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 lightChapter 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
Nikolai I stride into my office, my mind racing with dirty thoughts of my prisoner. I would very much enjoy tying her up and dominating her. My thoughts are interrupted by Misha and Tatyana, who are waiting for me.“Misha, have you sent the email with the picture, video, and my cellphone number?” I inquire.“Yes, they should be calling in a few minutes,” Misha confirms.“How is the mousey little princess?” Tatyana asks. Ignoring Tatyana’s question, I choose not to respond.Her constant presence is starting to grate on my nerves.I pull out my phone, waiting for Bobby Vincenzio’s call. As I wait, I decide to give Tatyana a task to keep her busy.“Tatyana, take Osip up to Adalina’s room and see what she needs – food, clothing, toiletries. Buy her whatever she needs, whatever size she is.” I say, sliding my credit card across the desk.Tatyana raises an eyebrow. “How much should
Adalina I walk around the luxurious bedroom that is my prison. I take in the grandeur of the room, with its high ceilings and ornate moldings. The walls are painted a soft shade of cream and adorned with intricate gold frames. The large four-poster bed takes center stage, draped in luxurious silk sheets and fluffy pillows. The room is filled with furniture made of dark wood, with intricate carvings and plush velvet cushions. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm glow around the room.The room is equipped with all the modern amenities, including a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall and a mini-fridge filled with snacks and drinks.The bathroom is luxurious too, with marble flooring, walls, and countertops, a large, heated Jacuzzi tub, and a spacious walk-in shower, complete with multiple showerheads and a built-in bench. Plush towels, bathrobes, and slippers are provided, along with high-end toiletries
AdalinaChapter 18 The following evening…I sleep for most of the day, cocooned in the soft sheets of the four-poster bed. For a moment, I feel like royalty, living in my own private palace. But then reality hits me hard, reminding me that I am a captive in this opulent prison. Every now and then, I hear faint rustling sounds and footsteps outside my bedroom door, signaling that someone is coming and going, but I pretend to be sleeping. As I sit up against the plush headboard, I notice the curtains have been partially drawn, allowing a soft stream of sunlight to illuminate the room. There is a tray of snacks on the coffee table in the sitting area, probably left by Osip. The thought of eating anything makes me feel nauseous.I look down at my beige sports bra and leggings, realizing I have been wearing them for what feels like days. I can’t remember the last time I took a shower or changed my clothes. Maybe two or t
Nikolai As I enter my office, I can’t shake off thoughts of Adalina. I keep thinking about the night I popped her cherry. During last night’s dinner, the blood rushed to my cock by just looking at her. Fuck. It was uncomfortable, and I tried my best not to look at her. Her black dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and she looked more like a woman than an 18- year-old. I have to give it to Tatyana for having such impeccable taste in clothing.I think about how it would feel to have those pillowy lips swallowing my cock. Fuck! I need to find a hooker. I need to get Adalina out of my system. I need to find an escort service – I just haven’t had time. I think I will put Misha on that.Misha walks into my office and takes a seat in one of the leather chairs in front of my desk.“Misha, I am facetiming with Alexei. I want you to hear this.”Alexei answers. I see his face and behind him are a myriad o
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