Ruslan
I can’t believe how naive I was to assume Vera was innocent.Seeing her here less than twenty-four hours after my brother’s death only proves that she’s been following my every move for quite some time. Whether or not Johan set her up to this, I still don’t know, but I’m about to do whatever it takes to find out.“Please leave, you’re making another huge mistake,” she pleads, pressing herself into the passenger door as if she could phase through it. “You still have time before he gets back.”I’m insulted that she would expect me to back down against her college-aged, snot-nosed boyfriend. In fact, the only thing I want right now is to prove to him that I fucked her better than he ever has.“The fact that you’re so fucking scared of me just proves me right. You know exactly what you did, and I’m going to make sure that you go down for it along with everyone else. I’m going to burn your life to the fucking ground.”Vera The adrenaline coursing through my body is just as unforgiving as it was last night at the fair. My stomach is filled with sickening anxiety, and I pray silently thatRuslan will blow the engine, forcing us to stop.Except this time, I’m not escaping from anything. I’m being kidnapped intentionally, and I have no idea why. Not only am I experiencing extreme duress, but I’m also forced to reason with my kidnapper to save my life. It feels unfair, but I can’t bear another moment of this insanity.I’d rather be dead than spend one more minute in this damn car – be it with Eric, Ruslan, or anyone else.Given how increasingly erratic Ruslan’s driving has become, I can only hope that my time will come soon as the night sky darkens our path.“Ruslan, I really need you to talk to me. Don’t shout, just tell me what’s going on,” I say, fighting to keep my voice stable as I tremble.“You know wha
Ruslan By some miracle, Vera was able to get through to me.As I drive back to the gas station, my head swims fromthe intensity of my emotions.I haven’t cried like that since I was a child. I didn’t even cry when my father died. I was only fourteen, but he’d taught me never to show a shred of weakness. I felt like I was devaluing his legacy if I cried.Sobbing like that in front of Vera is a mistake I’ll never make again, but she was able to prevent a catastrophe by talking me down. I’ll never know how to thank her for it.She doesn’t try to talk to me the whole way back. She’s probably said everything she can, and I wouldn’t blame her if she’s just trying to stay on my good side.Even if she doesn’t talk, she keeps her hand firmly pressed to mine as I drive.She hasn’t tried to move it once, and she hasn’t reacted to my touch in a negative way at any point. At the very least, I know that she wants
Vera I had to lie to Ruslan for him to bring me here.I’m absolutely terrified of returning to the fairgrounds, butif it helps resolve this mess, then I’m all in. I have nothing better to do now that I’ve effectively cut ties with Eric. There’s no way I’ll ever be accepted back into that group of so-called friends.And here we are, rolling back into the fairgrounds where I last saw everyone.A subtle tremble rolls over my body as I envision the feeling of walking back into the fair, narrowly escaping from a horrible death the last time I entered.Why did I agree to come with him in the first place?Ruslan has calmed considerably, but I’m still not convinced that he’s in his right mind. I feel accomplished for being able to talk him down from running us both off the road, but now I realize that I’ve volunteered to risk that possibility again.I look at him, trying to muster a smile. “So, wh
Ruslan Vera stops in her tracks again, except this time she isn’t speaking on the phone.I should have known that bringing her here so soon after the attack would be a bad idea.I turn around, glancing at her to see if I can figure out where her head is at. She’s been acting strange since she took that phone call, which makes me hesitate to trust her for a moment. Now is not the time for her to be keeping secrets from me.When I stop to regain control of my paranoia and emotions, I can see that she’s doing the best she can to protect me from something. Even if her efforts could lead to my detriment, I can’t help but appreciate her for standing up against Eric on my behalf.“Everything good?” I ask, walking a few steps back to meet up with her again.“Yeah, I think I found something you’d be interested in,” she replies, holding up a bullet shell that’s been caked with dirt.My eyes shift from the shell, to her,
Vera "Where are we going?” I ask as Ruslan speeds down an unfamiliar road.“We’re going back to my place. That’s where you’ll meet Yan. He’s the guy I was talking about before,” he replies.I feel a conflicting elixir of excitement and apprehension bubbling in my stomach. I want to stay with Ruslan, especially if it’s going to keep me away from Eric. But if I thought Ruslan was a hardcore criminal, I can’t imagine meeting the John Wayne of the Russian mafia.“Is he going to be okay with me being there? Won’t he be worried about… I don’t know, security?” I ask, glancing out the window periodically to check for police. I’ve gotten far more paranoid about the cops tailing us since we left the fairgrounds.I’m really hoping that Ruslan’s house is far away from here.“Maybe if you were someone else, but he trusts my judgment. He’ll know that you’re safe to have around if I bring you. And besides, Yan works fo
Ruslan Even though I had prompted his appearance at my house, Yan’s presence is jarring and unwanted with all of the emotional turbulence still hanging in the air.“You’re always so quick,” I say to him, running my fingers through sweaty strands of hair.Yan’s eyes narrow, and he scoffs under his breath. “You’re the one who needed me here as soon as possible. I was just following orders.”I’m a little embarrassed by how unprepared I am for his arrival, but there’s nothing I can do or say to explain my unusual mood. Yan’s not a stupid man, and I’m positive that he knew what had transpired the second he walked in and saw Vera here.I didn’t even think to give him a warning about her. Maybe I should have.He steps closer, clasping his hands together. “Anyway, you sent me a picture of a bullet casing you found, but the quality of the photo wasn’t good enough for me to see clearly. Do you have it with you still?”“
Vera It’s been a week and a half now, and I’m beginning to feel a persistent sense of dread and apprehension creeping up on me.I thought it would be easy enough to lie low and hide out in Ruslan’s house, and to be fair, we haven’t been attacked by anyone yet. He figured that another attack would’ve happened within the first few days after Misha was killed, so he’s much less tense than he was when this all started.But the problem is that I’m growing restless.I’ve been trying to convince Ruslan that it would be alright for us to leave the house once in a while, even if all we do is go for a walk together. However, he’s hesitant about being spotted in case Johan is choosing to play the long game.The whole thing is starting to feel tiresome. I feel awful for it, especially since it was my choice to leave my studies behind to follow Ruslan on his pursuit for revenge. But Yan was right to be suspicious of my ability to cope.
Vera I have no money, and I can’t borrow anything from Ruslan without him asking what it’s for, but I have other options.In the past, I witnessed many of my childhood friends stealing things from the pharmacy where I grew up. Candy, beer, pregnancy tests, whatever – it’s all the same to an underpaid teenage cashier. They don’t care what you take, so long as you don’t make a scene.Ruslan’s house is huge, so I choose to strategize my escape in a more practical way than launching myself from the bathroom window. That might work if I never planned on coming back, but I need access to the house once I return again.There’s a guest bedroom on the first floor, and the windows unlock easily enough for me to remove the screen and slip through without making much noise. I haven’t been outside of Ruslan’s house since we arrived, and it was dark enough to obscure the surrounding neighborhood.I’ll have to make sure I know my way back.
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