Men in black tactical gear emerged from the vehicles with military precision, their movements synchronized and practiced. They surrounded my car in a perfect formation, their stance and bearing speaking of extensive training. These weren't common thugs—these were professionals, soldiers for hire who
ROMAN I stood there amid the carnage, my breath still coming in controlled bursts, adrenaline singing through my veins. Blood dripped from my knuckles, staining the pristine white of my shirt sleeve—designer silk now ruined by violence. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was Amelia, safe
"Here," I said softly, holding out my hand. "Close your eyes if it makes you feel better." It was a weak attempt at protecting her from what she'd already seen, but I had to try. Had to offer her some way to distance herself from the violence, from this version of me she was never supposed to know e
I was naked before I stepped under the shower, though for some reason I had no memory of taking my clothes off beneath the haze of my thoughts. I let the cold water cascade down my skin with the highest pressure, the chill a punishment, a lesson. Just as I tried to gather my thoughts, to prepare
ROMAN Our bedroom was silent except for Amelia's steady breathing, her warm body curled trustingly against mine as she slept. I was ashamed to even admit it to myself, I'd tired her out even more. I couldn't help myself, after holding back for so long, it felt like all of my pent up emotions had
"You look perfect," I corrected her, letting my voice drop to that low register that never failed to bring color to her cheeks. "Especially like this—thoroughly fucked and wearing nothing but my marks," My gaze drifted down to the hickeys that lined her skin, I knew I got my fair share last night as
“I'll see you later,” I left. The drive to the cabin took exactly forty-seven minutes. I knew because I'd timed it repeatedly over the past four days, mapping out every possible route in case of an emergency. Dimitri had followed my instructions to the letter—keeping Bertha comfortable but contai
ROMAN I spent the better half of my life living as a soldier, a prisoner to the desires of man and their need for power. Most people do not understand just how complex the Volkov family is, they think it to just be a normal bratva family…where one becomes head when another dies, where everything an
SIX MONTHS LATER The annual Wellington Anniversary gala was in full swing, and we'd decided to host it in our home rather than the hotel it was in late year. The ballroom of our estate glittering with lights that illuminated the beauty of the hall’s interior, reflecting against the marble floors
Wolves. They were fucking wolves yet Roman acted like they simply dogs he'd raised. And in turn, they acted the same towards him. “Why wolves though?” I raised a questioning brow as I caressed Sage's soft fur and Juniper whining a few seconds after that. Roman shrugged, “Why not?” He replied w
"You should hate me," I whispered, my voice breaking. "After what I did, you should hate me." "I know," he agreed, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. "It would be so much easier if I did." A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it. Roman reached out, hesitated, then gently brushed i
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentler than I deserved. I laughed bitterly. "Nothing dramatic. No great tragedy or betrayal. Just... emptiness. Day after day of emptiness. Making decisions that affect hundreds of people, never letting anyone close enough to see that I'm terrified of making th
I woke to unfamiliar shadows dancing across an unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, panic seized me as I forgot where I was. Until it came rushing back and I found myself sinking deeper into the mattress Roman's bed was sinfully comfortable, the sheets soft against my skin. I stretched, my muscles p
The rain continued to lash against the windows, filling the silence between us. Outside, lightning flashed, illuminating Roman's face and his even darker expression. I wasn't getting through to him. And I didn't blame him. "Two years ago, you made it very clear that you didn't need me," he said
Roman chuckled, the rich sound sending heated shivers down my abdomen. His eyes crinkled at the corners, making him look more like the man I remembered. "So did you," he replied, nodding toward my pixie cut. I reached up self-consciously to touch the ends of my damp hair. "Maybe it should be called
Roman suddenly cleared his throat and dragged his gaze away. He ran a hand through his short blonde hair, sending droplets flying. "I'll get you something dry," he said, his voice rougher than before. He disappeared down a hallway without waiting for my response. Left alone, I took the opportunity
AMELIA My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Words, which had never failed me before, suddenly evaporated from my mind like morning dew under a harsh sun. I stood there, gun still stupidly hanging from my fingers, staring at the stranger-not-stranger before me. Roman Wellington. But not my Roman