16. Against his will

I was running wildly in the open field, the cold breeze brushing through my hair, making it flow behind me in waves. The warm golden glow of the setting sun spread over everything.

My crackles of pure happiness filled the open field along with the soft ruffles of leaves. The sweet scent of wildflowers filled the air as my fingers grazed them while I ran.

“Run, Alessia, run... while you still have time,” a deep, familiar voice called out behind me.

I turned my head slightly and saw a silhouette of a strong, well-built man. A playful smile made its way to my lips as I pushed my legs harder, determined to outrun him.

“I will run so far that you won’t be able to catch me!” I chirped, my voice resonating with pure delight.

A deep and dark chuckle followed my loud and carefree laugh.

"You are mine, Alessia, and you can't outrun me. There is no escape from me."

His words sent a shiver through me, but before I could react, strong arms wrapped around me possessively. My body instantly melted in those arms, which felt like my home.

"...Or my arms," his hot breath grazed my ear.

I gasped, surprised when he lifted me off the ground effortlessly and whirled me around. I giggled as the world became blurry and the colors blended.

"Leave me!" I squealed between giggles, but he only held me tighter.

"Never!" he whispered.

And then suddenly we fell on the ground.

**

I was panting heavily, trying to catch my breath—not only from the dream but in reality as well.

My eyes shot open, and my vision was still blurry. My chest heaved up and down as I struggled to regain control of my breathing.

Then, a sudden realization hit me: it was just a dream—a sweet dream.

And this wasn’t the first time I had experienced it. I often have these dreams, yet I can’t identify the man in them.

My father had told me it was Dimitri, but the touch and presence I felt in my dreams was comforting.

"Are you alright?" a deep, husky voice interrupted my thoughts.

I slowly turned my head toward Nikolai, and I was taken aback. He looked both familiar and strange at the same time.

His hair was tousled, and his eyes were heavy with sleep, likely from being awakened by my heavy breaths.

With some effort, I tried to sit up, and he helped me. I felt weak but no longer feverish. My body was drenched in sweat.

Closing my eyes, I took a moment to calm my racing heart. My head always spins whenever I have dreams like this.

I felt a rough and large palm over mine and my eyes slowly opened. I immediately pulled my hand back.

He is only adding to my problems, pretending to be my caretaker.

"Do you want something?" he asked.

"My family," I snapped without hesitation. "Can you bring them back?"

And he fell silent.

Removing the blanket, I stepped down from the bed. I knew he wanted to retort, but I didn’t give him the chance. Without sparing him another glance, I disappeared into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me.

Doing my morning ritual, I dipped myself in the bathtub, filling it with warm water. I needed this long shower to clear my head.

I can't let him play with my body and mind. I need to be strong. I shouldn't forget the purpose for which I married him.

After spending a good forty-five minutes in the tub, I came out and put on a robe. I was about to step out of the bathroom when I heard him speaking to someone on the phone, and I stopped dead in my tracks.

“No, the shipment has to go through by tomorrow, or it’s not going to happen." Nikolai's voice was filled with urgency and desperation. “We can’t afford another delay. The money’s already been wired, and I’ll be damned if I let this fall apart now.

A few seconds-long silence spread before he spoke again.

“Make sure that nothing goes wrong. I'll handle the buyer personally."

I could hear Nikolai pacing around in the room. He must have hung up. I should step out of the bathroom now before he starts doubting.

His senses are sharper than I think.

He stopped and turned around the moment I stepped out of the bathroom. His jaw was set, and he looked serious. He was already dressed in his black suit, ready for work. He must have bathed somewhere else.

His eyes flicked over my body briefly before he started walking ahead. "If only I didn't have something important to take care of," he muttered under his breath, but I heard him clearly.

"There’s no need to go to college today. Stay home and rest," he said, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I’ll keep track of your meals. Have them on time. Today, I don’t want any issues from you. Otherwise, it won’t end well for you."

I gulped.

"Understood?"

I nodded.

I let out a deep sigh of relief when he turned around and left the room. I needed to inform Dimitri about the shipment. This could be the best opportunity.

I rushed to call him, only to realize that my bag was missing. Nikolai had picked it up yesterday.

My eyes widened, and heat rushed to my cheeks. It must still be in his car.

No!

I needed to reach him before he found out.

Without thinking twice, I dashed out of the room and ran toward the main door. I could feel the servants' eyes on me, but I ignored them. I had something more important to do.

I panted when I reached the garage, where Nikolai was discussing something serious with his men, all dressed in crisp black suits. His back was turned to me.

"Nikolai!" I called.

He turned slightly. His jaw immediately clenched when his eyes dropped to my attire. My eyes widened when I realized I had rushed out wearing only a robe.

Now I was the center of attention among all the men present.

When would I stop embarrassing myself?

Nikolai snapped his head sharply toward his men, shooting them a deadly glare that made them immediately look down.

He shoved his fists into his pockets, controlling his anger. One of his eyebrows shot up, silently asking why I was there. He didn't like to be interrupted, especially not in the middle of a serious conversation.

"My bag... It's in your car" I stuttered.

His eyes narrowed at me before he turned around, opened the door of his car, and pulled out my bag.

I stayed at my place as he walked to me. I was about to take it from him when he pulled it back. My breath caught in my throat when his eyes narrowed at the bag.

Suddenly he unzipped it and started looking at its content. My heart leaped to my throat, literally.

But I relaxed when he couldn't find anything relevant inside. I am glad I kept the phone in a hidden pocket.

My body stiffened when his attention snapped to me. His eyes were dark and stormy.

"If you don't want me to squeeze out the eyes of people then check your dressing before stepping out of the room"

He pushed the bag against my chest.

"Understood?"

I nodded.

"Go inside!" He ordered

Turning on my heels, I dashed inside the house as if I were being chased by a dog, letting out a deep sigh once I reached my room.

I opened my bag and immediately pulled out my phone. I needed to talk to Dimitri quickly.

After a few rings, he picked up the call.

"Hello, Alessia. How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Dimitri. Listen to me very carefully," I said, gripping the phone tightly. "Nikolai has a shipment coming in. He wants the buyer locked in by midnight. If we get to them first and convince them to back out, Nikolai will take a massive hit."

"Consider his clients gone," he promised.

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived as Dimitri added, "Not only that, Alessia, but I also plan to save you from that hell."

"No, Dimitri," I said instantly.

"What do you mean 'no,' Alessia? Don't tell me you have accepted Nikolai!"

"I will never accept him, Dimitri. I just don't want to rush things. We need to take baby steps. Nikolai is not an easy nut to crack."

"Damn him!" he seethed. "And damn me if I leave you there. I am coming to save you, no matter what."

Before I could respond, he hung up.

What is he planning?

I just don’t want him to get killed.