Jordan’s P.O.V. How could this happen? Dakota was holding both of our hands and then she was gone. It was less than three seconds. Anushka is a mess and I’m right there with her. I never thought someone would take Dakota. I really thought whoever broke into our rooms was looking for me or it was just random. Why would they take Dakota? “Mommyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyy.” We hear Dakota’s scream and turn to run in that direction. People are everywhere. I finally see her standing alone but she has blood on her dress. Anushka picks her up and holds her tight as she cries. “What happened sweetheart? I was so scared.” Anushka says. She turns away from me when I put my hand on her shoulder and my heart breaks. I hope she's not blaming the fact that we were kissing for what happened. “A man grabbed me, but I remembered what you said, Mommy. I bit his hand really hard, and it was nasty, but he yelled and dropped me. I screamed for you guys
Anushka's P.O.V. I had been so close to throwing in the towel and taking Dakota home to New York when we found her. I wanted to blame Jordan and our kissing for the reason she was taken, but then I realized if I blamed him, I was also to blame. Those few minutes Dakota wasn't with me were the most terrifying of my entire life. When we found her, I wanted to keep her hidden away from the world. I don't know who took her or why. Does it have anything to do with the break-ins or are these people just taking advantage of tourists? Seeing Jordan's face when I carried Dakota out of the bedroom made me realize I was no longer alone. We have only known each other for about a day, but we have already been through so much. I feel closer to him than I ever felt to Harrison. I keep telling myself that we're moving too fast and I should be more careful because I have a daughter to think about. However, my heart is telling me that Jordan is the real deal. The fear I saw in his eyes when we
Corbin's P.O.V. I can't believe that little brat bit me hard enough to draw blood. When I felt her little sharp teeth, I dropped her, and she started screaming. I didn't want to get anyone's attention, so I ran. My plan was to take the girl and then make Anushka and Jordan come to me. That plan went out the window when she bit me. Now their guard is going to be up even more. When I get to my hotel, I jump into the shower so I can think. They have to be considering that the break-in and the kidnapping are related now. After getting out of the shower, I go to bed. Maybe I can figure something out by morning because right now I feel like packing my bags and disappearing. I should let the bastard who hired me find someone else to do his dirty work. I have some decisions to make. I wonder if Jordan and Anushka even know why they're being targeted. I have no idea why but they must have done something to piss this guy off. __________________Mystery Man's P.O.V. I swear if Corbin do
Jordan's P.O.V. Anushka and I look at each other while Dakota waits for an answer about why we were exercising so late last night. I'm a successful businessman, surely I can come up with some reason, which isn't exactly a lie but not the whole truth, that will satisfy a four-year-old. "I wanted to make sure my heart was good and strong just in case any of the poison has gotten into my bloodstream," Anushka bites her lip trying not to laugh. Dakota crosses her arms and narrows her eyes. Why do I feel like she's getting ready to chastise me? She looks so much like her mother right now. "Okay. Are we going to eat breakfast before we talk to the police?" Dakota asks. Both Anushka and I sigh in relief. We're going to have to be more careful next time. "Let's order room service. What do you want?" I ask, sliding my arm around Anushka's waist. I expect her to push me off not wanting me to touch her in front of Dakota, but she doesn't. The little spy notices my arm, and her eyes
Anushka's P.OV. What are we going to do? I can't believe this is the man who took Dakota. How did he know we would call a car to pick us up? When I notice there's blood on the steering wheel, I swallow past the lump in my throat. "Where's the real driver?" I ask, dreading the answer. "Don't worry about him. So I'm curious. What did the two of you do that pissed someone off so much they want to kill you?" He asks as we get further and further from the busiest part of the island. I glance at Jordan, and he's pulling out his phone. "Why did you take me from my Mommy and Daddy?" Dakota asks him. I wrap my arm around her and kiss her head. She's a strong little girl, but I know she was scared then, and she's scared now. "I guess I can tell you now because you won't be alive soon to run your mouths. I was hired to do a job. The woman on the beach didn't poison you correctly, Jordan, or you would have already been dead. When my employer found out that you were here too, Anushka, he in
Jordan's P.O.V. I knew we were only going to have one shot to get Anushka and Dakota out of here. I'm hoping Raymond could talk to the police and give them our location. I trust him more than I do the locals because I know he can track me in real-time. When Paul starts coming for Dakota and pulls out a knife, I know I have to act fast. I see in Anushka's eyes that she doesn't want to go, but also know she will because of Dakota. "Run." When she begins running, Paul lunges for her, but I grab him and throw him against the car. One punch to the face and he falls to the ground. The man who picked us up grabs the gun, and I run toward him. I jump and tackle him to the ground as he fires. He doesn't hit anything, as I knock the gun out of his hand. We wrestle on the ground, and he gets a few punches in, but I'm bigger and stronger. I knock him out and get the gun. After making sure the safety is on, I slip it into my waistband and run after Anushka and Dakota. When I reach them,
Anushka’s P.O.V. After the plane lands, Jordan calls his car service to pick us up to take us to my and Dakota’s apartment. He said technically he's still on vacation, so as long as I was okay with it, he was going to stay with us. Of course, I’m okay with it. Maybe we can actually spend some time together that doesn’t involve one of us being kidnapped, robbed, or poisoned. As soon as we get inside, I know something is wrong. “Someone’s been in here,” I tell Jordan. Everything looks in place, but I can tell things aren’t where I left them. I put Dakota down and walk over to the picture of my mom. It’s turned the wrong way. I wouldn't have done that because I have it positioned so she can look out of the window and see the city. She loved the city. “How can you tell?” Jordan asks, putting our luggage next to the door. “It doesn't look like anything is missing, but things have been moved as though someone was looking f
Stewart’s P.O.V. Thanks to my no-good daughter I have gone from a successful businessman to a nobody overnight. My business was struggling but I would have brought it back, I just needed the right investors. However, when I couldn’t find one and Anushka gave me an ultimatum I thought I would at least stay within the company so I could turn the tables and force her out. I should have known she would go against me. I guess I didn't put her in her place enough when she was growing up. It's time to rectify that, I'm going to put her through hell. Running my hand through my salt-and-pepper hair with frustration I look out the window of the small apartment I’m currently renting. Five years, it was almost five years ago when she forced me out of my own business. Harrison was supposed to keep her reined in. A woman has no place in a man’s world other than to cook, clean and fuck. I have very little money and no plan but I will pay her back. I look down at my ph
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