“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,DmitrDmitry smiled as Alix ran across the garden, going behind the main feature in the front of the yard, and around toward a small herb and vegetable garden in the back.His men were not here. Sofia was fast asleep for her afternoon nap. He should be working, finding Angeloff and George, but instead, after putting Sofia to bed, he wanted to spend time with Alix. She smiled at him, rounding one of the misplaced trees. As she went one way, he came in from the other, trapping her between his body and the tree.“You caught me,” she said.“What makes you think I wouldn’t?”“I don’t know if you’re much of a chaser?”“Not only will I chase you, Alix, I will always catch you.” He gripped her chin, tilted her head back, and kissed her.Alix moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his. The delivery of her new clothes had finally arrived that morning, and she wore one of the dresses now. The red seemed to dance with
Dmitry stared down at Alix later that night. Sofia had already been put to bed, which had been a task and a half. She was still so excited about going to the theme park. He’d known something was wrong with Alix, but he didn’t exactly know what.Going to the theme park had been a risk, but he’d wanted to take Sofia out at least once that summer. He recalled his own father taking him to the theme park once. That had ended in disaster as they had a rat intent on taking out his father. It was one of the last times he recalled going out as a family. His father spent more time training him for the life he was going to be part of. He didn’t blame his dad for it. Their world was not kind, but cruel.“I wasn’t going to leave,” Alix said. “All I wanted was the pregnancy test.”“I believe you,” he said.He didn’t even hesitate as he said that. At first, he had been suspicious but again, Alix hadn’t given him any reason to doubt her.“You believe me?
The ring he’d given her was enormous. Alix was a little embarrassed by the sheer size. Not only had he given her a large wedding ring, there was also a notification in the newspaper. Dmitry had organized it all, including the photographer, who wanted to take pictures of the happy couple. Again, she didn’t know how this could work, seeing as he was Bratva, but it would appear Dmitry was a wealthy bachelor, and his Bratva side was only a rumor. His whole name was shrouded in mystery.Along with the wedding, the news of her pregnancy had also been leaked. She knew this by the guards talking and also by the small headline that announced Balakin’s new bride was already expecting. As for Sofia, she was so happy about the news of them getting married, and also a new baby.Alix didn’t stop taking care of Sofia. The truth was, she loved Sofia like she was her own child.Dmitry wanted a quick wedding and within a matter of weeks, the dress had already been chos
There wasn’t a lot Dmitry had felt guilty for. Everything he had done, he’d done so for the good of the Bratva or his family. Nothing else mattered. He’d been taught his role in life: protect the family name, protect the Bratva, and destroy all those who seek to hurt you. That was what his father had drilled into him constantly.Which was why he was a little taken aback by the feelings he’d been having over the past few weeks. The wedding was next week. Everything had been organized and his home was being turned into a venue for his second wedding.Everything was falling into place exactly as he hoped it would, but there was a minute detail that bugged him. Alix didn’t know he was using their wedding to draw out one of his enemies.Alix, with her smiling face and eyes full of promise. His woman, his future wife, who constantly opened her arms to him. Who, when she saw him, and provided there were no guards, would kiss him, hold him, and treat him like a ma
Two Nights LaterAlix hadn’t gone back to Dmitry’s room. She had gone to her old room.Sofia had started to call her Mommy and even though Alix was so freaking happy with that, she also couldn’t help but be deeply saddened. She and Dmitry were not a love match. She knew he didn’t love her, even though she had fallen for him. He’d never talked about feelings, other than the ones of betrayal, what he expected to feel like. Never of love or true loyalty. Their wedding was designed to catch the menwho wanted to kill him. Even knowing this, Alix didn’t hate him. That’s what made it so much worse.She couldn’t pinpoint the moment she fell in love with him, but it had happened. Alix knew what she felt because she had never felt this way before. The pain of his confession shouldn’t hurt either, but it hurt a lot.He didn’t love her. He was using her and their marriage for his own gain.Alix sat on the edge of her bed and stared dow
Adalina:I never wanted an arranged marriage, especially not to a man I loathe. But then I met someone—a man I thought I could love, only to discover he’s a monster with a soul darker than the one I'm being forced to marry.Nicholai:Cross me, and you won't get away with it. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and I'm serving it up sub-zero. No one is off-limits. Not even her—the innocent woman I took to break them all.Adalina:The devilishly handsome stranger I gave myself to turns out to be a nightmarish captor. But survival means playing his twisted game. He’s my captor, yet in this volatile dance between life and death, the lines are blurring.Nicholai:I thought she'd be easy leverage—a simple pawn in my relentless quest for vengeance. But Adalina’s resilience unsettles me, and for the first time, I grapple with the deadly stakes of my choices. She has something that even my cold heart can't ignore—something worth breaking for.
Chapter 2Fucking Chicago, the iconic “Windy City” and the historical playground of Al Capone, my personal favorite gangster. Here I am, stepping out of my sleek private jet that just touched down at a secluded terminal in O’Hare airport. The sharp breeze instantly caresses my face, a stark reminder that I’ve entered unfamiliar territory. My purpose here is clear: to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me.My name is Nikolai Fedorov, a seasoned assassin who has faithfully served the Bratva for countless years. Renowned for my exceptional skills and unyielding brutality, I have earned a fearsome reputation among our ranks. Having held the esteemed title of Vor within the London Bratva, I now find myself in Chicago, prepared to assume the mantle of Vor for the esteemed Chicago Bratva. As Vor, I bear the weighty responsibility of maintaining order and ensuring strict adherence to the Bratva’s unwavering code of conduct.The Russian Bratva has gained infam
Chapter 3 Nikolai “What does the compound look like?” I inquire.“It’s a grand mansion. The house itself spans about seven thousand square feet. There’s a basement for storage and a spacious garage for vehicles. On the main floor, you’ll find a formal living room, dining room, library, gym with fitness equipment, kitchen, and family room. The second floor boasts six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. And in the basement, there’s an indoor pool,” Tatyana explains.I am thoroughly impressed.We arrive at the secret Bratva compound, and true to Tatyana’s description, the place is immense. Tall concrete walls, topped with razor wire, enclose the compound, guarded by heavily armed Bratva soldiers stationed at various points. At the entrance, there is a large steel gate controlled by a keypad requiring a specific code for access. I’m pleased to see the level of security in place, including guards positioned a
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