Alix sat on the edge of the bed, reading the same sentence over and over again. Dmitry owned a large library, and seeing as she had complete freedom inside the house, she had gone to his collection to choose from several books. She had read three books so far, this was her fourth, but she wasfinding it hard to get into. It didn’t help that her thoughts kept going to Dmitry.After he had come out to the gardens that afternoon, and the awkward way he’d been with Sofia, he had disappeared again. Alix had known he couldn’t just lie on the ground with his little girl and play. Men watched him. She noticed that.Dmitry’s position of power put him in a constantly awkward position which stopped him from having some fun with his daughter. After the way he left her the night before, she could have allowed him to be cruel to his daughter. Alix couldn’t do it. She didn’t want to put him in that position so she had taken hold of Sofia and allowed her to fly the b
There was no way Dmitry could give her that kind of power. For all he knew she was working with her husband to bring him down. She might be a distraction and he didn’t have time for distractions.Alix was ripe in his arms. Her ass moving across his dick and the feel of her hard nipple against his palm made her impossible to reject. He’d been wanting her for so long. In all his life, he’d never considered kindness a strength. Far from it. He knew life to be cruel, and he made sure to act accordingly. She was the first person in his life to make him question everything. She had shown kindness when she didn’t have to.Moving his hands up toward the straps of her negligee, he pushed them down her arms and watched as the top slowly dropped toward her breasts. Another tug, and it slipped past her tits to fall at her waist, just where the curve of her hips began. His mouth watered. He loved her tits. Cupping them in his palms, he felt the weight of them. Stroking his thum
Benjamin couldn’t find George. Angeloff was also missing. And Dmitry was pissed off.The only person who could know anything stood right in front of him and just staring at her was irritating him. He should have known she was like everyone else. His men had already searched her room, but they hadn’t found any cell phone or laptop. He’d gotten another of his men to check the security cameras and even the computers to see if she’d been able to find some form of contact with the outside world. When it came to Alix, there had been nothing.Alix frowned. “George? How would I know? You were the last person to see him.”“Cut the bullshit, Alix. He’s missing and he’s taken something of mine.”She held her hands out at her sides. “What, exactly? The only connection I had to George was signing the damn divorce papers. I don’t have a cell phone.”“Not in your stuff, but I’ve met women like you before.” He stepped away from the desk and advanced towa
When Dmitry had collected her, he’d told her to pack a few items, so she had. Nothing of any real value, as she didn’t own anything like that. She’d taken a few pictures of her parents which brought her peace, a few items of jewelry that her mother used to wear, several changes of clothes, but that had been all. He’d not given her long to decide.She hadn’t put up a fight or questioned what was going on. Dmitry had explained some of it in the car. That George had given her to him as payment. Alix now belonged to Dmitry or George would be dead. Alix didn’t care about George. She was pissed at him for doing this, but even though she didn’t love nor care for him, she didn’t want his death on her conscience.So, she accepted what was about to happen. There was also the tiny little smidge of curiosity about the man she’d met at the party, who she thought about … a lot. Certainly a lot more than she should. She couldn’t not think about him.So, this was whe
Dmitry had no intention of telling Alix the truth about his one and only wife. Her betrayal still came as a shock. He didn’t love his wife but his father had told him to make up for what he lacked in emotion with gifts. In a life that many would crave. He gave her everything — money to shop, jewels, flowers, dresses, the works. All she had to do was give him children. She had still turned against him.Killing her hadn’t done anything for him. He’d not felt peace or sadness. It had been a job. If he’d allowed her to live, it would have made him weak.“So you don’t trust anyone?”“I’m the boss, Alix. I make all the decisions and there are a lot of men and women who would gladly have my place. They would love to see my head served up on a platter.” He shrugged. “Those are the cold, hard facts of my life.”She had tears in her eyes and she had stopped eating. “Please, eat.”“How can I eat? That sounds awful and lonely. You thought I had betra
Alix didn’t want to forgive Dmitry easily. He had hurt her. But, his confessions about the people were around him, including his wife, had been hard to ignore. She felt for him.He didn’t trust everyone at the house — not a single guard, chef, or cleaner. He didn’t believe they would protect his family. She also knew he didn’t trust her, even though she had just sworn to him that she would be loyal. There was no way her loyalty would be easily bought. She didn’t care about money or wealth.Staring at Sofia as the little girl wriggled on the grass, Alix smiled. Dmitry thought he had a free pass because of this girl. The truth was, she couldn’t hold a grudge, not for long. Not after knowing Dmitry had spent his life constantly looking over his shoulder, never trusting anyone. She couldn’t even begin to imagine the life he’d been living.Nibbling her lip, she couldn’t help but look toward the house, wondering if Dmitry was in his office. He hadn’t been there
The mysterious man at the side of the building, smoking a cigarette and standing out because he wasn’t wearing a suit, was Benjamin Nikitin. He had some more information which included George’s involvement with Angeloff, that extended past just a few choice meetings.Dmitry knew there was no point in asking Alix what her husband had been up to during their marriage. Benjamin had confirmed her story about her constantly attempting to divorce him.There were several divorce papers sent to George, but none of them, until he got him to sign, had been successful. All of them had ended up lost or discarded. There was also truth in their living arrangements. They stayed together for a short time, but the moment George’s and her own parents passed, Alix moved out, back to her old apartment, which she had kept up with the rent, even though it nearly crippled her. Alix had tried to cut and sever all ties with her husband, to make him her ex. She had no information on him.
“I’m going to trust you with her.”Alix couldn’t stop thinking about those words, over and over again. They kept going around in her mind, over the next week. Dmitry stayed true to his word and forced her to remember every single detail of the house. There was also a test, which took place late at night.Gone were the kisses or the sweet touches. No, Dmitry slapped her ass in the middle of the night to test her. She had no choice but to carry a large teddy bear that he had purchased to the secure room. Even with the lights out, which he liked to do. From there, she had to lock the three of them in — herself, Dmitry, and the oversized teddy. She also had to remember the combination to the safe, and then, from there she had to try to get out of the house, possibly undetected. There had been a few times men had been waiting.This had resulted in Dmitry training her. Not in hand- to-hand combat, but in shooting. In the basement of his home,Dmitr
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