Misha raises an eyebrow, curious about the plan. “And how do you propose we achieve that?” he asks.
“I have a plan to offer the Vincenzio brothers an irresistible deal,” I declare, crossing my hands on the desk. “I will propose that they distribute my designer cocaine in Chicago at a significantly reduced price for a few months. In return, we regain our drug territories. It’s a win-win situation - they’ll make millions, and so will we. Once we have reclaimed our territories and secured Velvet Handcuffs as a commercial property, I will raise the price of the cocaine and propose an alliance with them. The Outfit desires peace with the Bratva, and Bobby Vincenzio wants to stop watching his back all the time.”Tatyana enters my office without knocking, accompanied by Maxim Antonovich, Bogun Antonovich’s nephew. The sight of him, with his messy brown hair and casual attire, resembling a college student, doesn’t please me. It almost makes me laugh, but I know better thanChapter 4 Nikolai The morning sunlight streams through the windows, and I wake up in my bed. The soft sheets are twisted around my legs. Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s already past nine in the morning. With a burst of energy, I quickly get out of bed and make my way to the bathroom, eager to start my day. The warm water from the shower cascades over my body, soothing my muscles and clearing my mind. I run my hands across my face, shaking off the remnants of sleep.Exiting the bathroom, I’m greeted by my spacious walk-in closet. I’m relieved to see that Osip has taken care of unpacking my bags and organizing my wardrobe. I run my fingers over the different fabrics, pausing on the black silk Brioni suit.Brioni is a renowned designer brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and use of the finest materials. I choose to wear these high-end luxury garments not out of vanity, but as a way to compensate for the
Chapter 5 Nikolai Misha, Tatyana and I are sitting in my office at the compound discussing strategy.“We don’t need street-level drug dealers. With the abundance of universities, colleges, bars, and nightclubs in Chicago, we’ll focus on selling the weed in those environments. We’ll offer it at a more affordable price, making it an attractive alternative to legal dispensaries for the younger crowd,” I explain, leaning forward in my chair. Tatyana sits quietly beside Misha. Taking a sip of whiskey, I relish in the fiery sensation as it cascades down my throat. Placing the glass back on the table, I continue.“We need to approach this strategically,” I state.“I agree, Boss. We’ll position our men at these establishments to handle the distribution of weed, designer cocaine, and other drugs. Additionally, we can recruit new individuals through platforms like Instagram and by networking at clubs,” Misha elabora
Chapter 6 At 3:00 a.m., darkness shrouds our surroundings as we navigate our way towards Mario Alfonso’s dilapidated massage parlor. The deserted streets echo only with the steady hum of our engine. I glance at Misha, my loyal lieutenant, and the two soldiers seated up front.“Is everybody ready?” I inquire, my anticipation of dismantling Mario Alfonso causing my heart to race.“We’re ready, boss,” Misha responds, his voice composed and resolute.As we approach the massage parlor, a palpable tension fills the air. The rundown strip mall appears as though it has been abandoned for years. Neglect and decay mar the entire structure, evident in the broken windows, missing shingles, and signs of disuse scattered about. Parking the car, we approach the entrance, clad in black attire and donning ski masks to evade unwanted attention. Two of my men carry Molotov cocktails, just in case. We must remain prepared. My grip tightens
Chapter 7 Adalina On the day we leave for Chicago, I find myself standing outside the front entrance of our building, waiting for our limousine. My mother and sister engage in lively conversation while my father remains engrossed in his cellphone. I’m adorned in a tight pink silk shirt, white jeans with intentional rips, and a pair of high heels. These shoes, however, make me uncomfortable. My feet ache, but my father insisted I wear them to make a favorable impression on my new husband.As I gaze at the brick townhouse that has been my haven for the past 18 years, a wave of emotion washes over me. I’ve always cherished the beautiful hardwood floors, which have borne witness to countless footsteps, and the lofty ceilings that imbue the rooms with a sense of openness and airiness. The kitchen has been the heart of our home, and I’ve spent numerous hours cooking meals on the expansive marble island, accompanied by conversatio
Chapter 9 Nikolai While Misha and I enjoy a late dinner at an upscale restaurant in downtown Chicago, I receive a phone call from one of my soldiers stationed at the hotel where the engagement party is taking place. He informs me that two young girls, including Adalina, have managed to sneak out of the hotel and are now at a nearby club. As soon as the soldier finishes speaking, I slam my fork down on the plate, the sound reverberating through the restaurant. My mind races, formulating a plan. I hope that her fiancé has joined her. This could be my opportunity to confront Alfonso alone, to show him and the Outfit that I am not someone to be trifled with. Misha swiftly settles the bill, and we rush to the club in the Range Rover.Upon arriving at the club, a surge of adrenaline courses through me. Misha and I swiftly make our way to the bar and order drinks. I immediately scan the crowd, searching for the two girls. I spot them, dancin
Nikolai Seducing a woman is easy for me. I am good looking enough that I don’t even have to kiss a woman to get her warmed up and ready. I can just look at her with my eyes half closed and her panties dampen and hit the floor.“Are you sure about this?” I ask, although I truly couldn’t care less. I’m merely attempting to maintain an illusion of chivalry.“Yes. I just want one night with a man of my choosing. One night for myself. One night of passion and freedom. Can you give me that, Nikolai?”“Yes, Adalina.”As I lead Adalina across the street towards the hotel, she hesitates for a moment, uncertainty gleaming in her eyes. I can sense her internal struggle between wanting to stay with me and wanting to leave. I wait patiently, observing her as she takes a deep breath and nods.No Alfonso tonight. His punishment will have to wait. Fucking his bride will have to serve as his punishment for now. Perhaps if I engage her
Adalina As I gaze at Nikolai, an undeniable attraction pulls me towards him. He emits an aura of confidence and danger that both entices and intimidates me. Normally, I wouldn’t consider having a one-night stand with a stranger, but Nikolai is different. He possesses unparalleled handsomeness and masculinity that I can’t resist.I know that I should wait until I have strong feelings for someone before having sex, but I don’t have a choice. My family has forced me into an arranged marriage with Mario, a man who I despise. I don’t want him to be my first time, and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life regretting not taking this opportunity with Nikolai.I feel conflicted about my decision, but at the same time, I’m glad that Nikolai is a stranger and that I will never see him again. I don’t want to be judged or labeled as easy. This is my only chance to lose my virginity with a man that I desire, and I want it to be special.Nikolai’s
Chapter 10 Fucking Adalina? The pleasure was intense, almost overwhelming, and I felt Adalina’s body responding to mine in perfect harmony. For hours we explored each other, our bodies moved in perfect sync. The room filled with the sound of our breathing and our moans of pleasure.My anger flared when I noticed the bruise on Adalina’s beautiful face. Fuck! Why is her father handing her over to that bastard Alonzo? She deserves better.Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, I’m plagued by thoughts of what could have been if I were a different man, and not a fucking sociopath. If Adalina were mine instead of Alfonso’s, would I have the capability to handle the responsibility that comes with being with someone like her? Or would I inevitably end up hurting her? Most likely.Adalina lies naked and vulnerable next to me, her eyes closing as she drifts off to sleep. I rise from the bed and retrieve my cellphone from my suit co
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