ROMAN I have to go to the meeting with the elders today and try to reason with them on the death of Vladamir and it not being Ana’s fault.I push the board room door open and go inside ready to fight for her.It’s easy to be intimidated by the leaders of the elite group. Most of them, From other families included, have served time in jail. While that’s disgraceful in the outside world, it’s a stamp of honor for any member of the Bravta.Granduncle Morozov sits at the head of the table. He’s old, in his sixties. His once-blond hair is now completely white and washed by time. While cancer has made him look older, it didn’t take his hair away, probably because of his stubbornness about refusing to undergo chemotherapy. I try not to look at him knowing every and any weaknesses will be exploited.My cousin Vasili leaves my side and sits on Granduncle’s right, which is his position as his right hand man. On his left sits Kai, the Enforcer. He holds the same level of power as Vlad, bu
ROMANSit down,” Kai orders. “Show respect to your Pakhan, Igor.” Igor mumbles an apology and begrudgingly sits while still giving me the death glare.“It’s good that you’re here, Petrov. We have some business to discuss.” The pakhan speaks for the first time since I came in. There’s a huskiness to his voice due to the cancer, and soon enough, it’ll be noticeable to everyone.“I have business to discuss, too.”Viktor scoffs under his breath at way I addressed Granduncle.My attention turns to him. “You have a problem with me?”“None at all, Petrov.” He pauses, readjusting his glasses with his middle finger. “Yet.”The threat behind his gesture doesn’t escape me, so I counter using his subtle way. Still keeping eye contact, I slide the cup of coffee in front of me then crush a piece of sugar inside before it melts. “Good to know.”His brows furrow, and his most loyal soldier, Aleksander, stiffens behind him, his hand going to his gun. He has a smaller frame for a guard, but he’s as
ANAHeels clicked against the marble floor of the club.The club XXS was turned into a ballroom while upper floors hosted poker tables and roulette tables.“Do you do this often?” I asked, side-eying Roman.“What? Show you off to my business partners.”“Host gambling at the same time as a fundraiser?”“No, usually it’s a nightclub and casino.” His gaze roamed over the room. “But for the event of bringing you out in public , my people didn’t organize anything. I let the city host their fundraiser and they have free rein of the building and event today.”It was an important day for me. Roman was introducing me to people. I was not the Rapunzel hidden in the castle anymore, my gut warned, a feeling of something happening tonight.“What’s the matter?” Roman’s gaze focused on me, his men walking right behind us.I shook my head. “Nothing.”Silver trays full of champagne flutes and appetizers made the rounds across the room. The glasses glistened the mighty chandelier. A small musical
ANAMy eyes flickered to his hand wrapped around my waist as a sense of ownership.When Mayor Rice said my mother's name, The incident that I dreamt about sometimes came rushing to the forefront of my mind. My temples throbbed as my mind hunted for something. Something important.It evaporated, just like all of my dreams of freedom before she died.Forcing a smile to my lips, I turned to look at Roman. “Ready to make the rounds, dear?”Roman’s eyes were on Dario, something dark in his gaze. Yes, Roman was neck deep covered in blood, but at least he didn’t deal in human trafficking or selling innocent women. His uncle might have, but he didn’t.A corner of Roman’s lips tugged up, ever the politician “Gentlemen.”His voice held an unspoken threat of retribution and suddenly, I found myself happy to have him on my side.++++++++++++++++ROMAN Maria De Sol One thing I could be certain of.Ana faked not remembering that name. It was as if she was triggered by the name but she hid it
As mama and I returned from the Sol family dinner, I loved going to family dinners, “wait here mi amor let me get your father downstairs so we can eat the leftovers from the party,” I watched her walk away.Few minutes later she came back. I ran upstairs trying to know what happened when I saw it. Mama passed me with a Gun in hand and rosary around her neck, she reached for her bedroom When she entered, my father was screwing another woman.“So I’ll be dead by the holidays, cabrón?”She shouted as he was, scrambling from the bed to his feet, naked. “Maria! I can explain everything!” Dad shouted back as his accent shifted from British to Southern mid-sentence. He pulled on his pants, and she let him. “Please, calm down! And for goodness’ sake, put the pistol away.”Lightning flared, matching her mood. I finally understood the phrase “seeing red.” because that was my mother’s eyes at that moment.She pointed the gun at the woman frozen on the bed. “Who the hell is she?”Papa raised
As I rode the elevator to the penthouse of the exclusive hotel Furtan —it’d taken two people to help me get to the last floor of the hotel .—I chewed on a fingernail remembering it cost a lot to get them done. I stopped.Was I really about to let some strange man have sex with me? For money?The elevator arrived too quickly, forcing me onto a private hallway with an elegant sitting area. An open newspaper lay on a coffee table, as if someone had recently left.The entry was just in front of me . Could I bring myself to ring the bell?Apparently, this penthouse was one of the largest and the most expensive (thirty-two thousand —a night) in Miami, Florida. Who in their right mind would spend that much money on a hotel? Clearly my first client was loco (crazy).I did not know much about them except the fact that he was a Russian businessman and he had been vouched for by another escort organization. He used escorts a lot because of his tastes. So he was an expert in escorts.As I was abo
“Are you going to tell me now?” She’d been avoiding that question in all of our talks, saying the sky was the limit, but she’d refused to give me an actual number.“My record for a six-hour outcall is over twenty thousand in cash and jewels.”Twenty. Thousand.Money like that could catapult me directly into the next phase of my life plan! When I regained the power of speech, I sang, “And we’re off to fuck the wizard.”She laughed. “I hope he’s a wonderful wizard. Oh, one last thing, Anna, You’re going to have a moment to check with yourself and in that moment, when you ask yourself: would I have sex with this guy for free? If the answer is yes, then why not view the money as a bonus?”“Okay, thanks. I can do this,” I said, psyching myself up.“Go get ’em!”Disconnecting the call, I turned to check my appearance in a lobby mirror. December was usually mild, but this year had been downright balmy, so I’d worn a wrap dress of forest-green silk. The style was understated, with a conse
“Perhaps I was . . . hasty,” he said. “Stay for a drink.”Had my ass worked for me? Was I happy about this?When I turned and traipsed back, he headed to the bar area. This was actually happening. I was going to have sex for money.Over his shoulder, he said, “I’m Roman Petrov .”I turned it over on my tongue, finding his name a mouthful. In my mind, I styled him Rome.“Nice to meet you. I’m Ana Sol.” I glanced around for my donation. Nothing. Which made me uneasy, but I gamely bellied up to the bar.“Is that your working name?”That's what they call me. I replied As we entered the room I then saw,A ball gag. A crop. Leather restraints. Not in your life.No, no, This man had to be interested in more than BDSM. “Explain what you’d do to me.”He coolly said, “Once you’ve stripped, you’ll go to your knees at the edge of the mattress, buckling the gag on yourself. I’ll bind your arms behind your back, and you’ll lean forward resting on your forehead. Then I’ll whip your body wherever i
ANAMy eyes flickered to his hand wrapped around my waist as a sense of ownership.When Mayor Rice said my mother's name, The incident that I dreamt about sometimes came rushing to the forefront of my mind. My temples throbbed as my mind hunted for something. Something important.It evaporated, just like all of my dreams of freedom before she died.Forcing a smile to my lips, I turned to look at Roman. “Ready to make the rounds, dear?”Roman’s eyes were on Dario, something dark in his gaze. Yes, Roman was neck deep covered in blood, but at least he didn’t deal in human trafficking or selling innocent women. His uncle might have, but he didn’t.A corner of Roman’s lips tugged up, ever the politician “Gentlemen.”His voice held an unspoken threat of retribution and suddenly, I found myself happy to have him on my side.++++++++++++++++ROMAN Maria De Sol One thing I could be certain of.Ana faked not remembering that name. It was as if she was triggered by the name but she hid it
ANAHeels clicked against the marble floor of the club.The club XXS was turned into a ballroom while upper floors hosted poker tables and roulette tables.“Do you do this often?” I asked, side-eying Roman.“What? Show you off to my business partners.”“Host gambling at the same time as a fundraiser?”“No, usually it’s a nightclub and casino.” His gaze roamed over the room. “But for the event of bringing you out in public , my people didn’t organize anything. I let the city host their fundraiser and they have free rein of the building and event today.”It was an important day for me. Roman was introducing me to people. I was not the Rapunzel hidden in the castle anymore, my gut warned, a feeling of something happening tonight.“What’s the matter?” Roman’s gaze focused on me, his men walking right behind us.I shook my head. “Nothing.”Silver trays full of champagne flutes and appetizers made the rounds across the room. The glasses glistened the mighty chandelier. A small musical
ROMANSit down,” Kai orders. “Show respect to your Pakhan, Igor.” Igor mumbles an apology and begrudgingly sits while still giving me the death glare.“It’s good that you’re here, Petrov. We have some business to discuss.” The pakhan speaks for the first time since I came in. There’s a huskiness to his voice due to the cancer, and soon enough, it’ll be noticeable to everyone.“I have business to discuss, too.”Viktor scoffs under his breath at way I addressed Granduncle.My attention turns to him. “You have a problem with me?”“None at all, Petrov.” He pauses, readjusting his glasses with his middle finger. “Yet.”The threat behind his gesture doesn’t escape me, so I counter using his subtle way. Still keeping eye contact, I slide the cup of coffee in front of me then crush a piece of sugar inside before it melts. “Good to know.”His brows furrow, and his most loyal soldier, Aleksander, stiffens behind him, his hand going to his gun. He has a smaller frame for a guard, but he’s as
ROMAN I have to go to the meeting with the elders today and try to reason with them on the death of Vladamir and it not being Ana’s fault.I push the board room door open and go inside ready to fight for her.It’s easy to be intimidated by the leaders of the elite group. Most of them, From other families included, have served time in jail. While that’s disgraceful in the outside world, it’s a stamp of honor for any member of the Bravta.Granduncle Morozov sits at the head of the table. He’s old, in his sixties. His once-blond hair is now completely white and washed by time. While cancer has made him look older, it didn’t take his hair away, probably because of his stubbornness about refusing to undergo chemotherapy. I try not to look at him knowing every and any weaknesses will be exploited.My cousin Vasili leaves my side and sits on Granduncle’s right, which is his position as his right hand man. On his left sits Kai, the Enforcer. He holds the same level of power as Vlad, bu
I nod again, feeling stupid for thinking he wanted me dead. “I’m so sorry. I panicked and wasn't thinking straight,” I try to explain.He lets out a heavy breath. “I know.” His eyes caress my face. “Please, just don’t ever run from me again.” it hurts“I won’t,” I whisper in his ears. I wrap my arms around his neck, and hold him as tight as I can not letting go. After a while, he asks, “Do you feel much better?”Even though my world is still ruined by the terrible incident, I just nod because I feel safe in Roman’s arms. I didn’t lose him. If anything, it feels as if this nightmare has brought us closer together than how we were before.“Do you think you can eat down something?” he asks.I pull back as I rub my hand over my burning stomach. “My stomach still feels quite uneasy.”“Some toast might make you feel much better,” he murmurs as he gets up.When Roman lifts me into his arms, I don’t bother fighting back and rest my head on his shoulder. I close my eyes as he carries
ANA'S POVRoman is so careful with me that it makes me feel even more emotional.When he’s was done helping me take a bath, he turns off the faucets and helps me out of the shower. My eyes drift over him while he uses a towel to pat my skin dry, uses the hair drier on my hair with the appropriate heat setting.Even though I’m still feeling shock from all the trauma, love fills my heart for him, the way he's taking care of me.He places an arm at my back and another under my kness, then lifts me and carries me back to his bed gently After setting me down to seat on the bed, he rushes to the walk in closet for a clean shirt and gently pulls my hand in and buttons it up.“I need to brush my teeth,” I say, my eyes constantly on him.“Okay.” When he moves to pick me up again, I shake my head. “I can walk.”“I know, let me do this.” He lifts me into his arms and heads back into the bathroom with me. Once I’m on my feet and I’m brushing my teeth, Roman cleans the floor.Seeing this b
ROMAN’S POV The past two days have easily been the longest days of my life.I'm walking on fucking thin ice, and every time Ana makes a sound and moves, I hold her tighter.At first, I was struggling to process the death of my uncle , but now I wish he was alive so I can fucking kill him myself.Unrestrainable rage keeps filling my chest, and knowing I can’t get revenge for what they did to Ana, because it not letting me have a peaceful sleep.I haven’t slept since the night before we left for Russia, and until I’m sure Ana is okay, I won’t be able to shut an eye.Suddenly her body tenses, and she tries to curl into me like a child hiding from someone. I’m still holding her against my chest tightly.I vehemently refuse to lay her down on the bed, I need her in my arms again.“Shh…I’ve got you, baby,” I whisper, hoping my words will get through to her.“No,” she mumbles. She’s weak as she slaps my chest, then her fingers grip my shirt. “No.”Bringing my hand to her face, I run my p
ANA'S POV“Noooo!” I scream as I wake up from sleep, into something hard. My breaths are nothing more than gasps.“I’ve got you,” Roman’s voice says above my head.Oh, God. No!As I realize I slammed into Roman’s chest, and I feel his arms around me, all the terror and trauma come rushing back.Vladamir telling me to leave Rome alone that cheap girls like myself don't deserve anything..The struggle on the balcony before falling over the railing.Vladamir’s fingers grasping and ripping at my dress.The sickening thud. The sound on his body hitting the floor.Seeing his body broken a few feet from. Where I was hanging on to the railing.The fear of falling to my death and the struggle to pull myself onto the balcony.The fear of being stopped as I escaped the compound.The terror of running away from Rome.Running into traffic to escape Roman.Him grabbing hold of me.“Are you–”Instinctively, I try to scramble away from him as a cry tears from my throat. “Baby!”His hold on me tight
ROMAN’S POV Wake up, baby. My heart won’t rest until I see your beautiful smile again. My eyes move over every inch of her face, and a painful feeling slashes through my heart when I think how close I was to losing her. I’m never leaving you alone again. “Can I get you anything?” Dimitri suddenly asks, his tone tense with worry. I get up and shake my head. “I need you to stay with Ana. Sasha and the Rest of the Bravta are on their way, I can't show any weaknesses.” I look at Ana again before I say, “Call me the second she wakes up.” “Okay.” He takes the bag from me, and as I pause beside him, I place my hand on his shoulder and lock eyes with him. “Thank you.” This man is one of the most important and irreplaceable to me at this crucial moments. I’ll never be able to repay him for everything he’s done for me and Ana. he murmurs truthfully, “Anything for you, Boss.” Leaving the bedroom, I take off my suit jacket as I head down to the meeting feeling exhausted. With