Kozlov." She cocks her hip against the trolley cart as her eyes slowly roam up my body, gorging my appearance like she is trying to piece back a puzzle that has mysteriously landed in front of her. "Take a picture, it will last longer." I internally cringe with my outdated comeback."No need, by the time the owner of the jet arrives, I'm sure he will realise his mistake and kick you off. Besides, how old are you? 17...""Not
Defiant Queen 25| What's The Plan?
I gaze out the window as the jet glides through the sky as if it were on sleek and perfect tracks.The scenery is breathtaking, like a paradise that you could only reach through the clouds; just out of your grasp.Every single nerve in my body is vibrating, and every single pore on my skin is throbbing and prickling with the soft hum of the engines.It's so much different flying by jet than by plane. The silence between Amani and me is perfect. I hate looking in his eyes, being reminded of the passionate moments we innocently shared. Being in his presence is stirring old feelings.Feelings that should be dormant and have no right to confuse me. "So... what's the plan?" He asks, potentially derailing us from one heated conversation into another.I tuck my hair behind my ear as I frown looking at the table that separates us, in silence."Christ, Zeynep!" He growls, "You don't have one do you?" "I'm going to Diamond Ridge Construction," I state bluntly."And?""And... I'm going to d
Defiant Queen 26| Give Them Hell.
As the car comes to standstill in front of the Diamond Ridge Construction building, I glance over my shoulder at Amani. He nods his head, I sigh and wait for our driver to open my door. I step out of the car, look up and admire the enormous structure which my family owns. I tip my head upwards and follow the building's line all the way to the sky's gloomy ocean. Rain is coming. The kind of rain that makes your bones ache. The dark grey sky is streaked with dry lightening that splinters the crack of pain even deeper. There's only so much a woman can take. Only so far she can be pushed to the brink and still somehow want to survive. I focus my attention back on the building.The Diamond Ridge structure is truly magnificent, the skyscraper pierces the marshmallow clouds and it's a structured design I have never seen before. It's completely different to the building back home.I turn around, my eyes scan the street and I quickly notice the fleet of black SUVs stationed across the road.
Defiant Queen 27| Mafia Ties.
The gunman doesn't bother to make eye contact with me as he raises his gun and points it toward the table that is now infected with grown-arse men shitting themselves. They definitely don't look so big and tough now!"Is there anyone else in this room that wants to second guess a Volkov?" The man asks, his piercing blue eyes scanning the table through thin slits and his chest rises and falls with each savage breath he takes.Curly jet-black hair frames his fierce face, he has a large scar running from one corner of his mouth to his ear, it's deep, and looks like it could be painful during the cold nights he spends alone, sipping on a tumbler that's filled with Vodka and no ice.As his eyes find mine, I turn away with my cheeks blushing knowing I was staring at him longer than I should have. He looks brutal, like a man who has seen and done things your mind can't even begin to imagine.Mafia.Everything about him screams Mafia, a Volkov soldier."Net! [No!]" One of the men cries out,
Defiant Queen 28| One Move.
"Because I would never do that to her!" Amani hisses, pulling me into his side possessively. "If she wants to get married for her personal reassurance that I won't fuck her over, then we will get eloped immediately."I look up to see his jaw clench as his fingers bite into the flesh of my hip, causing me pain. Ivan scoffs, "Are you -" Unexpectedly, a high, piercing scream reverberates throughout the building, shaking the windows in the office, and moments later, Olga enters the room gasping for air with fear bleeding from her eyes.Ivan pulls out his gun, he yanks me out of Amanis' grasp and pushes me behind him as he uses his body to shield me. Swiftly directing his gun and attention to the door. "Gu-guns." Olga hunches over, with her hand on her chest. "Muzhchiny s oruzhiyem voshli v vestibyul'!" She screams breathlessly as she straightens and runs to the far corner of the room."What did she just say?" I ask, fisting Ivans' top in my hands as I could hear the sheer terror in her
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Defiant Queen 65| Room To Expand.
The world is very good at inflicting pain on me.An agony that is so intense that there is nothing else.Darkness engulfs me, blinding me.I’m dying. I just know it.I’ve fought a good fight in my life, and everything I have been subjected to; forced to endure is nothing like this. Only death can feel like this.No matter how much I will myself to keep on fighting, there just isn’t anything left in me to keep going.I ache all over. Every muscle in my body has been robbed of its strength, and I can feel myself sinking deeper into the endless sea of darkness.Dmitris’ face flickers before me.His voice fills my ear canals, stroking my feverish flesh like velvet.Then I think of Leo, how he did right by me, and how my heart slowly began to open up and let him in. He loves me fiercely, and I know if I give up, he will have Wolf by his side.Wolf, looks like Amani. He has a gentle soul and the day Ivan brought him home, he has thrived beyond our wildest dreams. Proving himself to everyon
Defiant Queen 64| We Have Forever.
FORTY-EIGHT HOURS LATER: Lifting my hand with my heart hammering in my chest and butterflies fluttering in the pit of my stomach, I knock on Leos’ office door. I wait a few breaths before the door is pulled open by one of his men. As his gaze falls on me, he steps to the side to allow me to enter, and when Leo sees me, he rises to his feet from behind his desk, buttoning the front of his charcoal suit jacket. He clears his throat, “Leave us.” Without any hesitations or questionable expressions marring their features, all fifteen of his men exit the room in utter silence. “Bella, what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” He smiles as he walks around his desk, cupping my face in his hands, and places a gentle kiss on the top of my head. Since we have been married, Leo has not made any attempt to pressure me into filling my duties as his wife or so much as tried to kiss me on the lips. He has been very patient with me, giving me all the space I need, as well as sleeping in the room
Defiant Queen 63| Make It Look Like An Accident.
TWO MONTHS LATER:Three weeks have passed since I arrived in Sicily, accompanied by Leo, my husband. It has been four weeks since we exchanged our vows and became one. Fortunately, Leo had kept his promise and ensured that our wedding was a small and intimate affair, just as I had requested.The sole attendees of our union consisted exclusively of the distinguished members of the Elite Family's leadership. The only witnesses and approvers of our holy matrimony were the ones we deemed necessary; those of the inner circle that influenced a wider spectrum. As we sat across the table, I knew that our reputation was on the line. Our coming together was questioned.The rumours of a feud between Leo and myself had spread like wildfire, threatening to tarnish our image as a united front. But I was determined to set the record straight. With a confident smile, I spoke of our shared vision and unwavering commitment to success. As I looked over at Leo, I knew that we were more than just a co
Defiant Queen 62| It's Not A Request.
As I continue to helplessly stare after Dmitris’ fading figure, I collapse to my knees-my right knee hitting the wet concrete ground first, then, my left. Pain disperses across the hard balls of my kneecaps, but the foreboding pain of heartbreak that continues to seep into the roots of my heart outweighs any other pain my body is slowly trying to register.He left me.In the rain.Crying.Heartbroken.Alone.I hate him!I fucking hate him with everything I have and I hope he crashes on his stupid bike that makes him look smoking hot!Covering my face with my hands, I burst into tears.I don’t hate him.I could never hate him.I love him so fucking much that I would die for him.I’d kill for him.Why does loving someone hurt so much?Is this what men mean when they say that love is the greatest weakness one can possess?It can be one’s downfall until there is no return.“Time will heal your broken heart, cara mia. But first, you need to push through the pain and accept Dmitris’ decisi
Defiant Queen 61| Indefinitely.
My heart feels like it is shattering into a million pieces for the last and final time as I intently gaze at Dmitri. The look of unwavering disbelief tainting his features makes my stomach churn. Gods, I feel sick. I’m so torn between doing what is right and disregarding everything just to be with the one person who makes my heart whole. Both Dmitri and Leo have one thing in common. They never let anyone get close enough to see the real them. No one aside from me anyway. I jolt the second he takes one step toward me, his eyes blazing with rage. “If he is forcing you to make this oath with him, decline it now, and we will get the hell out of here.” He whispers roughly as he turns his head to the side to mask his words from Leo. Sighing, I shake my head, trying to rein in my runaway heartbeat. “He isn't D. When he presented me with the proposal, at first, I laughed, then I became enraged, and finally, I realised where he was coming from. Marrying Leo ensures our safety. Marrying Leo
Defiant Queen 60| My Word Is My Bond.
Leo slicks back his hair, still damp from the shower, and squares his shoulders as he locks eyes with Dmitri. The air in the dimly lit room is heavy with tension as the two men stand face to face, their eyes locked in a deadly stare-down. The atmosphere is charged with danger as they wait for the other to show weakness and submit to their dominance. I know for certain that Dmitri will not lower his gaze first, especially since he is slowly removing his jacket. I also know that Leo won't back down either, and I find that incredibly alluring. I underestimated him right from the start, but now I see the fire in his eyes and the power he holds. I won't be making that mistake ever again. “If this clown shoots Dmitri, the deal is off,” I state firmly, reminding them both that I am still present. “D, you can put your jacket back on, this isn’t a pissing contest.” Church keeps his gun raised, paying no attention to me as he clears his throat and moves closer to Dmitri. I step out
Defiant Queen 59| Let's Go Home.
I stand outside on the balcony of my hotel room, which overlooks the small city with bright lights illuminating the sidewalks. The cool early morning breeze gently sweeps across my face, cooling my flushed cheeks and my boiling blood thrumming through my veins.Dipping my head, I look down at my hands which are no longer covered in Giovanni's blood. Flashes of me slitting his throat wash over me, making me dizzy, fuelled by sin. Sucking in a razor-sharp breath, I focus on the sky's blanket of beauty that is staring me right in the face. There is no point in me wasting what little energy I consume, bemoaning crimes I've committed, or wasting precious time by expressing regret. It is done.It's over.The streets run red with the blood of our enemies and vengeance has been achieved.I’m safe.No one is coming to hurt me any time soon.I can finally breathe and not feel like I’m choking on my anxiety. My fingers grip the steel fence, turning my knuckles a ghastly shade of white, as
Defiant Queen 58| End Game.
LEO'S POINT OF VIEW: As my father gives me the order to shoot Zeynep in the kneecaps, I watch the look of defiance and unwavering courage burn in her irises. She is truly spectacular, a little bud that has blossomed into something beautiful since I met her. She has created an unexpected throb in my heart and messed up the rhythm of its beat. I hate my father with a passion, and I have been waiting for this opportunity for as long as I can remember. From the moment I learned the truth about my mother’s demise, I have lived and thrived on deception and deceit. Manipulating the game is a thrill of mine, and I never let anyone get close enough to discover my hidden truths. Zeynep is a prized gem, something to be cherished. We are rivals. Sworn enemies yet, she is the only woman who can put out the fire in our bloodlines. “What are you waiting for, Leo? A fucking invitation? Shoot her knees!” My father orders. I cock the gun, waiting for Zeyneps’ jaded-coloured irises to meet mine, an
Defiant Queen 57| Hopes And Dreams.
My heart aches as a dull pain splinters across my chest while Leo continues to meet my gaze.Never in my brightest days did I imagine that I would see Leo standing by his father's side, and now that I do, the thought of trusting him makes me sick.“Are you going to kill me?” I courageously ask, suppressing my fear back into the darkness where it belongs.Drip. Drip. Fucking Drip…Leo’s brows furrow for a second and an unreadable expression masks his features, but it disappears just as quickly as it appeared.“Kill you?” He grounds out, straightening with a cruel hiss departing between his lips.His arm is still in a sling and his face still looks like a messy canvas with different coloured bruising splattered along his jawline.“Yeah… Are you going to kill me?”Slowly shaking his head, Leo sighs roughly and combs his fingers through his hair. “We aren’t going to kill you, Zeynep.” His voice is smooth and gentle. “You are aware that my father wishes to marry you to completely corrupt
