"I can't believe we got out of security so easily !" I marvel as we clamber into a taxi."Told you they wouldn't recognize us!" Bev reminds, a satisfactory smile on her heavily make-up-caked face. "I didn't attend cinematic Makeup school for nothing!""She's a refined cosmetologist alright!" Katie agrees.The three of us were caked in specialized theatre makeup, I was the one with the lightest makeup actually. Both Bev and Katie wore black-haired wigs while I wore a blonde one over my hijab.Our clothes were entirely different from the ones we had entered the building with, albeit mine was still covering all necessary parts of my body.All three of us wore black shades over our eyes. I found it odd that no security guards displayed the slightest a mount of suspicion. Bev, a month earlier had rigged and sabotaged the security cameras on her apartments floor.She had managed to befriend some security personnel, and they had shown her around the surveillance camera room, after which she'
HAZEL -I awoke startled by a banging noise of some sort. My vision is blurry as I spot some figure slowly approaching me. Gradually my vision begins to clear and I stare in horror at the figure before me."Rise and shine bįtch," Ilona greets with evil merriment.I try sitting up, but realize my hands and legs are bound by duct tape and rope. Even my mouth is sealed by the tape. My eyes frantically flit about in search of Bev and Katie. Where were they?I find myself sitting on a bed in an empty room with the exception of Ilona. Sunlight pours in harshly from one of the ceiling-to-floor windows while the rest are concealed by drapes."You thought you'd get away with ruining everything I had with Vladimir?" Ilona questions in an eerie disquietude.I merely blink up at her in a mixture of confusion and fear. She begins to inch closer and I try shifting away."Three years I spent trying to make him love me back and it nearly happened until your filthy Muslim áss interfered!" She shouts
Vladimir's POV in third person"I'll tell you, I'll tell you!" A man howls in terrified agony. Sounds of bones splintering, ricochet throughout the walls of a drab room. "Please!!"Like a demon of perdition, looms over him a raven black-robed figure. His face was obscured by a silver mask, with the exception of analytical blue eyes assessing his prey below.The wounded man shrieks as another one of his fingers are fractured by the brutal force of black-gloved hands. "Please!!!!"Gradually the hooded-robed figure straightens and glides to a far corner. His victim wails over the lurid sight and sensation of his broken hands. Apprehensive seconds later, the robed figure returns to his prey. Under the flickering lights, a gleam of silver flashes in a black-gloved hand.His victim's eyes widen in horror when he notices the butcher's knife. Body rendered immobilized by ropes, the wounded man's attempts to scoot away on the putrid floor fail. "No! Please don't!! Please!"Seeps from under the
The ferocity of the wind whipped his face like a thousand needles, as he stared down through the open doorway of the jet. Down below, the city lights of Dubai sparkled like lost jewels amongst the desert.He rechecked his black parachute backpack, and then adjusted his silver face mask. Before he knew it, adrenaline pumped through his body at rapid speed as he leaped out into the sky.He loved every second of it, as the pressure of the wind unsuccessfully battered his strong body. He loved the feeling of abundant freedom in the skies. The first time he had done this was at the age of eighteen and sensed what it must feel like for a bird. After that day, he'd skydive for enjoyment and thrill often enough.He had become so good at it that he'd practice landing on painted targets and buildings. His uncle Dimitri was beyond impressed that he enlisted Vladimir as a tutor in this art for any of his other cousins to learn. Both Yigor and Serge were keen on the lessons and learned fast. Yet G
"You realize what you four have done!!" Dimitri Molotov growls as he slams his bejeweled fist against his desk. His eyes align with his beloved nephew, who now appeared not so beloved. "A renewal of conflict with Ulyanov Bratva!! As if Doucette wasn't enough! You fools! Did you find it so necessary to explode the building!?Both Yigor and Serge peek warily at their blonde cousin who stood proudly next to them. They were present in the private study room of Dimitri's sprawling manorial estate. "Father, I seriously doubt the Ulyanovs are aware it was us behind the deaths of their dignitaries," Grigori assures collectively without meeting his father's furious gaze. "Besides, not as if their direct family members were harmed.""You had the girl, why the fūck did you detonate explosives?!" Dimitri glowers as his patience wore thin. "You don't think word will get out that the girl is in your fūcking possession, meaning that you fools were behind the deaths of my allies and dignitaries!?""
Hazel's POV"Shhh, it's alright," A deep masculine voice as soft as velvet reassures, cool breath fanning over my forehead. "Just a dream...shhh.""S-Some dark..." I utter groggily to the comforting voice, unable to open my sleep-laden eyes. "Sh-Shadows are getting me,""I'm here now.." The low voice imbues with concern.I can only manage to hum a reply of relief. I snuggle in the direction of that velvety voice.My face buries against a hard yet steadily heaving chest. I inhale a scent, familiarly intoxicating.A soft and deep masculine chuckle emits from the crevice of this person's throat. Their chest vibrates from the sound.I can't help but find it pleasant. An irrepressible tingly sensation pools between my legs. Yet exhaustion overtook my body instead.I feel strong arms encircling my frame. I start drifting to a slumber deeper, more peaceful than I've ever felt. All the while, I feel fingers stroking gently at my face. In the recesses of my mind, thoughts sprinkle like a drizzl
My eyes distend when he appears out, with only a towel secured around his hips. His damp blonde hair looked brunette from the moisture. The abs of his body glistened with water droplets from the recent shower. His broad shoulders gleam from the sunlight pouring in through the window.I can't help but notice the overall impressive muscular definition of his towering ivory figure. He reminded me of the Vikings from the Northern European classic tales I'd read in my childhood."Like what you see?" He questions, lips quirking in a wicked smirk.I quickly regain my composure, arms crossing over my chest as I give a huff of irritation. He only but offers me a teasing wink before he saunters towards the wardrobe as he continues. "Be a good girl now, otherwise I shall dress you myself, and frankly," He pauses, looking me over his shoulder with lustful eyes as blue as the sunlit sky. "I'll be enjoying every moment of it."My cheeks are steaming red and glancing over at Galina, she is also blu
Vladimir's POV"Another toast to the newlyweds, may God bless you both abundantly!" Dimitri Molotov announces while raising his glass. He couldn't appear more exuberant after consuming more than his share of liquor tonight. His overjoyed intoxicated eyes shone brightly over his most beloved nephew as he continues well-wishing. "Live long happy healthy lives.""Amen to that!" Yigor vigorously nods his approval as he chugs another shot of vodka.Both Serge and Grigori pause their game of billiards as they also bestow adulations on their blonde cousin who at the moment, sported a satisfactory expression.Currently, they were spending the evening in the lounge, after dining over a sumptuous wedding feast. The dusky sky was dragging outside of the windows, as impatience ran its course through Vladimir. Yet he wouldn't dare rush his uncle out of the villa, for he was most grateful that his uncle had decidedly overlooked the rules he had broken in order to rescue her.His uncle had insisted
Six Years LaterHazel POV:In a vast Santorini sky, the sun's rays beam down upon a joyful occasion. The balmy breeze was laden with the scent of wildflowers. A gentle melody of an orchestra intermingles with sophisticated murmurs of the stylishly garbed guests, seated at tables adorned by sumptuous feasts.It is the wedding day of Serge and Katie.On a raised platform, the well-dressed groom eagerly awaits his bride to walk down the aisle. Next to him stood Bilal and the ever-reserved appearing Grigori and Huxley.As bridesmaids, Rachael, Rebecca, Bev, Arielle, and I, stood on the right of the altar's platform. The five of us, assembled in similarly lavish magenta-hued bridesmaid gowns. Except for the hijab on my head."I had always thought Aunt Katie and uncle Serge would make a great couple." Arielle's remark's fond to the rest of us. "Finally today they are getting married!""It took them long enough!" Bev snorts next to me, shaking her head. "Katie really shįt tested Serge every s
Sheer dread grips my heart in a strangling hold. Gradually, I raise my head from Vladimir's chest. His garments were soaked with my tears.My eyes meet with none other than Ivan Molotov's.He merely emits a sinister cackle, halting his applause. Eyes full of undiluted malice, regard me from across the room.In his gloved hands, he holds a closed syringe. Ever so slowly, he approaches ne arer. From his other hand, he drops a pile of slashed cords that were attached to Vladimir's body. My eyes trace them back toward the hospital machinery, now nonfunctional."Wh-What are you doing?!" Immediately, I vault from my seat. I nearly stumble, my footsteps retreating backward. My voice lets out in fearful disbelief. "Wh-What do you mean?"He sighs, shaking his head in seemingly mock guilt. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to also end you along Vladimir.""What?!" My eyes widen in terror as I look from his face to the syringe gripped in his palm. "Why?! What are you talking about?!""Shhh." He
My heartbeat thundered within my ears while my eyes brimmed with scathing moisture. The air around me continuously grew thin as my lungs burned with each breath I took. My legs refused to falter, I ran through the winding corridors of the hospital along with Rachael and Katie. The hijab on my head nearly slipped off. Yet my mind was only preoccupied with him."Doctor!!!" Rachael cries out as she grabs ahold of a man in a lab coat, strolling out of the Intensive Care Unit. "Please! We can't wait anymore, we demand to see Vladimir!!""Ma'am, neither you nor your sister's blood test is a correct match for your brother. We can not allow you to see him as of yet." The doctor's expression embittered as he shuffles through the papers on his clipboard. "We've discovered he's a rare blood type.""He's lost a great amount of blood!" One other doctor rushes out in front of us. "Whoever else is related to him, must get tested for the transfusion! RHnull type blood is rare and we don't have it in
After such a forbidden deed, would events always unravel in contrition like this? Can guilt be any more bitter than before? Will I ever learn from past mistakes?No, since when did you develop into such a weak mess?My head had been bowed under the clouds of shame drifting around the atmosphere of the jeep ride back. Five minutes had passed since Dimitri Molotov's intrusive phone call, disrupting the forbidden tryst I was involved with Vladimir in the back seat.Awkwardness never felt so constricting before to me as it did now. Yet Vladimir appears unaffected by it as if there is nothing awkward in regard to the physical exchange between us.Instead, his visage indicates a serenity that I don't remember witnessing ever before. As if he's repleted of a satisfied contentment that he lacked previously. It was increasingly evident, that he is very pleased with no regrets.His eyes had intensely remained locked on my face while he helped me get dressed in the back seat. Suffusing my blush
His brows crease in apparent concern as they caught the glimmer of tears swimming within my stare. I wasn't resilient enough to suppress the heartache of the past seven days. It took over me tenfold in his presence.He inches forward. "Hazel, wh-"Suddenly all of the lights switch on, impeding him mid-sentence. The entirety of the kitchen and connected lounge is illuminated."What's going on here?" I recognize none other than Rachael's miffed voice.She stands in her sleeping robes on the stairwell of the kitchen lounge. Confounded, her eyes flit between Vladimir and me.But she's not the only other presence besides the two of us here. My alarmed eyes catch sight of Katie and Bev. The lights had exposed them hiding behind one of the couches in the lounge. Guilt-ridden, they were smiling sheepishly at me.Within those awkward seconds, it dawns on me that this setup was construed by the two of them. With Rachael and I being unaware, they knew all along when Vladimir would be returning h
Dear Hazel Asalaam Alaikum, I hope you are safe and well. I'm writing to inform you that I'm admitted to a private cancer treatment hospital. I've discovered from one of my lawyers, that the wealth I've allocated to you has still not been touched. I had expected you'd find it beneficial once you had turned 19, but you haven't utilized any amount of it. Please no need to remain humble regarding the sustenance that Allah has rendered halal for you.The doctors say I've got an additional month left to live. I find it amusing, that these doctors can utter such words with firm conviction. After all, life and death are in Allah's hands.However, my condition is deteriorating. I'd like to see you and Rachael before I depart this world.Enclosed within this envelope are details and directions to the hospital center. I'm expecting you both soon, and if you choose not to visit me then it's alright, I would understand.Once I've completed reading, my eyes lock with Rachaels. Hers are just as gl
"What is it?!" I shriek in repleted panic. Besides me, Bilal is just as frightened. The overpowering stench of smoke engulfs us quickly as the helicopter malfunctions."There is good news and bad news," Vladimir responds jaw clenched in apparent ire. He pours all of his strength and effort into veering the helicopter off-course away from the villa. "Which do you want to hear first?""This isn't time for such games!" I shriek again as the helicopter continues impairing."Are we crashing?!" Bilal questions with eyes wide as saucers."Not we. The helicopter will crash, that's the bad news. We've been targeted by an enemy RPG." Vladimir replies eyes narrowed in focus as he ascends the helicopter to higher heights. "It seems someone within our circles has tipped the enemy off in regard to our whereabouts.""RPG?!" Bilal gapes horrified. "Enemy?!""What the hell is RPG?!" I snap in ensuing terror."Military weapon!" Bilal promptly answers before desperately asking Vladimir. "What's the good
I awake from a slight jostling, it's dark and I hear the soft continuous humming of some sort of engine. Then I instantly remember that I was on a plane.I groggily shift my body but freeze when I realize someone else lay beside me. The weight of their arm is firmly yet gently draped over my waist and I feel their minty breath shallowly caressing my neck. It seemed like they were asleep.I turn my face in their direction and lift my hand to touch their face in the dark. My fingers splay over chiseled angular features, and my heart hammers in recognition.But before I can shove at him, he murmurs in his sleep. "Hazel... hmm...so pure..."My eyes widen in alarm and I attempt to lift his heavy arm away from my waist, yet this proves as a failure. He draws me closer to his hard chest while murmuring again in his sleep."Hazel... I need you..."My face flushes with heat as my mind processes his sleep talk. I wondered what kind of dream he had about me.I try pulling away from him, yet tha
As soon as the vehicle approaches Bilal's private boarding school, my eyes distend in alarm. "You-How did you know?! Only Rachael knew about Bilal's school!""Don't worry about details, princess. Wait here, remember I've locked the doors and windows, so stay put." He provides lightly and exits the jeep without further word.The vehicle was parked a few blocks away from the school, in a vacant lot. No one would be able to catch a glimpse of me reclining in it since the windows were tainted dark from the exterior. I wait with my hands fiddling the hem of my sleeves as I continue glancing around nervously.Several minutes later, I spot the demon approaching along with my little brother, who is happily licking an ice cream cone. In one hand he's dragging along a small suitcase. My heart swells with so much emotion as I eagerly await Bilal's arrival.As soon as the demon tugs open my door, I fling my arms around Bilal, crushing his boyish frame against me. "Billy!! Oh my God!""Hazel!" Bil