Chapter 9
NikolaiWhile 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, dancinNikolai 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
Chapter 12 I wake up feeling groggy and disoriented, my eyes fluttering open to find myself naked in bed. Memories of last night rush back, a mix of satisfaction and anger coursing through me. I reach for my phone on the nightstand and discover a text from Misha. The meeting with Bobby and Paul Vincenzio is scheduled for noon today at Il Ristorante del Padrone. The thought of facing those Outfit assholes makes my pulse quicken. I can’t let Alfonso’s actions go unpunished, and I must protect my business and my people. Taking a deep breath, I calm myself. The restaurant may not be the ideal location, but I doubt Bobby would want a gunfight in front of an upscale establishment, surrounded by business people and tourists.As we enter the spacious dining area of the luxurious five-star Il Ristorante del Padrone, I’m struck by its opulence. The well-polished wooden flooring complements the comfortable seating arrangements, and the subdued light
Chapter 13 The memory of Nikolai’s body pressed against mine remains vivid in my mind. Thoughts of him consume me, and I long to see him again. But I know I can never give in to my desire for him; it will only end in heartbreak.Tonight, is Mario’s bachelor party, taking place at the infamous “On All Fours” club. While he revels in the festivities with fellow Outfit members and their counterparts from New York—indulging in drugs, alcohol, strippers, and prostitutes—I am confined to my hotel room, alone and seething with resentment for being forced to marry him. I hate him.My parents have ventured off to a casino in Rosemont, accompanied by a group of older couples who opted out of the bachelor party. Most of the bodyguards from the Outfit and New York are attending the event, ensuring tight security due to the presence of numerous high-ranking mobsters in one place.My father has left a solitary bodyguard outside our su
Nikolai Upon arriving at the compound, Misha awaits us and assists in carrying Adalina inside. As we make our way down the stairs to the basement, a musty dampness fills the air. The small jail cell awaits us, dimly lit with a single bulb casting a faint yellow glow. The cold steel bars surround the room, while a small window lets in a sliver of light. Misha and I carefully lay Adalina on the thin mattress in the corner and I proceed to attach the ankle tracking bracelet, ensuring her captivity. It’s satisfying to know that she is now under our control, unable to escape without our knowledge. I step back, observing her, contemplating the mix of emotions she will experience upon awakening. Fear? Anger? This is going to be fun.Suppressing those thoughts, I shift my focus to Misha. “We need to commence with the plan,” I assert, my voice resolute. “We don’t have much time.”As Misha conducts a quick pat-down, he discovers Adalina’s
Adalina I awaken to the throbbing pain in my head and shivers coursing through my body. I find myself lying on a thin mattress on a hard and cold concrete floor. In the dim light, I can make out the steel bars enclosing me. It takes a few moments for my eyes to adjust, but when they do, I realize I am in a small prison cell. I gingerly move my legs and notice the weight of an ankle bracelet. Struggling to push myself up, I finally stand, steadying myself against the bars for support. The cell is a depressing sight, and I can’t shake the feeling of dread that has enveloped me.I try to recall how I ended up here, but my memory is fuzzy. The last thing I remember is being in Nikolai’s SUV, feeling a sharp sting on my neck, and then everything went black. I wonder if Nikolai is okay, or if he is also being held captive somewhere. My heart races as I reach for my cellphone in my pocket, but it’s gone. I can’t help but fear that Mario has
Nikolai Adalina turns to face me, and I can’t help but notice her beauty. It’s a struggle to push aside inappropriate thoughts that surface in my mind. “Enough talking. I need a picture of you. Take off your clothes,” I command.“What?” she retorts, glaring at me while turning around. “I will not.”“Do you want me to hurt you? I say calmly, trying to conceal my lust. “I need a picture of you. The Bratva has a reputation for raping female captives, and I want to use that to my advantage. If I take a picture of you naked, the Outfit and your fiancé will think you’re in danger of being raped. It willforce them to cooperate with me.” I just want them to think about what is in store for you if they do not give me what I want. The picture will keep them motivated.I wait.I can see the fear in her eyes, but she stands her ground. “No. I won’t,” she declares defiantly.I lean closer to her. “If you don’t, I wil
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