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“сократить его!” My father's voice rumbled with a menacing tone, his right hand coiled behind him, a cigarette precariously clinging to his parched lips.I winced as I looked on, watching Andrei—also known as the "six"—utilize a pair of pliers to extract the teeth of the captured Mexican spy. The sheer sound of his agonizing scream reverberated in my ears, causing me to press myself against the wall, almost melding into its surface. My entire body quivered with a mixture of fear and revulsion, yet the idea of leaving didn't even cross my mind. The memory of my previous attempt to escape a scene like this was all too vivid, marked by the thirty lashes Father delivered to my bare back with a whip. The pain lingered for over a week, a constant reminder of my disobedience.As blood spurted from the Mexican spy's mouth, mingling with his whimpers, he tilted his head in anguish, momentarily bowing it down. The room was charged with tension, heavy with the palpable agony that permeated every
"Why!?" I collapsed onto the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks, mercilessly smearing my makeup. The weight of the announcement crushed me, leaving me broken and vulnerable. I hurriedly rushed up to my room, the door quaking as I slammed it shut, a feeble attempt to shield myself from the world's harsh reality. Even amidst the solitude of my room, the pain seemed to seep through every pore.Dima's persistent knocks echoed through the door, each one a reminder of the tangled emotions I was trying to navigate. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to answer. I lowered myself onto the cool floor, my dress fanned out around me like a shattered dream. How could a father barter his own flesh and blood in such a manner? My mind was a whirlwind of confusion, a maelstrom of questions with answers seemingly lost in the abyss."Olga! Open the door," my mother's voice called out from the other side, imploring me to relent. Although my instinct screamed to remain hidden, I knew that denying her would onl
The brilliant, luminous beams of the sun cascaded relentlessly onto my face, casting an unusual radiance that felt almost foreign in the context of Moscow, Russia. Typically enveloped in a blanket of snow, the city rarely witnessed such intense sunlight. The cold, though not biting, clung to the air as I groaned, compelled to awaken from my slumber. With a languid stretch, I hoisted myself from the comfort of the bed, my knuckles cracking in a satisfying rhythm, and a yawn escaping my mouth in an almost exaggerated display of morning awakening.Seated on the edge of the bed, I reached out to retrieve my phone, which rested atop the bed head. The device yielded to my touch as I pressed the button to bring it to life. Instantly, my gaze gravitated toward the digital calendar, and there it was, April 12th, 2020, etched onto the screen. My heart fluttered, for this date marked not only the calendar's progression but also signified a mere two months remaining until the inevitable culminatio
Alas, it was a special day. When I mean special day, I don’t mean my special day, I mean the special day for Father because he was the one very enthusiastic for today. Yes, you are right, it was my wedding and also my birthday. It was the 12th of June. Though my birthdays weren’t really celebratory, at least I never had a grimace on my face like I did now. “You look so gorgeous” Anya, my favorite aunt, exhilarated into my ears. Anya is Fathers sister but then she's nothing like father. She is cheerful and one of the people that understood my feelings. She flew all the way from Switzerland to attend my wedding. At least she was fortunate enough to leave the Bratva and marry a normals. He was a businessman and trust me, I envy her. “She sure does. She is so fortunate” Alina, one of my distant aunts also complimented. Explaining how we both are connected would take forever because I too don’t know completely but all I know was that she was from fathers side. “Fortunate you say!?” I sn
Ironically, it was the Mexicans as I thought. It was Father. The Lucas were on their feet with their guns pulled out from their holsters. Hearts racing and peace shattered. I was in awe and befuddled as well and pondered on what it was Father wanted to achieve by causing a fight at my wedding. “Calm down people, it’s only our tradition to shoot a gun to the sky and indicate celebration” he chuckled as he walked straight back on the aisle, directed at the altar. I didn’t even notice when he left his seat. Antonio’s eyes were cold and the same was that of the others. This time around, I couldn’t help but be tense. Antonio had no emotions on his face. He stood stoic and unperturbed. There was silence amongst all. Sir Luca advanced Father with coldness. There was something about the way he walked that cringed me. I only hoped this didn’t end in a blood bath. I knew of weddings that ended up in a bloodbath and most certainly I didn’t want mine to end that way. Hating Antonio and the all
Silence, silence was all I got. I lay on the bed and watched him take a few seconds at the door. His height was magnificent and well noticeable as he started coming deeper into the room. I lowered my eyes instantly and pretended to be busy with my dress while I sat on the bed. Minutes passed and the silence still lingered. I found it hard to stare at him nor had I changed from my wedding gown. For minutes he came in, he was busy on his iPad. I clicked my fingers together firmly and tried to control my breath which was razz and unsteady. I felt very uneasy and uncomfortable in the wedding dress. I needed to change my dress but standing up was the problem. I breathed hard and shut my eyes. Abruptly, I flipped them open and I shot myself off the bed. Antonio and I spontaneously stood up at the same time. Our eyes locked and my lipsShook but not a word came out.“Go first” he growled. I waited so long to hear his voice. It was weird but I still wanted to hear it. I shook my head in dis
“Oh my gosh! What did you just do? Why did you hurt yourself?” I couldn’t control how I felt. My legs were very weak and my heart pummeled like never before. The cut was large and blood continued dropping on the white bedsheet.There was one thing I couldn’t u see stand and that is the fact that Antonio remained calm and collected even while his hand was dripping with blood. It was more like he felt no pain at all. His eyes darted at me still with an overwhelming scowl.“Stop screaming!” He growled under a low tone his eyes carrying no emotion. He seemed stoic and I moved by the pain that came with the cut or probably felt no pain at all. My body urged me to move close to him to have a clearer view of the cut which was steadily filled with blood. “How do you expect me to stop screaming!? Where is your first aid kit?” I quizzed and acted uneasy. He looked at me and gave me the look of “You are overreacting”. I didn’t understand what was going on.I moved and was about to head to the
I woke up the next morning with heavy eyes. I could barely sleep all through the night because I was scared that perhaps Antonio might change his mind and try to take advantage of me. I finally flipped my eyes open after a swift yawn. I was backing the side where Antonio lay. I slowly rolled over and peeped with my eyes slightly open. I didn’t see him in the bed. My eyes broadened instantly. I looked around the room but I couldn’t see him. There was some form of relief that overwhelmed me. I heaved a sigh and folded my legs on the bed. I hurled them up and wrapped my hands around my kneecaps. I was sentenced to a life of penury and it just started. I stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up. I felt a little nauseous due to the whole ceremony. I wasn’t used to it and it took a toll on me. I entered the shower and took my bath. I was done in minutes. I grabbed one of the white towels in the drawers and stepped out. My heart kissed multiple beats as I entered the r
A mere seven days had passed since the tumultuous saga that had left our lives in disarray. Amidst the chaos, Antonio, always the thoughtful one, proposed a change of scenery. He suggested a brief respite in the picturesque paradise of Fiji, a mere three-day escape from our troubled world. As I reclined on a comfortable chaise lounge, the ethereal spectacle of the sun setting over the horizon unfolded before me. Its golden hues cast dancing reflections upon the tranquil waters, offering a soothing balm to my troubled soul. After the storm, a modicum of serenity was what we all craved, and Antonio, in his infinite wisdom, provided just that.In the quietude of that moment, my mind wandered to Guila. How had she managed to orchestrate her enigmatic partnership with the enigmatic Triad at such a tender age? It was a riddle that confounded not only me but also Dima. The intricacies of her dealings with Dima, a man shrouded in mystery himself, left me in a perpetual state of bewilderment. C
“Guila!” I called out, my voice trembling with disbelief and shock, as I found myself utterly stunned by the sight before me. It was undeniably Guila standing there, right in front of my eyes, and my heart seemed to skip countless beats in response.The deafening symphony of gunfire came to an abrupt halt as Antonio, equally dumbfounded and bewildered as I, urgently signaled his men to cease fire. Even the formidable Triad members, their weapons still raised, appeared momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected turn of events.“Guila,” Antonio’s voice quivered with a mixture of astonishment and confusion as he spoke her name. He took a tentative step forward, his eyes never leaving his long-lost sister, as though drawn by an invisible force compelling him to confront this surreal moment. “How on earth is this possible? What in the name of all that’s holy is happening here?” His voice carried a perplexed urgency, echoing the sentiment shared by everyone present.“Brother,” Guila responded,
Antonio and I embarked on a journey in the car, a journey filled with uncertainty and foreboding, as we headed toward the precise location where Marino had cryptically hinted that Dima could be found. It was a venture that had begun with resistance; Antonio, initially reluctant to have me accompany him, had attempted to disinvest me from joining this perilous pursuit. My determination, however, proved unyielding, and through persuasive persistence, I managed to sway his opinion, compelling him to change his mind.As we settled into the car’s cozy interior and initiated our drive, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the world outside. The night sky was a canvas adorned with countless stars, each one a brilliant beacon in the vast cosmic tapestry. Their collective radiance illuminated the heavens, casting a mesmerizing glow that both captivated and comforted me. The soft, soothing breeze that gently caressed my face seemed to be a harbinger of the journey’s challenges, promising both s
“Why, Dima? Why did you have to do this?” My voice wavered as I found myself sitting amidst the luxurious grandeur of the room’s intricate decor. It was the same night, and I perched beside the bed, my legs drawn up and my arms wrapped around them, seeking solace in their embrace.The world had lost its coherence, leaving me awash in a sea of bewildering emotions. Tears flowed freely, mingling with my thoughts as I tried to decipher the enigma that was Dima’s inexplicable actions. I reached for my phone, an electronic lifeline that, to my dismay, remained stubbornly out of touch with his. How could someone I had known intimately for so long suddenly transform into a perplexing enigma? It was as though our shared history had been a mere illusion, evaporating into the ether.With each drawn breath came heavy sighs, laden with the weight of unanswered questions. “I need answers, Dima!” I declared, springing abruptly from my position on the floor. The stark contrast between my emotional t
“No, this simply cannot be true,” I whispered, my mind struggling to reconcile the impossible scene unfolding before my very eyes. It felt as though I had been thrust into a nightmarish tableau, and my eyes brimmed with disbelief. My hand shook uncontrollably, desperately clutching onto something solid for support, as if the ground itself threatened to give way beneath me.The word “No” escaped my quivering lips like a mantra, an involuntary chant in the face of this heart-wrenching revelation. I shook my head repeatedly, as though by sheer force of will, I could erase the undeniable truth that lay before me. But it was futile; there was no escaping it—it was Dima, unmistakably and undeniably Dima, and no one else.Antonio’s voice, surprisingly gentle in the midst of the emotional tempest, cut through the deafening silence. “I hope you believe me now,” he said, his eyes holding steady on mine. Slowly, I turned to him, my fingers gently releasing their grip on the phone that had brought
“I’ve got a lot swirling around in my head right now, and I’m not really sure where to start,” Jane confessed, her voice quivering slightly. Her visible unease hinted at the weight she’d been carrying in her heart. Tyler’s focus was increasingly drawn in by the intensity of the situation. His gaze grew more resolute as he studied her, his eyes fixed intently upon her.“I’m here to lend an ear,” Tyler offered sincerely, his eagerness to hear Jane’s thoughts palpable. “By the way, it’s quite noisy here. If you’d prefer, we could continue this conversation in my car,” he suggested, providing an alternative option for a quieter and more private setting.Amidst the cacophony of the surroundings, Jane’s apprehension seemed to blend with the ambient noise, making it even more essential for them to find a more serene environment to discuss matters. Tyler’s compassionate offer held a touch of understanding, recognizing the need for a space where Jane could freely share her thoughts without the
Gazing at Antonio, I found myself lost in a sea of contemplation, grappling with the complexity of his words. A jittery feeling coursed through me, like the flutter of a thousand butterflies taking flight within my chest. My lips quivered as if they held unspoken truths, but the words remained elusive, dancing just beyond my reach. I was enveloped in a peculiar silence, a silence that spoke volumes of the emotions that churned within me.In that suspended moment, I was confronted with the realization that my response held the power to shape the delicate equilibrium of our connection. My thoughts raced like wild stallions, each one vying for attention, each emotion vying for expression. It was as if the crossroads Tyler had led me to was a convergence of paths, a convergence of emotions, leaving me standing at the intersection of introspection and vulnerability.And so, as I looked into his eyes, my gaze a mirror reflecting the depth of my emotions, I understood that this question wasn
The words hung in the air like an impenetrable fog, each syllable carrying a weight that seemed to press down on my chest. "No way," I repeated, my voice a shaky whisper that struggled to find footing amidst the tumultuous emotions that surged within me. The revelation felt like a seismic shift, an earthquake that shattered the reality I had known.My eyes remained wide, as if by sheer force of will I could unmask the truth behind this perplexing revelation. The disbelief was etched across my features, my brow furrowed as my mind grappled with the incongruity of it all. "Dima? Killed Guila?" I muttered, as if saying the words aloud would somehow bring clarity to the chaos in my thoughts.Antonio's calm demeanor juxtaposed starkly with my inner turmoil. His gaze held mine with unwavering serenity, as though he had anticipated my shock and turmoil all along. There was a depth to his eyes, a well of understanding that transcended the words he was about to say. My own emotions were a mael
The sensation of his lips against mine was electric, a powerful current that surged through my veins. It felt as though he had dismantled all the barriers that had previously stood between us during moments of intimacy. This kiss was a revelation, a testament to the transformation that had taken hold of him. As our lips melded, it was like I was kissing an entirely different person—a person who had shed his armor to expose his true self.His hand found its way to the nape of my neck, pulling me in deeper as the kiss intensified. Our lips moved with a fervor that echoed the depth of our emotions, and our tongues danced in a tantalizing exchange. Soft moans and whispered grunts escaped from us, lost in the rhythm of our passionate embrace. With every brush of our lips, every mingling of our breaths, I felt a tantalizing sensation that was entirely new. It was as though I was kissing him for the first time, a revelation that defied our history and redefined the boundaries of our connecti