Liam's POVAs we left Lucas's refuge, a burning flared inside us. We were resolved to follow the trail and fight the Black Serpents head-on to rescue Alice. The trip back to the safehouse was filled with suspense, the sound of our pounding hearts reverberating in the quiet of the vehicle.Once we arrived, Simone and Silver quickly started to work, calling their large network of spies and supporters to acquire any new information on Natalia Ivanova and the Black Serpents. It was a race against time, every minute seeming like an eternity as we awaited any crumb of crucial information.Hours extended into days as we methodically put together the jigsaw. Finally, we had a breakthrough—a place where Natalia Ivanova was supposed to be meeting with high-ranking members of the Black Serpents. It was a decrepit warehouse on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes.With a strategy in place, we suited up, our guns loaded and our resolve strong. Simone and Silver's skill in tactical opera
Alice's POVMy blood boiled with a potent mixture of anger, fear, and determination as I stormed into the hideout alongside my trusted men. The clash of gunfire and the deafening echoes of chaos reverberated through the air, lending an eerie soundtrack to the battle unfolding before us.My heart pounded in my chest as I scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of Alice. The desperate urgency to find her consumed me, my every instinct screaming that time was running out. The thought of her in danger fueled my resolve, driving me forward with unwavering determination.We fought tooth and nail, exchanging fire with the enemy, every shot aimed with precision and purpose. The stench of gunpowder and the metallic taste of adrenaline filled the air, as my men and I pushed forward, inch by inch, towards our objective.Amid the chaos, I caught a glimpse of the gang's leader, a man whose ruthless reputation preceded him. His eyes met mine for a fleeting moment, a flicker of recogniti
Alice's POVI blinked my eyes open, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon the room.As I slowly emerged from the depths of sleep, a wave of confusion washed over me. How had I ended up here? Last night's events flooded my mind, and the realization hit me—I had escaped from my captors and somehow made it back home.A surge of relief coursed through my veins as I took in the familiar surroundings of our bedroom.The comfort of the bed beneath me was a stark contrast to the cold, unforgiving floor of the room where I had been held captive. It was a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths one would go to ensure their survival.Sitting up, I took a moment to collect myself, my mind racing with fragments of memories from the previous night.The adrenaline-fueled escape, the disorienting journey back home—it all felt like a whirlwind. And yet, here I was, safe and sound, in the embrace of the place I called home.I glan
Alice's POVThe car engine hummed softly as Liam maneuvered through the streets. I sat in the passenger seat, my hands clenched tightly in my lap, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling within me. The path to the basement seemed longer than usual, every passing second stretching into eternity. My gaze wandered out the window, observing the familiar streets that held no clue to the darkness lurking beneath the surface. The buildings passed by in a blur, their facades hiding secrets and stories I could only imagine.Liam's strong presence beside me offered some semblance of comfort. His focused expression revealed his determination, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.I stole glances at him, my heart warming at the sight of his profile. He was my rock, my unwavering support, and knowing he was by my side filled me with a sense of security.The car slowed to a halt in front of a nondescript building, its exterior worn and weathered, a stark contrast to the hidden turmoil that aw
Liam's POVMyhands gripped the steering wheel tightly as we made our way back home, the comforting hum of the engine serving as a backdrop to the thoughts racing through my mind. Alice sat beside me, her exhaustion evident in the way her eyelids drooped, her body slumping against the seat. Concern etched deep lines on my face as I glanced at her, worry gnawing at my gut.But then, in the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something that sent panic surging through my veins. Alice's complexion had paled, her breathing shallow and uneven. My heart lurched, skipping a beat as I realized something was seriously wrong. The world around us blurred into insignificance as my focus narrowed solely on her well-being.Without a second thought, I made a split-second decision. I veered the car into a sharp U-turn, the tires screeching against the asphalt as I redirected our path. Every second felt like an eternity as I raced against time, my foot heavy on the accelerator, desperate to reach th
Liam's POV Seeing Alice in anguish, I immediately went to her side. Her face scrunched in anguish, and I could feel her fight to regain her breath. I grabbed for the glass of water on the bedside table, my hands quivering slightly with urgency. "Here, baby," I whispered gently, my voice filled with anxiety. I raised the glass to her lips, coaxing her to take little sips of water. It was a simple gesture, but at that moment, it seemed like I was giving her with a lifeline, relieving her suffering and allowing her a little relief. Alice's coughing eventually eased, and I laid the glass down, my eyes fixated on her face. Her skin was still pale, and the lines of tiredness were carved under her eyes. It saddened me to see her like this, to watch her fragility and the toll that recent events had taken on her. I sat down on the side of the bed, my fingers going out to brush a strand of hair away from her forehead. "How are you feeling?" I inquired, my voice laced with a combination of fe
Alice's POVAs I descended the staircase, the familiar scent of smoke reached my nose, and I quickened my pace. Liam's brother, Matt, was visiting, and I knew they often enjoyed a smoke together during their conversations. However, things had changed now that I was pregnant.As I entered the living room, I found Liam and Matt seated on the couch, engaged in deep conversation. Smoke wafted around them, creating a hazy atmosphere. My brows furrowed, and a surge of protectiveness washed over me."Hey, guys," I greeted, my voice firm yet tinged with a hint of frustration. "I thought we agreed there would be no smoking inside the house."Liam and Matt turned their heads towards me, seemingly caught off guard by my sudden appearance and stern tone. I crossed my arms over my chest, my expression conveying my determination.Liam's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. He glanced at Matt, and they exchanged a knowing look. It was clear that they recognized the
Alice's POVDespiteLiam's stern advice to rest, I couldn't resist the curiosity that lingered within me.The urge to see what was happening in our Mafia, to catch a glimpse of the operations and the people who were part of our intricate web, grew stronger with each passing day.So, I decided to venture out on a brief tour, assuring myself that it would be just a quick peek into our world.As I strolled through the streets, I observed the familiar sights and sounds that had become intertwined with our lives.The bustling activity, the hidden whispers, and the underlying power that flowed through every corner. It was a dangerous dance, but one that had become our reality.People passed by me, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and respect. They recognized me as the wife of their leader, and I could sense their silent acknowledgment of my presence.Yet, I couldn't help but wonder what they truly thought of me, a woman navigating this intricate world.I discreetly observed our businesse
Alice's POVI sat outside on the patio, enjoying the cool breeze that rustled through the trees. The sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as it began its descent, casting a warm glow over our home. I sighed contentedly, cherishing this moment of tranquility amid the chaos of our Mafia life.But then, a sudden sensation washed over me, and I felt a gush of warmth. Confusion gripped me momentarily until the realization dawned upon me. My water had broken. I was going into labor."Melissa! Melissa!" I called out to one of my guards, trying to keep my voice steady despite the urgency I felt. "Please, get Liam! Tell him it's time!"Melissa, ever alert and quick to respond, dashed off to fetch my husband. Panic and excitement mingled within me as I tried to collect myself. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions.Within moments, I heard hurried footsteps approaching, and Liam appeared, his face etched with concern. He gathered me in his arms, his
I sat in the boardroom, my back pressed against the plush chair, as boredom settled in like an unwelcome guest. The air was heavy with formality and the monotonous drone of business jargon. How I longed for something to break the monotony, a spark of excitement to ignite the dreary atmosphere.As I observed the suited executives, their faces etched with seriousness, I couldn't help but smirk to myself. They saw me as nothing more than Liam's wife, innocent and uninterested in the matters at hand. Little did they know, I had other plans for this mundane gathering.The rumors had reached my ears, whispers of Santino's involvement in shady dealings. A man so smug and self-assured, thinking he could get away with anything. Oh, how I relished the opportunity to expose his true nature, to challenge him and watch his facade crumble.Santino, sitting across the table from me, was the epitome of arrogance. His eyes glinted with a smug confidence, unaware of the storm that was about to rain dow
Three months had passed since our eventful time in Italy, and now I found myself in America, following Liam's urging to be closer to home as I approached the final stages of my pregnancy. The idea of leaving Russia had been bittersweet, but I couldn't deny that Liam's concern for my well-being was genuine.The transition to America had been smoother than expected, and Liam made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. The luxurious mansion he had prepared for us felt like a safe haven, a sanctuary where I could relax and prepare for the arrival of our child.Liam was right; I had always been a workaholic, dedicated to the responsibilities that came with being part of the Mafia family. But now, with motherhood on the horizon, my priorities had shifted. I was eager to embrace this new chapter of my life, and Liam's presence by my side only added to my sense of security and happiness.Our days were filled with laughter, shared moments, and gentle touches. Liam seemed to have an inna
As we decided to extend our stay in Italy for a couple more days, a sense of relaxation and adventure filled the air. I called Alek, informing him of recent events and assuring him that we were safe. With that weight lifted off our shoulders, we were free to immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of Italy.One of the places we explored was the breathtaking city of Florence. The city's rich history and artistic treasures beckoned us, and we found ourselves strolling hand in hand through the narrow cobblestone streets. The iconic Duomo Cathedral rose majestically before us, its intricate details and vibrant colors leaving us in awe. We stood in line, patiently waiting to enter the Uffizi Gallery, where masterpieces by renowned artists awaited our eager gaze.As we meandered through the gallery, each room revealing new artistic wonders, Liam's deep appreciation for art was evident. He studied the brushstrokes, the play of light and shadow, with genuine fascination. We engaged in
As the Mafia committee members entered the warehouse, their presence alone commanded authority. Their expressions were stern, their eyes piercing, and their voices resonated with a mixture of intimidation and determination. The Italian Don, bound and surrounded, stood before them, his defiant demeanor faltering in the face of their collective power.I watched with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as the committee began their interrogation, their questions cutting through the air like a sharpened blade. Each inquiry was calculated, designed to dismantle the Don's defenses and extract the truth.One committee member stepped forward, his voice laced with an underlying threat. "Don, your actions have endangered the delicate balance we uphold. You will find no solace in your lies. It is in your best interest to cooperate fully."The Don, visibly shaken by the committee's presence, began to realize the dire consequences of his actions. His bravado waned, and the weight of his guilt pr
My heart dashed with a blend of expectation and worry as Liam masterfully explored the roads, directing our vehicle towards the inn. We needed to regroup and get ready for what lay ahead because the evening's events had taken an unexpected turn.The familiar surroundings provided a brief respite from the earlier chaos as we entered the hotel lobby. The hotel staff quickly attended to our needs because they were aware of the urgency of our movements, as Liam's dominant presence demanded attention.We hurried to our room, the snap of our strides reverberating through the hall. The entryway opened up, uncovering the quiet sanctuary that looked for us. I looked around the room, taking in the exquisite stylistic layout and the unpretentious traces of extravagance that enhanced each corner. In the midst of the chaos all around us, the atmosphere provided a brief respite.We quickly ditched our formal wear in favor of more practical and concealed attire out of a sense of urgency. Our transfo
Alice's POV As the function came to a nearby and the praise bit by bit died down, Liam and I rose from our seats, prepared to leave from the energetic climate of the feast. However, just as we were beginning to move toward the exit, the Italian Don suddenly appeared in front of us, his expression displaying a mix of urgency and sincerity."Please, Mr. and Mrs. Salvador ," the Wear entreated, his voice conveying a dash of earnestness. " I would be honored if you could attend a private gathering with my family and me. There are significant issues I might want to examine with both of you."I traded a confounded look with Liam, vulnerability blurring our considerations. Given the boundaries that separate our organizations, the Don's decision to extend such an invitation was unusual. In any case, interest provoked inside me, blending with a feeling of mindfulness.Liam's hold fixed on my hand, his eyes fixed on the Italian Wear. " What kind of things are you talking about? And why is this
Alice's POV As the banquet got under way, the grand hall was a sight to behold. Gem light fixtures swung from the roof, projecting a warm and charming shine across the room. The air was loaded up with the agreeable tunes of a live ensemble, their music drifting through the space, adding to the mood of the night.Visitors wearing their best clothing blended nimbly, their chuckling and chat resounding in the air. The ringing of glasses and the clacking of flatware made its very own ensemble. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the highly regarded Mafia Dons of the American and Russian Mafias.Men from various tables began to approach us as Liam and I settled into our seats, their eyes shining with admiration. However, they had a variety of motives, ranging from genuine appreciation to unwelcome advances. It was a fragile harmony among sweet talk and inconvenience.These men, captivated by my presence, made their way to our table one by one. They couldn't avoid giving me praise
Alice's POV As Liam and I showed up at the stupendous scene of the meal, the expectation in the air was tangible. We joined the line, quietly holding up to enter. There was a lot of excitement and a little bit of mystery in the air. The exquisite design of the scene made a lofty setting, projecting a majestic air over the occasion.I couldn't help but notice the lingering gazes from nearby men and women as we stood in line. Their eyes followed over me with a combination of interest and reverence, their demeanors bound with a bit of want. It was a demonstration of the charm of the event and the striking clothing that embellished me.Feeling the heaviness of those waiting gazes, I looked for comfort in Liam's presence. I was drawn closer to him as his arm encircled me in safety. His touch filled in as a safeguard against the meddlesome eyes, giving a feeling of solace and security in the midst of the ocean of outsiders.With each step in the right direction in the line, I could feel th