Lev
I thought I’d be satisfied from last night, but seeing Eliza spin around in flattering designer clothing for an hour has lit a fire in me that can only be put out by her pouty redlips and the swirl of her tongue.She seems to know it, too, taking every opportunity to flash her panties when she’s bending over to look at something, or let a nipple slip when she’s showing me a dress she likes.She’s trying to act coy, but I know it’s in her blood to show off. She’s an artist, a performer, and she loves attention more than she probably realizes.But she doesn’t have to seek it out from me. I can’t keep my hands off her, and I make that obvious when we slip back into my car and head to dinner.“Very soft,” I say, slipping my hand under her sparkly black dress and squeezing her thigh.She sucks in a breath, trying to look like she’s shocked by my behavior. “Right before dinner, Lev?”“You’reEliza I can still taste Lev on the back of my tongue as I take a sip of my water. The ice jingles in the glass, but it’s not loud enough to drown out the hammering of my heart. It hasn’tslowed down since I felt him release in my mouth and I realized I liked it.I’ve done stuff like that before with Noah, but he wasn’t clean like Lev is. He didn’t taste good. It was bitter and unappealing, but Lev was totally different. It turned me on when I tasted him, and the groans that rumbled out of his chest gave me goosebumps.If he asked me to do it again, I’d crawl right up to his seat and blow him in front of everyone here. It’s so unlike me, but things are changing so fast that I don’t know who I am anymore. This is my opportunity to remake myself, and I’m quickly moving in a dangerous direction.Do I want to be a classy artist living big in New York?Or do I want to be some Russian millionaire’s arm candy? I hat
Lev The rain is coming down so hard today that I can barely see an inch in front of me. Even the short walk from the car to the entrance to my building is hazardous becauseof it, but I manage to make it to the door without tripping over any curbs or running into any pedestrians.I shake the rain off my coat. It’s been soaked so many times this month that it’s starting to smell. I’ll have to take it to the dry cleaners. Wool isn’t supposed to get wet so often like this.I can’t say the same for Eliza. She’s been soaked every time I see her, and the sex only gets better as we understand each other’s bodies more. We’ve been taking things slower in the bedroom while going so fast it’s making both of our heads spin.I don’t even want to know what Valentin would have to say if he discovered I was spending every single evening with Eliza. She has absolutely nothing to do with the Bratva and I love
Eliza I knew there was a catch. Lev couldn’t just be a normal guy. He’s too perfect, too rich, and the sharpness in his eyes tells me he has experience with danger. But what kind ofdanger, he seems reluctant to tell me.I’m going to find out, though. Breaking down my door and rushing me to his home in the middle of a rainstorm has spurred my suspicion of him to a critical point. Either I find out what he’s up to, or it’s over between us.And I don’t want to end things like this, not when everything has been going so well. The money, the sex, the passion… I’m not ready to give all that up and move back to my hometown as a failure.I can already picture Noah’s smirk, like he knew all along that I wouldn’t amount to anything, like I had to end up with him again.Fuck, no. I’m not doing that, but I still need to figure out what the hell is going on with Lev.I sit with my arms crossed, partially becaus
Lev Eliza isn’t going to let me off the hook so easily. She might come from a small town, but she has a big mind and an even bigger suspicion of me. I’m going to have tobreak things down for her in a way that doesn’t terrify her, and that means avoiding the topic of the Bratva and money laundering entirely.That should be simple enough. I just have to give Valentin and everyone else a heads-up that Eliza isn’t tuned in to the real nature of our business, but they’re used to keeping secrets.I let out a long sigh as she works her elbows into my shoulders again. With her entire weight on me, I can feel her working out the knots I should’ve taken care of months ago. I’ve just been too busy between the Family and art galleries to allow myself any time to relax.But with Eliza, things are different. She reminds me that there’s more to this life than money, power, and sex. There’s something else going on, somethi
Eliza That’s cute,” Lev says as I walk out of the bathroom in one of his oversized white t-shirts.“I look like a ghost,” I say, hurrying toward the bed. He grins. “Very spooky.”“Boo!” I exclaim as I jump into the bed.I land on his chest, and he grabs me, rolling me over and pinning me down. “I caught a ghost. Now what?”“If you catch a ghost, you’re supposed to snuggle it. Those are the rules,” I say, hoping he won’t kick me out of his bed for being too goofy. He seems to like it, though, even if he’s a little unsure of how to respond.I figure he needs a break from being so serious all the time. The stress I rubbed out of his shoulders this evening was very telling.“If I snuggle you, I might squish you,” Lev says, even as he pulls me close.I melt into the warmth and power of his chest. I can hear his heart beating faster than it usually does, reminding me that he’s just as ne
Lev I toss my keys on the kitchen island as I come home. I smell paint, and it’s been growing more intense no matter how many windows I open. Eliza has started painting all thetime, and I’m starting to get concerned.After an entire week indoors, she’s painted anything and everything in the penthouse, including the toilet. I’ve been in and out often, but my concerns about Vanya keeps me from taking her with me on my trips.I hate to see her get like this, but her safety is more important than anything else.Luckily, I have some very good news that should cheer her up considerable.“Hey, sunshine, what are you painting today?” I’ve taken to calling her sunshine because her hair looks so bright and golden when she’s standing by the window painting. She lights up the whole room.Eliza peeks out from behind her canvas, a slight frown on her face and a paintbrush in her hand. “I’m trying to get the deta
ElizaT he drive to Asher’s gallery feels too quick. Every moment I get to spend outside of Lev’s penthouse is much more exciting than it should be. I really can’t standto be inside all the time. My mind needs stimulation, and I’m simply not getting enough of it there.Even in my small town back home, there were always new places to check out, new people to talk to. Even if you end up knowing half the population, that’s still half that you can still get to know.The only thing I’m getting to know in Lev’s place is how many fibers are in his carpet.That’s why I’m slow to get out of the car once we arrive at Asher’s gallery, even with Lev ushering me along. It’s also why I drag my feet and take slow breaths once I’m outside, basking in the last rays of afternoon sun before it disappears behind the tall buildings surrounding us.I need fresh air. I get it in Lev’s apartment, but it’s tainted by the sc
Lev Nothing else in this world matters but Eliza. Any misplaced anger and frustration I felt toward her has dissolved into desperation. I need to save her. If I loseher, I’ll never be able to forgive myself.I wouldn’t deserve to be forgiven. The best thing that could possibly happen to me would be for my own life to be taken as well, so at least I can apologize to her if there’s a life after this.But I’m not going to let that happen.I jump out of the car, using my body to shield Eliza from the flying bullets as I charge toward her. They’re coming from the building across the street, judging by the volume and echo, so my best bet is to get her away from the bank and back toward the car. It’s bulletproofed, making it a far better option for cover.Eliza’s hazel eyes are wide with terror as I rip her away from the shattered brick, barking orders that even I can’t hear over the deafening noise of gunshot
Epilogue 1 As we step off the private jet, my heart flutters with excitement. Las Vegas—the city of lights, the city of dreams— it is the perfect destination for our wedding, a place where magic and passion intertwine.Nikolai had arranged a limousine to take us to our hotel. As we drive down the Las Vegas strip, I am amazed at all the lights and scenery. Nikolai takes my hand and tells me, “You’re going to be my wife.”I blush; it still feels like a dream. “I never thought this would happen, especially after everything we’ve been through.”Nikolai smiles and squeezes my hand. “You’ve changed my perspective on relationships. I never imagined feeling this way about someone. You’ve become the most important person in my life.”Tears fill my eyes as I tell him, “I never thought I would find someone who accepts me for who I am, flaws and all. With you, I feel safe and cherished.”Nikolai leans in and whispe
Nikolai Once we arrive at the compound, I guide Adalina upstairs to our bedroom. My gaze lingers on her, and I feel a shift in my heart. It feels lighter, no longer burdened. Leaning in, I press my lips against hers, my arms encircling her waist. She responds eagerly and wraps her arms around my neck.In that moment, everything else fades away as I surrender to the overwhelming passion, I feel for Adalina. This intense connection is unlike anything I have ever experienced before, and I can no longer deny or ignore these feelings.As we part from the kiss, I express with conviction, “You’re mine. You belong to me. And I belong to you.”The next morning, I find out which hospital Gwen Vincenzio was taken to. As I enter the ICU waiting area, I spot Paul sitting with a few unfamiliar faces. Bobby is absent, most likely at his wife’s side.“Paul, how is Gwen?” I inquire.Paul rises from his seat an
AdalinaI haven’t spoken to anyone, not even my father, in two days. The only people I have seen are my father’s bodyguards bringing me meals on a tray. My face, arms and legs are covered in dark bruises. The wedding gown will hide most of them. Except for the ones on my face. I refuse to cover them up, I will wear them proudly and show the world what my father does to me behind closed doors.I get ready for my wedding day alone. No makeup artist, no hairstylists, nothing. No reception, no family—just a quick church ceremony. No photographer, no flowers, no bridesmaids. I slip into the wedding gown and style my hair. I do not wear the wedding veil; I want my face to be seen. I am ready to embrace what lies ahead in my future.The two days in solitary confinement have given me time to think. Time to plan. I will marry Mario and sleep with him on our wedding night. I have to in order to keep Delphina safe. When Mario is not around, I will access the email, information, new identities, a
AdalinaI awaken abruptly in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. It was a nightmare, a terrifying vision of Maxim and the horrible things he had done to me. Then, in the twisted realm of my dream, Maxim transforms into Mario, intensifying my fear of what he could do to me. I get out of bed and splash cool water on my face, attempting to calm myself.Gazing into the mirror, I see how tired I look. My face is pale, and I have dark circles under my eyes. The urge to escape from this place, from Mario and everything he represents, overtakes me. Yet, the thought of Delphina taking my place stops me. After the wedding, I must find a way to flee from Mario’s clutches, taking Delphina with me. Despite Nikolai’s lack of love and the heartbreak he caused, he provided me with the means to escape Mario, my father, and the mafia. Nikolai shattered my heart, but I will forever be grateful to him. Even though I will never see him again.Returning to bed, I fall back asleep…I dream I am walk
NikolaiThe first thing I do when I get back to the compound is find Tatyana. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had waited to confront her until Adalina was gone.Tatyana is sitting in the kitchen at the island bar sipping a cup of coffee. She is dressed down today in jeans and a shirt. She looks disheveled like she hasn’t gotten any sleep. Now that Adalina is no longer here, I can let my dark side out. I grab Tatyana’s throat with one hand and apply pressure. She needs to know that I am no longer playing games with her.“I just have one fucking question.” I get right in her face as I squeeze her throat.“Nikolai, what are you doing? Let go of me!”“Have you been working with Maxim? Did you help him kidnap Tatyana?” I am furious.“No. Nikolai, of course not!”“I am going to torture Maxim for answers, if he so much as hints that you two are working together, you are fucking dead!”“Nikolai, I swear on my loyalty to you and the Bratva that I would never betray you.”
Adalina My heart is pounding in my chest as I hide underneath my covers. I can’t stop thinking about everything Nikolai said to me. I knew what was coming, but I didn’t want to hear it. I couldn’t bear to see the look of finality in his eyes.His voice echoes in my ears, repeating, “Adalina… We can no longer be together. I don’t have feelings for you. I have to let you go.”With those words, my heart shatters into a millionpieces.“Why?” I whisper to myself, seeking answers that maynever come.Tears stream down my cheeks as I plead, “Please, Nikolai, don’t do this. I can’t live without you.”I sob uncontrollably, overwhelmed by the realization that Nikolai is leaving my life forever.Nikolai Adalina spends the night and the following day in her room. She doesn’t speak to anyone. Osip brings her meals. But she barely eats anything. I leave her alone.
Adalina It’s almost 5:00 p.m. when I wake up in Nikolai’s arms. We made love three times, and he was surprisingly gentle and loving. As he continues to sleep, I quietly make my way into the bathroom for a quick shower. I borrow his bathrobe, which hangs loosely on me. I quickly comb my hair, though it’s still a bit messy and almost dry. My eyes are still red from crying, and I dread the nightmares that may haunt me about Maxim.Exiting the bathroom, I find Nikolai pulling on a pair of grey sweatpants. His body is flawless, with well-defined muscles and sexy tattoos. I love the trail of black hair that runs from his stomach to his groin. I take him all in as he pulls on his sweatpants.Nikolai notices my admiring gaze and smirks. I walk over to him, and he puts his arms around me.“Feeling better, Zayka,” he says, planting a tender kiss on the top of my head.“Yes, thanks for not putting that ankle brac
Adalina I watch in horror as bullets whiz past my head, instinctively covering my ears to shield myself from the deafening sound of gunfire.I watch in awe as Nikolai takes down each man with incredible precision, his movements fluid and graceful. Of course. He is an assassin. I don’t know how long the gunfight lasts, but it feels like hours. Eventually, the shooting stops, and I peek out from behind Nikolai to see what’s happened. Maxim is still lying on the ground, unconscious, and Nikolai’s men are all standing around, looking relieved.Nikolai The gunfire stops, and I turn to Adalina, she is shaking and crying, but she is unharmed. I feel a wave of relief wash over me. She is safe.“Is it over?” Adalina asks, her voice barely above a whisper.“It’s okay, I’ve got you,” I whisper as I stroke her hair. “You’re safe now.”Adalina clings to me, burying her face in my chest. “Thank you for saving me.
Adalina As I wake up, my head throbs, and my eyes feel heavy. I lie on a bed in a dingy motel room, and the air is thick with the smell of stale smoke and cheap cologne. Maxim sits next to me, his gaze fixated on my face with a sinister look in his eyes. I immediately shut my eyes, pretending to be unconscious, afraid of what he might do next.“I know you’re awake Adalina. Open those prettyeyes.”I open my eyes but don’t look at Maxim. The room isdimly lit by a single lamp, casting shadows on the walls and on the old and mismatched furniture. The lumpy bed I am laying on has faded floral sheets that have not been changed in a long time. The walls are yellowed and peeling, and the carpet is threadbare and stained.Maxim strokes my head with his hand. “Don’t touch me!” I exclaim as I pull away.“Now, now, Adalina. Don’t be like that. I know you’re no longer a virgin. I know you and Ni