Eliza
The alarms that should be going off in my head at Lev’s admission to being in the Mafia are silent. Instead, a feeling of calm washes over me because everythingmakes sense.I should be terrified, but I’m not. I just have more questions.“Why didn’t you tell me about this before?” I ask, finally sliding onto the couch as Lev had requested. I figure it’s better to create some kind of understanding instead of continuing to argue, especially since he’s opening up.He stands beside me, leaning on the couch but refusing to join me. Maybe he’s still scared that I’m going to punch him.And maybe I will, depending on what he says.Lev laces his fingers together, looking down at his feet as he thinks. Even though I’m mad at him, I still find him unbelievably attractive, especially when he carried me on his shoulder like I weighed nothing. His power is intoxicating, and it’s all I can do not toLev I step out of the car, the cold air raising the hairs on the back of my neck. I have a feeling that getting money from Asher isn’t going to be as easy as the first time. He’ll wantto wait on writing another check until the one Eliza lost expires, but that would be a whole ninety days.I’m not allowing that to happen. If this Bratva is going to function properly, there needs to be a basic level of trust, especially when it comes to money.Most of the lights are off when I step into Asher’s gallery, but I spot him on the far side of the common area, adjusting a lopsided painting while standing on an old wooden stepladder.There’s this little part of me, the impishly impulsive one, that wants to shout at him and cause him to fall from the ladder. I don’t like him, and the idea of him breaking his knees on the marble floor is oddly appealing to me.Perhaps I’m the one with the Dark Triad of traits, and I’m
Eliza It’s hard to believe it when I look at my banking app and I see over half a million dollars sitting in my account. Where I’m from, people retire on less than that, and Levseems to believe that’s only the beginning of what I’m going to make as an artist.The only issue I have is where the money is coming from. I know that I’m not the one responsible for the money laundering, and it’s other people who are trading my art and washing their dirty money, but I can’t help but feel complicit.The only thing that’s keeping the idea of being in collusion with criminals from weighing down my conscience is my ever-growing concern about missing my period. That’s dramatically more important to me right now.Even Lev knows something is wrong, but he keeps guessing it has something to do with Vanya and the shooting.He couldn’t be more wrong, but I’m not sure if this is something I should tell him about just yet. What if I’m no
Lev The look in Eliza’s shimmering hazel eyes tells me everything, but I still get a rush when her lips part and she tells me that she’s pregnant.I drop to my knees in front of her, my body trembling in a way that’s never happened. The fiercest enemy wouldn’t be able to humble me in this way, but a little speck of life growing in Eliza’s belly can put me on my knees.I can’t find the words to tell Eliza how much this means to me, but I suspect she already knows. My mouth is dry, and my throat is closed up. I can barely breathe. I have to force myself to speak to make sure I won’t pass out from lack of oxygen.“That’s incredible,” I gasp as my lungs find air again.She nods, pulling her lips into her mouth as fresh tears come to her eyes.I place my hands on her stomach, feeling the warmth there and imagining the child we created inside. The fiercest protection is required for such a delicate creatu
Eliza Lev’s weight on me is comforting, but I can’t help but feel nervous that he’s actually going to put it in the other hole. I’ve never been so open to something I thought I’dnever do, but that doesn’t change that I’m intimidated by it.Noah asked about it all the time, but I knew he wouldn’t respect my body and take it slow. He was selfish, and Lev is the total opposite. He knows when to be commandeering, but he also knows when and how to listen to my body.He could make anything feel good, and that’s why I’m trusting him to take my anal virginity.I yelp as I feel the cold drizzle of lube over my ass. It warms quickly as Lev rubs in it. His fingers move across my skin slowly, teasing closer and closer inward until he’s sliding them between my cheeks.I’ve never had anyone touch me like this before, but it’s exciting to know that his fingers are already on my asshole. It feels surprisingly good, rel
Lev The drama has mostly faded into the background, but it’s not a good feeling. I can’t really rest when I have a pregnant woman pacing around my house, raiding thecabinets at all hours while I try to figure out where the hell Vanya has disappeared to.Nobody can find him. Not Valentin, not any of my guards, and not anyone else of my illusive Family members who would rather hide around the city peddling artwork at various galleries then get off their asses and look for him.I’ve sunk probably half a million dollars into finding this guy, and we’ve come up with nothing. I just don’t get where he could be hiding.If he’s been arrested, I would’ve found out by now. There’s a slim chance he killed himself or was murdered in an unrelated incident, but I doubt it. Vanya knows how to keep himself alive. That’s why he’s still running around causing trouble while Felix got himself killed almost instantly when he cr
Eliza I feel like I’m always on my phone. There’s really nothing else to do here, and I’m all out of white paint so I’m not making any progress on my latest painting. Lev issupposed to be getting me some tomorrow, but until then, I’m flicking my thumb through videos at an increasing rate.I’m just bored, but it’s becoming unbearable. I read something about that once. The human brain can’t go long without stimulation, or it legitimately becomes torture, and you can go insane.I have to check myself sometimes to make sure that’s not happening.Yes, I’m really sitting on the couch. And yes, I really did get knocked up by a Russian mafia boss. I still haven’t told my parents about it, but it’s one of those things where I’m not sure if I ever should.Like, I could hide it from them and disappear forever, but then they’d just be losing another child.Sometimes, it feels like I’m already lost, but I can s
LevDead silence is rarely a good thing, but that’s what I get from my guard when he calls me on the phone and I ask what’s wrong. It’s this overwhelmingly guilty pausethat I’m receiving, something that scares even a man as hardened as I am.Because there’s only one thing this could be about. Only one person. Nothing else would leave my guard lost for words when I ask what’s going on.“Speak, goddammit!” I hold the phone like it’s a snake trying to bite me, yelling at the screen like that will cure the awful feeling that’s growing in the pit of my stomach. It burns like a whole bottle of vodka for breakfast.“Eliza made a run for it. We don’t know why, and we don’t know where,” he finally says. “Boss, I’m sorry, but she got away from us. We ran after her, but she was so fast. It almost seemed impossible the way she was moving.”“She ran away?” I ask, hardly believing what he’s telling me. There must be a
Eliza "Push… That’s right, take a deep breath and… push!”I dig my nails into the back of Lev’s hand but he’sgripping mine just as hard. They said the second baby would be easier but I’m not even sure I’ll be able to get the first one out. Jesus, how can something so innocent cause a woman so much pain?I blame Lev. Motherfucker. He’s the one who put these babies in me. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t need the goddamn morphine.But even in the heat of the moment, I can’t be too mad at him. He’s been by my side this entire time, throughout the doctor’s visits, the cramps, the sleepless nights, and the emotions swinging out of control. Lev is my rock, and he’s the only person I wanted in the delivery room with me during the birth of our children.Not my parents, bless their hearts. I don’t want them to see me like this. It’s their first time meeting Lev as well, which has been… interesting. They di
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