Jordan's P.O.V.I prepare to open the door to get our food and trip over the edge of the table causing one of my statues to fall to the ground. I curse under my breath and open the door just as the lights go out. After getting the food I look out the window and realize the city is having a blackout. After setting the food on the table, I run to Dakota's room. After everything that's happened, I can only imagine what they must be thinking. When I reach them, they both look at me in relief. "What was that loud bang, and why are the lights out?" Anushka asks as I wrap my arms around them. "The bang was me being clumsy and knocking over a small statue. The lights are out because the city is having a blackout. Don't worry, we're safe here," I tell them, kissing each of their foreheads. We leave Dakota's room, and I turn on the fireplace so we have some light. "I was thinking about Cora. How did she get all the way up here without anyone stopping her, and why was she waiting as if she
Cora’s P.O.V. I can’t believe that asshole has the nerve to let some bitch and her brat daughter move in with him. He’s supposed to be still hurting from losing me. I will not let this stand. When I get outside Jordan's building I get into the backseat of the car waiting for me and glare at the man sitting next to me. He got me past the security and up to Jordan's penthouse. “You didn’t tell me he had a bitch with him. How am I supposed to make him take me back and take care of this brat in my stomach when he’s clearly moved on?” I yell as the driver pulls into traffic. “I knew he met a woman on the island and that he was coming back early, but I didn't know he had asked her to move in with him. That’s pretty fast for Jordan. You were with him for a long time and he never asked you to move in with him.” The asshole says. “I know that. It would have been hard for me to have my other lovers if I moved in with h
Jordan’s P.O.V. I wake up to the sun rising over the city and Anushka in my arms. I can’t think of anything better. One thing I have learned in the couple of days I’ve been with her and Dakota is that the little one likes to wake up super early. I gently move Anushka and put my pillow against her longways so hopefully she’ll continue to sleep for a while. After taking a quick shower, I throw on a pair of athletic shorts and a T-shirt. As I’m stepping out into the hall, I hear little footsteps coming my way. Dakota comes around the corner two seconds later. I hold my finger over my lips so she’ll be quiet. She nods and reaches for me to pick her up. I carry her into the kitchen and sit her on the counter. “What do you say we order breakfast and serve your mommy breakfast in bed?” Dakota claps her little hands. “Yes, that will make Mommy happy. That mean lady isn’t coming back, is she?” She asks, looking down
Jordan’s P.O.V. I can’t believe it. How is Gregory my half-brother, and how did I not know? I feel like I can’t breathe as my chest tightens up. Anushka takes my face in her hands and has me look at her. “Jordan, take deep breaths and focus on me. We will figure this out. I need you to stay strong.” Just looking into her eyes calms the panic attack I felt coming. I hadn’t had one in years. I wrap my arms around her and cry against her shoulder. Gregory killed my mom, took pictures of it, and he’s my brother. Once I’m a little calmer, I turn to Raymond. “How is he, my half-brother?” Raymond sighs and pulls out another piece of paper. “From what I found, I believe his mom and your dad dated briefly. They broke up right before he met your mom. I don't think he knew about Gregory’s mom being pregnant, so he probably didn’t know he had another son. She put the father on the birth certificate as unknown. I’m sorry J
Anushka’s P.O.V. From where I sit I can’t see who’s at the door but I know it’s not who we were expecting based on Jordan’s demeanor. “Go to your room and hide under the bed. Call 911.” I whisper to Dakota while handing her my phone. She hesitates but then does what I say. We have talked about 911 many times just in case something happened. “What are you doing?” Jordan asks. “I’m getting rid of you. Who do you think you are playing house with my wife and daughter?” Harrison? Is he serious? I walk over to the door and see him with the gun. His hand is shaking as he keeps it pointed at Jordan. “What the hell are you doing here? You were paid to be my husband. We’re not a family. Dakota will never know who you are.” I say through clenched teeth. “Well, things have changed. You ruined my life by sending me to prison. Do you really think I’m going to let you get away with th
Gregory's P.O.V. I know Raymond has to have something by now. The blackout may have slowed him down, but it's been back on since early morning. I pick up my phone and click on his name. "Hello?" Raymond answers. "Do you have any information on the woman with Jordan?" I ignore all pleasantries. I don't have time for that when I need answers. "I was just getting ready to call you. The woman's name is Anushka Wilkins. She's the daughter of Stewart Wilkins and had taken over his business about five years ago." I sit back in my chair. I know Stewart. He's a snake. Maybe it's time I taunt the snake and have him help me get rid of Jordan as well as his daughter. "Thanks. Again, keep this between us. I'll tell Jordan myself." I disconnect the call and look up Stewart's phone number. He has fallen from grace I bet if I wave a little cash his way he'll do what I want. "Hello?" Stewart answers. "Hi, Stewart. This is Gregory Coy. It has come to my attention that we may have similar int
Jordan’s P.O.V. When I return to the penthouse I don’t waste any time. While Anushka helps Dakota repack her things so the room can be ready for Bill in the morning, I call Raymond. “Hello?” He answers. “It’s Jordan. I need you to look into a few things for me. First I want to know who the new security company is for the building I live in. They are telling me that they don't have the manpower to stop people from entering the building who shouldn't be here. The security aspect is one of the main reasons I chose this building. I also want you to look into Cora and Gregory and what their relationship is. Dakota saw Gregory sitting outside in a car at the same time Cora was waiting for me when we got home. He knew I was coming back early, so that could be how she knew. I'm going to get the security team I use to send men to secure the penthouse. I’m done playing around with all of these people coming after us.” I tell him.
Anushka’s P.O.V. While we’re looking at the room Dakota picked out for our future baby, the power suddenly goes off. She runs out of the room while Jordan, and I look outside. It’s not another blackout because we can see the stoplights are still working. It looks like it's either just this building or the penthouse. “I just approved the six security men. Three of them are on their way.” Jordan says as we walk out of the room. “Good, I’ll feel better having more security for now,” I tell him. “Let me go, you big ugly bad guy,” Dakota screams. Jordan and I run to the living room, and my heart drops. There’s a large man with thick black hair and an evil smile holding a struggling Dakota. In his other hand, he's holding a gun. “Who are you? Let my daughter go.” I scream at him. He raises the gun when we take a step toward them. “Don’t worry she’s not the one I want. I want you
One Year LaterAnushka's P.O.V. I look at myself in the full-length mirror and smile. I met Jordan eighteen months ago, and he adopted Dakota a year ago. Now we are finally getting married. The past year has been a whirlwind. Both of our businesses are thriving, and our families are growing. Yurkov and Corrine are expecting a daughter in a couple of months. They got married right after they reconciled. My other four brothers have calmed down and are all dating women I approve of. Yes, they asked for mine and Dakota's approval. I turn to look at the other two women. Courtney and Dina are also getting married today. We decided to do it together, just like we did with the adoptions. Another thing we all did unplanned was get pregnant. The three of us have small, matching baby bumps. We're due in six months, within weeks of each other. As I said, this past year has been a whirlwind. "You two look so beautiful," I say as we stand together. Our dresses are all white, but they're slig
Friday Before Father's DayAnushka's P.O.V. I'm so excited. Not only am I basically back to normal now, but today is going to be life-changing for three families. Jordan, Bobby, and Gavin are going to officially become fathers today. We are going to the courthouse to finalize the adoptions. I don't know who's more excited: the kids, the dads, or us moms. We thought doing it right before Father's Day would be perfect. "Mommy, are you ready for me to adopt Daddy?" Dakota asks, running into the bedroom with her blonde curls bouncing. She's wearing her favorite blue dress that her grandpa bought her. She insisted that we all wear blue to match. So I'm in a blue dress, and Jordan is in black pants with a blue button-up shirt. I lean down to kiss her cheek. It still hurts when I lift her. "I can't wait. Is everyone else ready?" I ask, taking her hand. "Yep." Dakota leads me out to the living room, where everyone is gathered. Courtney is with Bobby and her two kids, Sarah and Tyler. Di
Anushka's P.O.V. As we pull up to the enormous mansion, Dakota and the other kids squeal with excitement. Noah even laughs when they see the giant fire-breathing dragon. It's a large blow-up. I don't even know where they found something that size. As we get out of the SUV, my dad and brothers are waiting for us. They all hold open their jackets to show they don't have guns. Dakota runs over to them and jumps into my dad's arms. "You got me a real dragon," she says excitedly. He kisses her cheek and laughs. "Of course we did." We all turn when another car pulls up. Yurkov takes a deep breath and walks toward it. I see a beautiful woman with dark brown hair get out before helping a little boy who looks like my brother out of the back. Dakota has my dad put her down, and she walks over to them. "I'm Dakota. Are you Corrine and Luka?" she asks them. Luka looks at her shyly while Corrine smiles. "Yes, we are. Thank you for letting us come to your birthday party." Corrine says. Dako
Anushka's P.O.V. I wake up and stretch. I can finally sleep with Jordan in our regular bed instead of the hospital bed. My chest still hurts, and it will for a while, but I can move on my own now. I roll over and look at Jordan. He's so handsome and looks so peaceful in his sleep. I can't imagine life without him now. I met with my mom's attorney, who contacted me regarding her inheritance. It had grown so much that it was in the billions. I have no need for the money so I told him to let it sit there. Eventually, I'll have it put into a trust for Dakota and any future children we have. Today is Dakota's birthday. I can't believe she's five, although sometimes it feels like she's a lot older than five. Dad and my brothers said they had everything ready for her special day. All we have to do is show up. I'm a little nervous. This will be our first time going to the compound, but Dad guarantees we'll be safe. I guess I've seen too many movies because all I can picture is there being
Anushka's P.O.V.As we all sit in the living room, no one says anything for the first few minutes. I can tell Santino isn't quite sure how to take me. He was in love with my mom, and I look like her, but I'm not her. We make some small talk while we wait for dinner. Bobby, Gavin, Courtney, Sarah, and Tyler are eating with us. I insisted that they all stay. Dakota keeps her eyes on Santino, and as everyone begins to eat, she turns to him."Why don't you like my Grandpa Chrissy?" she asks narrowing her eyes at him."Grandpa Chrissy? Who's that?" I believe he knows exactly who she's talking about, but he doesn't want to answer. "Grandpa Chistov." We all look at her in surprise. She said his name perfectly fine."I thought you couldn't say his name," Jordan says. Dakota giggles and shrugs her little shoulders."I just like to give people nicknames." She turns back to Santino and stares him down, waiting for an answer."Why do you think I don't like him?" He asks while takin
Anushka's P.O.V.I was nervous about letting Dakota leave, but I knew Gavin would keep her safe. I'm hoping that the giant teddy bear of a man has found a woman that interests him. He has too big of a heart to be alone. While they were downstairs, the police called and said they had arrested Phillip. He was so scared that he admitted to everything. Now they're looking for Stewart. I wish them luck with that. I can now walk independently, but Jordan still stays by my side. He has been incredible. My dad and brothers have been great, too. I'm starting to wonder if they even have a business because they're always here. Kozar said they have other people who can handle the day-to-day."Dakota's birthday is going to be incredible. I can't wait. Even if it's small, we're going to make sure she has everything she wants, including a fire-breathing dragon and fairies." My dad says. I shake my head and chuckle. When they're planning a child's birthday, it's hard to remember what they
Dina's P.O.V. "We're just having lunch right now," Gavin says. I risk glancing at him, and he winks at me. My heart flutters uncontrollably. How can a man that size be so sweet and gentle? Even Noah isn't scared of him. Of course, I think part of that is because the cute little blonde beside him has all his attention. He copies each bite she takes of her pizza. When Dakota notices what he's doing, she slows down to give him time to chew."Can I come down here to play with Noah sometimes?" Dakota asks. Most kids don't understand Noah and ignore him. He doesn't speak much and can get agitated quickly. "You can come and play with him whenever you want. We're here all the time." I answer her. She smiles and begins eating again. I look at Gavin, and he's watching me. I haven't been with a man since Ben left. Being with a man was the furthest thing from my mind because I had Noah to think about. However, sometimes the unexpected happens. Like a man looking fo
Gavin's P.O.V.When we reach the building, I drop Dina off on the second floor, where her apartment is, and I continue up to the penthouse. Everyone is preparing to eat lunch, including the Kondrati men, who seem to be hanging out a lot. I was concerned about them at first, but they're not as bad as I had imagined. Sometimes, you can even forget that they're Russian mob. "I hope I got everything you wanted. I had some help at the store. She invited me down to her place for lunch. I just want to check her out to make sure she's legit. She said she has a three-year-old son with autism, and she works from home." I pull out my phone and begin running her information. She didn't give me her last name, but I have her first name and apartment number. That's all I need. Within a few minutes, I read her divorce documents and employment records. I even have her birth certificate. "What's her name?" Dakota asks. "Dina. Her son's name is Noah. I checked her out, and everything sh
Gavin's P.O.V.I didn't think I would want to accept a position like the one Jordan offered, but it sounded too good to pass up. Dakota and Anuska are incredible. Courtney and her two little ones are amazing, too. The only thing that I would like is to have a woman of my own. Everyone always says it will happen when it's meant to. I'm tired of waiting. Jordan doesn't trust anyone other than Bobby and me to get food and things for the house. He was going to order groceries and have them delivered. However, Courtney asked if one of us could do the shopping because she didn't trust the store employees to pick out the best meat and produce. So that's why I'm walking through a grocery store, pushing a cart, and looking for items I have never heard of. I'm looking at the salmon, and they all look the same to me."Excuse me." I slide over so a woman can get her salmon. I watch her look at different pieces and return them until she finds the one she wants."Can you help me?" I ask