It’s freezing here and so is my brain and fingers. 🥶 Hang in tight. Xoxo. 💋
Chapter 56⟿❂⟾Nikolai⟿❂⟾Travo and Sergei’s funeral was held in a cemetery. And just as expected, Chen was there, pretending to pay respects while watching me through dark sunglasses. The woman was convinced I was involved in Sylvia's disappearance. She wasn't wrong, but she'd never be able to prove it."She's still on you," Viktor murmured, nodding subtly in her direction."Let her look," I replied, adjusting my tie. "That's all she'll ever do."After making a sufficient appearance and leaving Vincenzo and Luigi to handle Sergei’s widow, Manuel and the rest, Viktor drove us to Leandro's shop in the older part of town, wedged between a pawn shop and a fortune teller's parlor. "I'll wait here," Viktor said as I exited the car. He hated Leandro, called him a charlatan. Maybe he was, but after what happened at Eclipse, the man knew better than anyone that he owed me his loyalty—and his life."Gianni," Leandro's accented voice called from the back. "I knew you would come today.""Spar
Chapter 58⟿❂⟾Sylvia⟿❂⟾Nikolai and Vincenzo did not return that day. Or the three days after. Neither did Luigi come.Stacy and I had fallen into a pattern. If there was one thing you didn't have to guess about Stacy, it was the fact that she liked to talk. A lot. After learning she was an only child of a filthy rich widower, raised in the harsh reality of the mafia world, I understood why. Kegan worked on his laptop for most of the time, avoiding us both as much as he could but never being too far away should we need anything. I traced the rim of my glass with my finger, watching ripples form across the surface of the super-cold liquid. I missed my life, as boring as it was. I missed Maeve. I missed Mother Beatrice. I missed not having a lot to be guilty about. Yet, I also missed Nikolai. The phone he gave me lay silent on the table beside me. I'd stopped checking it obsessively yesterday, tired of being disappointed each time the screen remained dark. No messages. No missed c
Chapter 58 ⟿❂⟾ Sylvia ⟿❂⟾ "Change of plans," she said calmly. "Bathroom. Now." She shoved me toward the en-suite bathroom as another blow hit the door, splintering the frame. "Lock yourself in and don't come out until I call for you." "Stacy—" "Go!" “I can’t! You’re pregnant and that guy looks dangerous!” “Sylvia,” she snapped, “get inside. Now.” “Lord, no,” I wailed. “I can’t let you die! You’ve got a whole baby in there! I’ve only got trauma and unresolved guilt!” She gripped my shoulder and yanked my chin up with surprising strength for someone in her third trimester. “Look at me, Sylvia.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “Nope. If I don’t see the danger, it’s not real.” “Sylvia!” she barked. “We’re both going to die if you don’t quit acting like a Disney princess with a martyr complex, God damn it!” I whimpered. “Holy Mary Mother of—” “She’s not here,” She cut me off, “But you can help us both by letting me live long enough to become one.” “Stacy please, don’t make me do
PROLOGUENIKOLAI⟿❂⟾New York, 7 Years Ago⟿❂⟾“Kill him.”Matteo fucking Gianni, my father, didn’t believe in wasting words, and I didn’t believe in saying them either. He slid the manila folder across like it held nothing more interesting than the lunch menu at his favorite restaurant. Dino Donatello. Mid-40s. Ran weapons and girls out of Staten Island, made deals with anyone who waved a dollar in his face, and skimmed more than his share off our shipments. He’d successfully worked his way into my father’s bad books, and now he’d have to be burned with those books.It was a simple job. Walk in, handle it, walk out. A routine.“Don’t think,” my father added, not even looking at me as he poured himself a glass of scotch. “Just get it done.”I’d learned not to argue with him by the time I turned 15. At 22, I wasn’t stupid enough to start now. So I nodded, took the file, and headed out without another word.The Donatello house was a two-story dump at the edge of a rundown neighborhood.
NIKOLAI⟿❂⟾Chapter 1⟿❂⟾PRESENT DAY ⟿❂⟾People always say storms cleanse the soul. That’s a lie.Storms drown out screams, wash away blood, and mask the sound of sins being committed. I should know because I’ve used enough of them to my advantage.Tonight was no different.I stepped into the ruined chapel, shaking rain off my coat, and lit a cigarette. The place was a disaster: shattered stained glass, overturned pews, and enough mold on the walls to give a health inspector a heart attack. My money had kept the building standing this long. Now, it barely looked worth saving.“Don’t move!”The tiny voice snapped through the silence like a whip.I froze mid-drag and turned. At first, I thought I was imagining things. Maybe the storm was messing with my head. But no, there she was: a woman in a plain gray dress, clutching a rosary like it was a weapon. Her hair was tied back too tight, her face scrubbed too clean. She had remarkable grey eyes that blazed like she wanted to set me on f
Chapter 2⟿❂⟾SYLVIA⟿❂⟾If sneaking into the shelter without being caught were an Olympic sport, I’d take gold. Well, maybe bronze.Okay, lying is a sin. I’d probably trip over my own feet, crash into a nun, and get excommunicated on the spot.“Just a few more steps,” I whispered to myself, my heart pounding louder than the damn church bells on Sunday morning.My left sock betrayed me by sliding on the smooth floor. “Shit!” I hissed, then clamped a hand over my mouth. A nun isn’t supposed to cuss!I was going to hell. Straight to hell. Not even purgatory was going to bother with me at this rate.I shuffled forward, cringing with every creak and groan the ancient staircase made under my weight. I could already imagine Mother Beatrice’s face if she caught me, that withering glare that could peel paint off walls.Halfway up, the sound of footsteps froze me in place. Oh no. Ohhh no.I turned so slowly I could hear my neck creak. And there she was. Mother Beatrice, in all her holy wrath,
𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎, 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 Thank you for choosing Nikolai’s Tainted Nun. This is the third installment of the Region Mafia Men series, but don’t worry—this book is a standalone. You can dive in without having to read Books 1 and 2, as each installment explores a different couple, plot, and setting. However, if you’d like to learn more about some recurring characters, like Russel, Vincenzo, and their wives, feel free to check out the first two installments—they’re standalone books as well. 𝓗𝓞𝓝𝓔𝓢𝓣 𝓡𝓔𝓠𝓤𝓔𝓢𝓣 Love, if you enjoy this book, please drop a comment on each chapter to share your thoughts. Your feedback means the world to me. As a way of supporting me, don’t forget to vote for the book and leave a 5-star rating on the front page. Your support makes all the difference! 𝓦𝓐𝓡𝓝𝓘𝓝𝓖 I must warn you—this is a dark romance. As the name suggests, this book explores intense themes, some of which may challenge your morals or comfort zone. If you’re up for the
Chapter 3 ⟿❂⟾ Nikolai ⟿❂⟾ The rain had slowed by the time I made it home, but the cold clung to my skin like an unwelcome memory. Drenched, I peeled off my coat and tossed it onto the armchair near the window, watching as water pooled around its edges. The housekeeper was going to lose her shit over this. The place was dead quiet, except for the occasional snort from Fur, my dog, or rather, my freeloading furry roommate. He wasn’t a watchdog; he was a sleep-dog. The lazy bastard would only move if food or belly rubs were involved. I’d dragged his ass here because, frankly, I didn’t trust the housekeeper at the main house. That woman would probably ‘accidentally’ feed him antifreeze and claim it was Gatorade. I looked over at him, sprawled on the couch like some sort of aristocrat. “You’re not even a real dog, are you? I bet if someone broke in, you’d hand them the good silver and wag your tail on their way out.” He snorted again. I sighed. This place wasn’t much,
Chapter 58 ⟿❂⟾ Sylvia ⟿❂⟾ "Change of plans," she said calmly. "Bathroom. Now." She shoved me toward the en-suite bathroom as another blow hit the door, splintering the frame. "Lock yourself in and don't come out until I call for you." "Stacy—" "Go!" “I can’t! You’re pregnant and that guy looks dangerous!” “Sylvia,” she snapped, “get inside. Now.” “Lord, no,” I wailed. “I can’t let you die! You’ve got a whole baby in there! I’ve only got trauma and unresolved guilt!” She gripped my shoulder and yanked my chin up with surprising strength for someone in her third trimester. “Look at me, Sylvia.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “Nope. If I don’t see the danger, it’s not real.” “Sylvia!” she barked. “We’re both going to die if you don’t quit acting like a Disney princess with a martyr complex, God damn it!” I whimpered. “Holy Mary Mother of—” “She’s not here,” She cut me off, “But you can help us both by letting me live long enough to become one.” “Stacy please, don’t make me do
Chapter 58⟿❂⟾Sylvia⟿❂⟾Nikolai and Vincenzo did not return that day. Or the three days after. Neither did Luigi come.Stacy and I had fallen into a pattern. If there was one thing you didn't have to guess about Stacy, it was the fact that she liked to talk. A lot. After learning she was an only child of a filthy rich widower, raised in the harsh reality of the mafia world, I understood why. Kegan worked on his laptop for most of the time, avoiding us both as much as he could but never being too far away should we need anything. I traced the rim of my glass with my finger, watching ripples form across the surface of the super-cold liquid. I missed my life, as boring as it was. I missed Maeve. I missed Mother Beatrice. I missed not having a lot to be guilty about. Yet, I also missed Nikolai. The phone he gave me lay silent on the table beside me. I'd stopped checking it obsessively yesterday, tired of being disappointed each time the screen remained dark. No messages. No missed c
Chapter 56⟿❂⟾Nikolai⟿❂⟾Travo and Sergei’s funeral was held in a cemetery. And just as expected, Chen was there, pretending to pay respects while watching me through dark sunglasses. The woman was convinced I was involved in Sylvia's disappearance. She wasn't wrong, but she'd never be able to prove it."She's still on you," Viktor murmured, nodding subtly in her direction."Let her look," I replied, adjusting my tie. "That's all she'll ever do."After making a sufficient appearance and leaving Vincenzo and Luigi to handle Sergei’s widow, Manuel and the rest, Viktor drove us to Leandro's shop in the older part of town, wedged between a pawn shop and a fortune teller's parlor. "I'll wait here," Viktor said as I exited the car. He hated Leandro, called him a charlatan. Maybe he was, but after what happened at Eclipse, the man knew better than anyone that he owed me his loyalty—and his life."Gianni," Leandro's accented voice called from the back. "I knew you would come today.""Spar
Chapter 56 ⟿❂⟾ Nikolai ⟿❂⟾ Entering the convent felt so wrong. A girl in a flowing white habit met me at the entrance, her face drawn with worry. "Mr. Gianni," She whispered urgently. "The FBI was here. They've been questioning everyone." "About Sylvia?" Her eyes darted nervously. "About you, too." Of course. "Mother Beatrice insisted on seeing you despite their... concerns," she continued, leading me through a side corridor. "She's quite distressed." She stopped outside Mother Beatrice’s office, crossing herself before opening the door. "Please be gentle with her. She's not been herself since—" She cut herself off, but I caught the implication. Since Sylvia disappeared. Since Maria disappeared. Both my doing, in different ways. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She shot me a look over her shoulder. “Are you?” I didn’t answer. What could I say? That I’d kidnapped their novice, seduced her, and now had her stashed on my private island while the FBI combed the city for her? That
Chapter 55 ⟿❂⟾ Sylvia ⟿❂⟾ Sleep eluded me, and by morning, I was exhausted and irritable. A knock on my door revealed Stacy, already dressed in a flowing sundress that accommodated her pregnant belly. "Rise and shine!" she chirped, far too cheerful for the early hour. "We're going shopping. You need some beach clothes." I looked down at my borrowed t-shirt and jeans. "I'm fine with what I have." Stacy laughed. "Honey, it's 85 degrees outside and you're dressed for a New England fall. Come on, I need the company." Somehow, two hours later, I found myself lying on a beach chair under a giant umbrella, wearing a modest black bikini that still showed more skin than I'd exposed in years. Beside me, Stacy lounged in a red two-piece, her pregnant belly gleaming with sunscreen. "This is the life, isn't it?" she sighed contentedly, sipping a virgin piña colada. "Sun, sand, and no FBI agents in sight." I couldn't help but smile at her irreverence. "Is this how you normally live? Runnin
Chapter 54 ⟿❂⟾ Sylvia ⟿❂⟾ Kidnapped. Again. "There’s a blockade ahead." Someone announced. "Plan B." Nikolai pressed a button on his phone. "Kegan, we need the chopper. Twenty minutes." Chopper? My mouth went dry. Kegan, Vincenzo, and Stacy had taken a separate route, now I knew why. We emerged onto a wider street and Nikolai accelerated through traffic with terrifying precision. I gripped the door handle so tightly my knuckles turned white. "You know how to fly a helicopter?" I asked, trying to sound casual and failing miserably. "Among other things." He said, “But Kegan will fly us.” What couldn't this man do? We drove in tense silence for another fifteen minutes before pulling into what looked like an abandoned garage. Nikolai parked behind a rusted container and killed the engine. "We wait here," he said, checking his watch. "Five minutes." This was insane. "My life has turned into a Jason Bourne movie." He actually laughed at that. “Jason Bourne. You've seen those
Chapter 53 ⟿❂⟾ Sylvia ⟿❂⟾ "They know who I am," I whispered to my reflection. "They know everything." My hands shook as I fumbled with the plastic packaging of a new toothbrush. The voices from downstairs carried through the floor—not clearly enough to make out every word, but enough to know they were arguing. About me. About what I was doing here. What was I doing here? Six weeks ago, I was a novice at St. Catherine's, devoted to my path toward taking final vows. Now I was standing in a mafia boss's bathroom after spending the night in his bed, my body still humming from our fornicaton. The vibrator sat on the counter beside me, a humiliating reminder of what had just happened downstairs. The raised voices grew louder, and I caught fragments that made my stomach clench. "...future bride of Christ..." "...leading the poor girl to Hell..." "...the FBI hunts for her..." I abandoned the toothbrush and sank to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees. Mother Beatrice would
Chapter 52 ⟿❂⟾ Nikolai ⟿❂⟾ "Charity project?" Kegan repeated, his eyebrows climbing toward his hairline as he took Sylvia's hand. Instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips, maintaining eye contact with her the entire time. "How... philanthropic of my cousin." I took three long strides across the room, inserting myself between them. "Sylvia, why don't you go back upstairs? I'll bring you a toothbrush in a minute." She nodded quickly, her face still burning with embarrassment. As she turned to go, the vibrator slipped from behind her back and clattered to the floor with a sound that seemed to echo through the entire penthouse. For a moment, she froze. Then Kegan let out a delighted laugh that bordered on maniacal. "This is why I love this family," he gasped. "There’s always something to laugh about." Sylvia looked as though she might actually combust from shame. I bent down, scooped up the vibrator, and handed it to her with as much dignity as I could muster. "Upstairs,"
Chapter 51 ⟿❂⟾ Nikolai ⟿❂⟾ “He was my friend, Nikolai." Stacy insisted. Vincenzo scoffed. "Well, I didn’t realize you were making friends with my soldiers." I reminded her. "He was more than just your soldier," she insisted. "He was one of the very few people in your entire organization who understood the concept of normal conversation. Do you recall how you both punished them for something I talked them into doing? He let me make smoothies when Vincenzo locked me up in your house and left me for days.” "I thought we were over that chapter already.” Vincenzo mumbled, momentarily distracted. She waved him off. "Not the point right now." He made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a sigh before returning his attention to the window. "I told her it wasn't worth the trip." "And yet here you are," I noted dryly. He shrugged, the movement barely disturbing the perfect lines of his tailored black suit. "She insisted. Said she'd come alone if I was too busy." His eyes met mine