Ivan's POV :The night is thick with silence, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. The room is dimly lit, bathed in a warm, golden glow from the bedside lamp. I sit on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on my knees, staring at the floor. Lilah is across the room, leaning against the door, her arms folded, her lips pressed in a thin line.She’s wearing that defiant look again—the one that simultaneously infuriates me and makes me want to crush it under my touch. Her oversized sweater, barely covering her thighs, clings to her frame in all the wrong ways, or maybe all the right ones. She’s beautiful, but not in the polished, deliberate way most women in my orbit are. She’s raw, unrefined, maddeningly real. It’s that realness that disturbs me the most.“You don’t trust me,” she says suddenly, her voice soft but cutting through the quiet like a blade.I glance up at her, my jaw tightening. “Trust is earned, not given freely.”Her eyes narrow, and she pushes off the door, stepp
Lilah's POV : The dress Ivan picked for me was both a masterpiece and a weapon. Crimson satin clung to my body like a second skin, the neckline plunging scandalously low, exposing far more than I was comfortable with. The slit that ran up my thigh was equally indecent, every step threatening to reveal more. My hair had been styled into soft waves cascading over my shoulders, and diamonds sparkled at my neck and ears, catching the faint light of the hallway.When I stepped into view, Ivan’s gaze found me immediately. His expression remained unreadable at first, but as his eyes traveled from my face to my hips, something flickered—a hunger he tried to suppress. His jaw tightened, and his lips pressed into a thin line.“You look adequate,” he said, his voice low, as though the words were forced.“Coming from you, I’ll take that as a glowing compliment,” I shot back, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.Ivan was dressed to kill—literally and figuratively. His tailored blac
Lilah's POV :I never thought I'd see the day Ivan Volkov would seem... human. Yet, here he is, sitting at the massive dining table, the faintest trace of color returning to his otherwise ghostly complexion. His sharp jawline, typically set in an expression of cold indifference, looks softer in the dim light."You're staring," he mutters, his voice as gruff as ever."I'm not," I lie, turning my attention back to the plate in front of me. The clink of silverware against porcelain fills the silence between us, but it's far from uncomfortable.He shifts in his seat, leaning back with an exhale that sounds almost... relaxed. “You’ve been hovering,” he accuses, though there’s no malice in his tone.“Hovering?” I glance up, meeting his icy gaze head-on. “You were nearly on your deathbed two days ago. Someone had to make sure you didn’t keel over.”His lips twitch—an almost-smile. “And now?”I hesitate. “And now... you’re fine.”But that’s a lie too, isn’t it? Because even though he’s gettin
Ivan's POV :The darkened conference room buzzes with a tension that could slice through steel. The opulence of the surroundings—a mahogany table large enough to host an army, crystal chandeliers shimmering cold light, and leather chairs that seemed designed to dominate the occupants—did little to mask the suffocating atmosphere. I sit at the head of the table, a predator in a cage of pretense. My fingers tap an idle rhythm against the polished wood as I wait, my patience thinning by the second.James Oliver, Mia's father and an insufferable meddler, finally strides in, his face set in a mask of smug determination. He is flanked by two men—his so-called advisors—who are little more than yes-men. My eyes narrow as I lean back in my chair, the shadows of the room seeming to gather around me, drawn by my disdain."Volkov," James greets, his voice oily, oozing false camaraderie. He doesn’t sit; instead, he plants himself at the opposite end of the table, an act that reeks of attempted dom
Lilah's POV :The warmth of the silk sheets caressed my skin as I lay on Ivan’s oversized bed. His room was a testament to his dark personality—moody gray walls, minimalist furniture, and the faint smell of cedarwood lingering in the air. I had no intention of being here, but circumstances had left me stranded. He had brought me to his home, a temporary prison he claimed was for my "safety." Safety from what, or from whom, he never cared to elaborate.The house was quiet, almost unnervingly so. Ivan had left earlier in the morning for a meeting, leaving behind his usual storm of cold indifference. Lucy had been the only person to visit me all day, bringing a tray of food and some news of the outside world. Her brief company was a welcome respite from the suffocating isolation.But now, as I stared at the ornate ceiling above, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease creeping up my spine. I pulled the sheets tighter around myself, my damp hair clinging to my shoulders after a reluctant b
Lilah's POV :“She did this?” he asked, his voice deceptively soft, yet carrying a dangerous edge that sent a shiver down my spine.I nodded, my voice barely a whisper. “It’s nothing, really. Lucy took care of it.”His thumb brushed close to the scratch, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something that resembled concern flicker in his cold gray eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the steel mask I had come to associate with him.Ivan straightened, his imposing frame towering over me. “Mia will pay for this,” he said flatly, as though he were discussing a mundane business matter rather than a woman’s fury.I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to demand an explanation—why he allowed someone like Mia to stay in his orbit, why I was even here in the first place—but the words refused to come out. His presence was suffocating, an invisible force that silenced me.“Stand up,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.I hesi
Lilah’s POV :The moon hangs low in the sky, its silver glow spilling through the sheer curtains of the room. My heart races as I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands fidgeting in my lap. The air feels heavy, almost suffocating, with unspoken tension. Ivan stands by the window, his tall frame illuminated by the dim light. He’s shirtless, his muscular back taut with restrained energy, and I can’t tear my eyes away.“Why do you always make things so difficult, Lilah?” His voice is low, rough, and carries a weight that presses against my chest.“I’m not the one keeping secrets,” I shoot back, though my voice trembles.He turns to face me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine, and in that moment, the room seems to shrink. His gaze is unreadable, a mix of frustration, longing, and something darker that makes my skin prickle.“You think you know everything, but you don’t,” he says, stepping closer. “You have no idea what I’ve been through, what I’ve sacrificed.”“Then tell me,” I whispe
Lilah’s POV : The morning started with a mission: convincing Ivan Volkov, of all people, to let us leave the house. It had been days since Lucy and I had stepped outside, and the need to breathe fresh air and feel sunlight on my skin was overwhelming. Ivan, however, was a fortress of resistance. “You don’t need to go anywhere,” he said coolly, sipping his coffee at the breakfast table. “Ivan,” I argued, crossing my arms. “You can’t keep us locked up forever. We need normalcy. A simple shopping trip won’t kill anyone.” He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “It might, considering who we are.” Lucy chimed in, batting her lashes dramatically. “Oh, come on, Mr. Big Bad Mafia Boss. Don’t you want to see us happy? What’s a little retail therapy compared to the joy of seeing us smile?” Ivan stared at her like she’d grown another head, but I caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Damien and Andrey, standing nearby, exchanged amused glances. Maxi, always the cheerful one, join
Lilah's POV : The sun blazed high above, casting a golden glow over Aswan as we wandered through the lively, bustling markets. Stalls lined the narrow pathways, brimming with vibrant treasures—handwoven rugs in jewel-toned patterns, shimmering trinkets of silver and gold, and baskets overflowing with fragrant spices. The air was thick with the mingling scents of cumin, saffron, and burning incense, creating a heady atmosphere that seemed to hum with life. I stopped at nearly every stall, marveling at the craftsmanship and chatting with the vendors, my hands greedily picking out souvenirs. A small carved ankh, a delicate copper bracelet, and a brightly colored scarf soon found their way into my ever-growing collection of purchases. Behind me, Ivan followed silently, a bemused expression on his face as he balanced a tower of bags that I had thrust upon him. The sight of this tall, intimidating man carrying my colorful loot like some overburdened porter was almost too much to bear. “
Lilah's POV :The golden sun hovered low on the horizon, casting a fiery reflection across the Nile’s rippling surface. I leaned against the railing of the boat, letting the gentle breeze caress my skin and carry with it the earthy scent of the river. My fingers trailed lazily through the air, tracing invisible patterns as the tranquility of the moment wrapped around me like a warm embrace. It was a picture of serenity—palm trees swayed gracefully along the shoreline, distant minarets pierced the crimson sky, and the silhouettes of camels moved in slow, deliberate strides across the golden dunes. Yet, the calm outside couldn’t quiet the storm inside me.Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Ivan standing a few steps away, his tall, imposing figure softened by the amber glow of the setting sun. His profile was sharp, his ocean-blue eyes fixed on the horizon with an intensity that belied the peaceful scene. There was something unnervingly beautiful about the way he stood th
Lilah's POV :The morning starts like any other in Ivan Volkov’s world—calculated and efficient. But for me, Lilah Daniels, it feels anything but ordinary. Sitting in the lavish living room of Ivan’s penthouse, my fingers toy with the edge of my coffee mug, nervously glancing at Ivan. He leans back in his chair with that maddeningly calm expression, scrolling through his phone like a man with all the time in the world.“So,” I finally ask, my curiosity getting the better of me, “why did you call everyone over this early?”He glances up at me, his piercing gaze making my breath hitch. “Pack your bags. We’re leaving for Egypt tonight.”The words hang in the air like a thunderclap. Egypt? The idea feels surreal. It takes me a moment to register the excited chatter of our friends—Lucy and Maxime—who are just as taken aback by Ivan’s sudden announcement.“Wait, wait,” Lucy exclaims, “you’re serious? Egypt? Like, pyramids and camels and—oh my God!”Ivan’s lips twitch into a faint smirk. “Ye
Ivan’s POV: (Past)The night is dark, the air thick with tension as Mia storms into my office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Her face is twisted with anger, the flush of fury painting her cheeks a bright red. She’s upset—no, more than upset. She’s furious.“Mia,” I begin, my voice flat, a warning in it, but she doesn’t seem to care. She’s already too far gone, too deep in her own rage to hear reason.“You’re a fucking bastard, Ivan!” she spits out, her eyes flashing with fire. “You make me look like a fool!”I stand from behind my desk, the chair scraping loudly against the floor, and look at her. She’s trembling, her hands shaking as she throws a stack of papers off the desk in a burst of anger. I don’t react—don’t flinch. I’ve seen her like this before, and I know exactly where this is going.“You think I don’t know what’s been going on?” Her voice rises, filling the room, but I’m already tired of hearing it. I don’t want to listen to her accusations, to her
Lilah's POV :I couldn't bring myself to look back at Ivan. His voice, that deep, commanding tone, sliced through the air, but I refused to acknowledge him. My feet moved quickly, carrying me away from him, away from the suffocating feeling that had begun to wrap around my chest the moment I’d met his eyes. I didn’t want to see him, didn’t want to hear his voice, didn’t want anything to do with him right now. The weight of his gaze still lingered, like a mark I couldn’t wash off.Lucy, always tuned into my moods, must’ve sensed it. She moved in step with me, her usual teasing smile replaced by a softer look. “Ignore him,” she whispered, though her tone was more of an understanding than an order. “You don’t owe him anything.”I exhaled, grateful for her presence. But my heart was a storm that I couldn’t escape, no matter how far I walked. Every step away from him felt like a battle, a slow pull toward some strange, uncharted space where I could try to forget him—if only for a few hours
Lilah’s POV :The hallway stretches endlessly ahead, dimly lit and eerily quiet except for the faint sound of my heels clicking against the polished floor. My heart feels lighter after talking to Lucy; her unwavering optimism has a way of grounding me. For the first time in days, I almost feel normal. Almost.But as I near Ivan’s bedroom, a soft, muffled sound reaches my ears. Laughter—low, sultry, and distinctly feminine. My steps falter. Mia.I shake my head, trying to dismiss the sinking feeling in my stomach. Maybe she’s just talking to him. Ivan wouldn’t... would he?With hesitant steps, I approach the slightly ajar door. The flicker of warm light spills out, illuminating the cold hallway in hues of amber. My breath hitches as I peek inside, and the sight hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest.There they are—Mia and Ivan—entangled in an intimate embrace. Her perfectly manicured fingers are tangled in his dark hair, and her lips press against his with a hunger that makes me fee
Lilah’s POV : The morning started with a mission: convincing Ivan Volkov, of all people, to let us leave the house. It had been days since Lucy and I had stepped outside, and the need to breathe fresh air and feel sunlight on my skin was overwhelming. Ivan, however, was a fortress of resistance. “You don’t need to go anywhere,” he said coolly, sipping his coffee at the breakfast table. “Ivan,” I argued, crossing my arms. “You can’t keep us locked up forever. We need normalcy. A simple shopping trip won’t kill anyone.” He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “It might, considering who we are.” Lucy chimed in, batting her lashes dramatically. “Oh, come on, Mr. Big Bad Mafia Boss. Don’t you want to see us happy? What’s a little retail therapy compared to the joy of seeing us smile?” Ivan stared at her like she’d grown another head, but I caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Damien and Andrey, standing nearby, exchanged amused glances. Maxi, always the cheerful one, join
Lilah’s POV :The moon hangs low in the sky, its silver glow spilling through the sheer curtains of the room. My heart races as I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands fidgeting in my lap. The air feels heavy, almost suffocating, with unspoken tension. Ivan stands by the window, his tall frame illuminated by the dim light. He’s shirtless, his muscular back taut with restrained energy, and I can’t tear my eyes away.“Why do you always make things so difficult, Lilah?” His voice is low, rough, and carries a weight that presses against my chest.“I’m not the one keeping secrets,” I shoot back, though my voice trembles.He turns to face me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine, and in that moment, the room seems to shrink. His gaze is unreadable, a mix of frustration, longing, and something darker that makes my skin prickle.“You think you know everything, but you don’t,” he says, stepping closer. “You have no idea what I’ve been through, what I’ve sacrificed.”“Then tell me,” I whispe
Lilah's POV :“She did this?” he asked, his voice deceptively soft, yet carrying a dangerous edge that sent a shiver down my spine.I nodded, my voice barely a whisper. “It’s nothing, really. Lucy took care of it.”His thumb brushed close to the scratch, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something that resembled concern flicker in his cold gray eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the steel mask I had come to associate with him.Ivan straightened, his imposing frame towering over me. “Mia will pay for this,” he said flatly, as though he were discussing a mundane business matter rather than a woman’s fury.I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to demand an explanation—why he allowed someone like Mia to stay in his orbit, why I was even here in the first place—but the words refused to come out. His presence was suffocating, an invisible force that silenced me.“Stand up,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.I hesi