***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandraI can't believe I'm really doing this...I really have lost my damn mind...I murmured within, over and over again as Draken led me down the hallway, away from his office and into a larger room. This place was more secluded, dim red lighting within that gave the place a more sensual air. The poles surrounding the room alerted me instantly to the main use of the space. "The other rooms are currently...occupied. But I do believe this would be more than sufficient?"Draken's voice against my ear sent a pleasant shiver through me, an emotion I tried and failed to hide. I knew I should be repulsed by what he is asking of me. The excitement in his eyes when I lost my damn mind and agreed to torture a man just so I could save him. He seemed more attracted to me than I had ever seen.And all I had to do to get him going is tell him I'll torture a man... Dio. This is insane..."If the dancers don't mind then yes...this will be fine. It won't take that long."
*** Manhattan, New York Alessandra He let me go, allowing me to stand and approach the man once one of the guards finished laying out the extra things I had requested on a side table not too far from where a terrified Brad was handcuffed. I noticed that neither of the men in the room had left, that among them was my husband's cousin and the former Head of the Bratva before Draken made his presence known. I had met Ioann Zolotov once before, at my wedding but he had kept his distance since then, wading in and out of the manor too quickly before any words could be spoken between us. I sensed no animosity from him- only curiosity that seemed to be mirrored all around the room. The man beside him was, however, different. Amused and genuinely eager for what was to come. His smile was chilling as he granted me a simple nod of acknowledgement before leaning back into the wall and watching like everyone else. I hadn't anticipated a small audience but I didn't care as much. The only gaze t
***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandraThe music was low and sensual and the drinks were flowing endlessly as we relaxed on the couch. My head was light, the buzz of alcohol back as I sipped on the multiple cocktails that had been brought out for me. My gaze hadn't left the middle of the room, and with good reason as the women sensually danced on the pole.Draken had asked the two women to come in, each of them clearly extremely skilled in their profession as they danced for us. I had been unsure of his request, at first, irked by his lack of self-awareness to have strippers dancing for him in the presence of his wife but now...now I wasn't so sure of my emotions.Something about the way they moved, their outfits almost non-existent which seemed to heighten the sexiness of the moment. I found myself genuinely questioning my sexuality multiple times as the girls manoeuvred their bodies along the pole. I definitely understood why men did this, why the Made Men back home always talked about
***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraThe sound of a deep, soothing and familiar voice woke me up, the sun's rays warming me up as I pulled the covers off of me. My sleepy gaze landed on Draken's tattooed back as he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the incredible backyard view. I couldn't help but take him in, my stomach alive with butterflies and more at the sight of him.My thoughts strayed to our shared night, a blush settling on my features at the way my body viscerally reacted to his presence. I was growing more and more addicted to him, and it scared me. I couldn't allow myself to long for him as much as I did and yet the memories of our shared time together, the knowledge of his dedication to protecting me...He killed people down south for you, Alessa...You shouldn't be so turned on by this!My subconscious tried to remind me of the grey areas of my husband's actions and yet I couldn't help the part of me that was enamoured by him and the power he poss
***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraMy mind was a mess of thoughts, all of which seemed to take the back burner at the sight of my little sister who was quick to rush towards me and pull me into a warm, tight hug. Confusion coursed through me momentarily, stunned by the sudden display of affection."Good Morning to you too, sorellina. Is everything okay?"I murmured, holding her at arm's length to assess her for any injuries or more. Fear crept down my spine at the thought of something happening to her, of me failing to protect her as I always promise to."Yes, I was just worried about you. I thought I got you into trouble with Draken....when you disappeared last night, I thought that maybe he wasn't happy about you defying him. I wanted to come find you but Keisuke kept me away and brought me home forcibly. I wanted to wait up for you to come but I passed out. I'm sorry, sorella. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you because of me..."A tear trailed its way d
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraMy childhood home loomed before me, bringing back memories of the days spent within the confines of it and the nights spent in the basement after a rebellious streak. Despite Papa's tenacity and punishments, he had raised us in the only way he knew how and although I couldn't reconcile some of his actions, I found myself being more understanding than I anticipated.It is the man I married...Draken has changed my perspective and reminded me of the life I was born into. Blood stains my hands, not only from the sins of my Father but from my own...I had spent some time regretting my actions from the previous night, second-guessing myself but the morality of the situation shone through as Draken's words settled within me. The man was the literal scum of the Earth and deserved the ending he got.My inhibitions were forgotten, replaced with contentment and a firm understanding of my responsibilities as the wife of the Bratva's Pakan. I was still wary of
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI rinsed my hands in the bathroom sink, releasing a small breath as I freshened up my makeup, my eyes alit with mirth and vibrancy unlike ever before. The meal went better than I had anticipated with the food and conversation flowing all around. The tension had been curbed by excellent food made by my mama and Aunt. All topics on work had been avoided, knowing well enough that the tension would be back with a vengeance.Draken had engaged in the conversation mildly, more than anticipated. Seeing him interact with my brother and cousin warmed my heart more than ever, bringing me unbidden happiness. We seemed almost normal, like a big, happy family. And definitely not a gathering of some of the most dangerous men in the world.I stared at myself in the mirror, releasing a small breath as I dried my hands. The smile I had been sporting the entire day was wide, just as much as my gaze. I was happy, happier than I had ever been in a long time.And this
*** Long Island, New York Draken I watched my woman walk away, revelling in her presence and her love. I could see it wedged deep within her gaze. Although the words had not been spoken, the sentiment was there and strong. I knew it would only be a matter of time before everything would be revealed. Everything was coming to a head, and soon, she would remember everything. She needs to know how long this has been simmering...how long I have longed for her and loved her... She had always been the one. The only one who owned me- body and soul. She was my Queen and I would worship the ground she walked on, always and forever. She had no idea how long I had longed for her. But soon, everything will change. Especially after all that has been revealed...Our revenge is coming to a head. Soon, this will all end...and I can finally be with her. She is my true reward, the woman I have been longing for all my life... I turned to gaze at the man before me, the literal scum of a human being w