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42| Fear Into Armour.
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Defiant Queen 43| Run.
As we make it to the bottom of the staircase, we come to a screeching halt as two of Konstatins' guards are waiting for us by the front door. “Going somewhere?” One of them asks with a sinister smirk curling on one corner of his mouth. “Surely, not before we get to sample the sweet Volkov printsessa first!” The other guard states as he licks his lips with his eyes slowly devouring me from across the entry lobby. I gasp, taking a step back as I shake my head. “Are all of you bastards rapists?” I hiss as my body shivers with fear and disgust. Both of the guards look at each other for a split second before they return their gazes to us and start to laugh psychotically. “Da!” They answer in unison with a shrug of their shoulder. As sore and as badly beaten as Leo is, he pushes me behind him, widening his stance as a low and murderous snarl departs his lips. I hook my fingers inside his belt, wherever he moves, I will move with him. It has become abundantly clear that he is the only
Defiant Queen 44| A Rare Beauty.
There comes a time in one's life when you are faced with a decision that can alter the entirety of your existence.And for me, this is one of those moments; do I lay still and let these savage monsters have a piece of the Volkov printsessa they so desperately want, or, do I fight for a life that no longer feels like my own?A life that has been nothing but a living nightmare and keeps spiralling out of control. But then I remember watching a movie about a female who was in a domestic, violent marriage. She managed to escape, making it her life mission to keep her young son protected from her husband, who relentlessly tracked them down, turning their lives upside down at every turning point. One day, she decides she has had enough, playing by the book has only landed her in more shit and the only way she was going to ever truly be free from her abuser, was to face him. She took self-defense classes, showed up at his house when she believed she was strong enough and fought him. But
Defiant Queen 45| Forgive Me Father.
Dmitris' Point Of View.'Forgive me, father, for I am about to sin.'The church confessional is cramped and dark. The menacing scent of polished wood and flowers contaminate my senses until I'm barely able to think straight. I rub my hand over my chest, which feels tight, trying to alleviate the ache that is engulfing me. I watch the congregation file into the considerable church through the small, cross-shaped holes that bless the door to my hiding place. The Venturi family did not attempt to keep Sandros' wedding to the Volkov printsessa a secret.Their arrogance shines brilliantly under their designer clothes and the women's painted faces.The females stand to one side, gossiping as they compliment each other's dresses, trying to decide who wears what better and who has the finer and most exclusive purse or one-of-a-kind shoes. The men speak in tones that boom off the vaulted ceiling as they puff their chests up like gorillas in their designer suits.I haven't spotted any weapon
Defiant Queen 46| Revenge Best Served Cold.
Dmitris' Point Of View.I shove my phone back into my pants, a sinister smile spreads across my face as the anticipation scorches my flesh. I start to count down the seconds as promised by Amani just as Konstatin reaches out and draws back Zeyneps veil off her face. He continues to block my view of her, whispering something into her ear that makes her body visibly shudder. Next, he cocks his head back, releasing a fake hearty laugh as he places her hand in Sandros'. They exchange a look at one another, before Konstatin takes a step back, moving away to take a seat on the pew at the head of the congregation.I suck on my upper teeth, my gaze leaving him as I look at Zeynep, and my heart plummets into the pit of my stomach. The past couple of days have been hell for her, and it shows on her face, which is stained with different shades of bruises.Her full lips are painted red that are turned down at the corners of her mouth. Her big blue eyes are engulfed with secrets and trauma I wil
Defiant Queen 47| Moya prekrasnaya koroleva.
I encircle my hands around my body as my eyes frantically dart between Dmitri and Ivan, who is at my feet. Am I dreaming? Are D and Ivan truly here to save me?I'm too afraid to pinch myself in case I jolt awake back in the makeshift cell at the villa that will forever haunt me.As Dmitri rolls away, getting to his hands and knees, I suck in a sharp breath when his fingers blindly brush across the golden cross. He takes a quick glance at the cross now in his possession, and a maniac laugh erupts from the nest of his chest as he firmly grips it.A savage roar spills from his lips as he swings the golden cross with all his might. The blunt end of it strikes Konstatin in the side as he lunges straight towards Dmitri. Blood flies through the air, splattering across the church, and crimson droplets tarnish the train of the wedding gown I am forced to wear. Konstatin grunts as he falls back, with a howl filled with rage and agony echoing through the church. The frightened screams of wome
Defiant Queen 48| Sorpresa.
My eyes wander over his face and all I can think about is, how is he still alive?“I should be, but fate has other plans for me.” He says in a strained tone.I drop my hands and clear my throat. “What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here, Leo. If any of Konstatins' goons see you...” I ask him softly, wriggling in his arms, gesturing for him to put me down, and he lowers me onto the grass. “I had to come. I had to make sure that you were able to escape from my father and Konstatin before your vows were said. I was hobbling towards the church entrance when the cars exploded, I knew that someone had come to your rescue, and I made my way around the back of the church, so my father wouldn't see me.” My pulse spikes as I see Ivan jumping out of the van, storming towards Leo with a murderous look erupting across his face. The instant he grabs Leo by the scruff of his collar, shaking him. I reach out and slap Ivan across the face. Hard. Harder than I had initially intended and he l
Defiant Queen 49| The Devils Blood.
DMITRIS' POINT OF VIEW. The sound of someone weeping rouses me from my sleep with a grunt. My brow furrows, and the tinge of my aching body begins to bite into me as I come to and realize it is Zeynep who is whimpering. I jerk upright and wince. Christ, my body aches like a bitch. I snarl, getting to my feet, and I rush to the opposite end of the room where she is sleeping. “Please… You don't have to do this. I am your sister… it is wrong for you to touch me like this… no… no, please… NO!!!” BLYAD'!!! [FUCK!!!] I scoop her bruised, trembling body that is covered in sweat into my arms, “Printsessa,” I say gently, but scream erratically in my head, not wanting to startle her. “Printsessa, wake up and find your way back to me.” My voice cracks. That mat' ublyudok!!! [mother fucker!!!] I will skin him alive and set his body ablaze under a full moon as I offer the moon goddess his filthy soul as a sacrifice to purify Zeyneps again. Brushing her hair out of her face, I swallow
Defiant Queen 50| Excites Me.
I was drowning in my nightmares that were suffocating me. I was in a box of sand, sinking, unable to catch my breath. Then out of nowhere, Konstatins' hands were snaking around my waist, and the cold chill of his gun glided over my shuddering body. The sound of a door creaking open fills my ear canals as I look up and watch Sandro approaching us. The foul scent of cigarettes, the whisper of Nicos' next line of threats, and the guard's goading ring in my ears as he egged them all on. Leo's fists pound and pound… into a faceless figure that lies motionless on the ground.Grunts filled with savage rage resonate through the air.Fingers feather over my arm, and I am hauled upright with a sharp inhale. Two liquid bronze eyes with flecks of amber locked on mine, and soft hands pressing my shoulders down. He smells like fresh snowflakes and almonds, and despite my terror; it's the best thing I have smelt in days.Ragged breaths tear through my lungs as Amani leans over me with a look o
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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
