Brayden
He broke.
I watched Artemy break right in front of my eyes.
I have known him for years—since we were babies—and very few times had I seen him at his weakest moment.
Since his mother’s death, I had never seen him shed any tears. Of course not. He was the boss of four families. The Pakhan of the most ruthless Bratva. He was cruel and heartless.
Artemy Loskutov didn’t cry.
But right now, he was breaking.
He didn’t care that his men were watching. All his focus was on Rebecca.
I watched him cry. As he rocked Rebecca back and forth, his arms tight around her, I watched my boss, the man whom I have known to be ruthless, cry for his woman.
I stood frozen, just a few feet away from them. My eyes shifted to Rebecca, and my chest tightened. It was a small change of emotion, but it was painful. Painful because I had never felt this way before.
Avim moved to stand beside
ARTEMYThe journey back home was a whirlwind, a rush of relief after what felt like an agonizing eternity. The weight of impending madness seemed to lift as the wheels sped along the road. Conversation eluded us, the car a silent sanctuary for our thoughts.In that confined space, my gaze remained fixed solely on Rebecca, my concern etched deep into every stolen glance. Her stillness, her unconsciousness, bore down on me like an unbearable weight. I longed for any sign, any flicker of assurance that she was safe.Yet, she remained motionless, locked in an unsettling slumber.My hand reached out to her, a gentle caress intended to coax her back to consciousness, to reassure myself that she was trul
ARTEMYAs my gaze remained fixed on her form, a rush of uneven breaths filled my lungs, their rhythm faltering as I observed her battered body. An ominous hue of deep purple marred the side of her left leg, while an unsightly shade of green began to creep over one of her arms. Evidently, this bruise was a recent addition, perhaps no older than a week.Further inspection revealed an array of minor cuts tracing patterns across her skin. Her face bore traces of bruising, yet it fared markedly better than the rest of her.One peculiar detail stood out: her stomach, a canvas untainted by bruises. The expanse from her chest to the curvature of her abdomen displayed an unblemished, pale complexion. It was as if the front of her body had been left inviolate and unto
ARTEMYI vowed to stand guard against those demons. I pledged to wage that battle for her, just as I had promised to restore her shattered serenity.My chest constricted, and unbidden tears welled in my eyes. It was a rare instance, an unexpected vulnerability.Tears. Damn tears. I was allowing them to flow."I'll await your call," Claire murmured before rising from her seat. Nona swiftly took her place, readjusting the towel around Rebecca. With a gentle gesture, she drew the comforter over her, then stepped back.Bernadette's gaze was fixed on Rebecca, her usual expressionless visage unchanged. After a brief moment, she departed
ARTEMYThe following day had already arrived, Nona arrived bearing food. However, my appetite was nonexistent. My presence remained steadfast by Rebecca's side, where I held her closely, my touch gentle and hopeful, yearning for her to awaken from her slumber.Throughout the day, my companions, the men under my command, entered and exited the room. Brayden made attempts to persuade me into taking a shower, yet I stubbornly declined. Nona, displaying concern, offered to care for Rebecca while I rested, but I rebuffed all offers of assistance, distancing myself from their well-intentioned efforts.I spoke ceaselessly, my voice growing parched and aching. I held onto the belief that my words could somehow reach her unconscious mind and rouse her from her deep sleep.
ARTEMYRegardless of the baby's lineage, whether mine or Raffaele's, its innocence remained undeniable, intricately woven into Rebecca's essence. My hand returned to her rounded belly, a surge of possessiveness mingling with my newfound determination.Rather than shying away from this sentiment, I embraced it, allowing anger to kindle within me. Raffaele's retribution wouldn't solely be for his transgressions against Rebecca but also for the harm he inflicted on this unborn child.Rebecca's movement in my arms drew my thoughts to a halt. Our gazes locked, a wordless connection established between us. We held each other's gaze, unyielding and profound.With gradual motion, Rebecca stirred within my
ARTEMYAs the meadow unveiled its beauty, I paused, my back leaning against a tree. Gasping for breath, my gaze eventually settled upon Rebecca. Her back was turned, fixed upon the coursing stream. She perched upon a rock, her ebony tresses cascading freely.Running quietly, I arrived and stood next to her. She stared ahead, seemingly unaffected by my presence. Lowering my gaze to her appearance, I crave for a hint of a smile or a glint of light within her eyes.Alas, no one was following me, and the weight in my heart deepened, my stomach coiling in knots.She’s staring at the creek, without any signs of emotion. This place held significance within her memory, a hidden fragment resurfacing.
ARTEMYStepping away, I walked towards the couch, my voice carrying as a declaration, "I don't play fair when it comes to claiming what I desire."I lowered myself into the chair, positioning myself across from her. She met my gaze momentarily before redirecting her attention to the piano keys. We remained in this poised stance for what felt like an eternity.And then, she played.A solitary key, a solitary note.In an instant, I was roused from my reverie, my eyes widening in anticipation. Leaning in, I strained to catch any further sounds.But alas, that was the
ARTEMYIn front of the nightstand, Rebecca was huddled on the floor. Resting against the wall, she curled herself protectively, her quiet sobs reverberating. It was as though she sought refuge from the world, hidden within herself.My heart constricted at the sight; she appeared so fractured, so delicate.Turning my gaze to Brayden, I detected his anguish. Shaking his head, he retreated from the room, leaving me to confront the aftermath.Once again, my attention was drawn to Rebecca. She cowered, her face obscured by her arms. Drawing nearer, I knelt before her. "Angel," I breathed, my voice a mere whisper.Startled, her he
REBECCAI writhed against his thighs, seeking relief, but he chuckled softly before withdrawing."Such explicit language, my kitten," he chided playfully, his gaze locked on me. "I wonder how best to tame it.""Artemy... I need you.""No, my kitten, the moment is mine now," he declared, a smug grin curving his lips as he gazed down at me.With deliberate purpose, Artemy stepped back, shedding his shirt in a haste that verged on impatience."Shed your dress," his command was clear.Obeying without
REBECCAWith a mere utterance, I tentatively slipped my hand between my thighs. Artemy's gaze flared, and I swallowed audibly. Wetting my lips, I applied a gentle pressure to my center.My back arched involuntarily, a moan escaping me as I began to stimulate my clit. Artemy adjusted his position, his gaze unwavering and intense.A surge of electric pleasure surged through me as I inserted a finger, my chest heaving with each breath as the pressure within me intensified.Thumb circling the sensitive nub, I introduced another finger, my hips responding with a forward thrust. I circled my clit with greater fervor, striving to push myself over the edge.
REBECCAMy pulse quickened as Artemy drew me onto his lap. I nibbled on my lower lip, sensing the warmth rising to my cheeks under his intense gaze. His eyes tracked my every move, their desire seemingly intensifying by the moment. He exuded an undeniable allure at that very instant.Out of my peripheral vision, I caught Lynda's beckoning gesture. "Looks like it's time for our inaugural dance," I murmured softly.Artemy cradled me against his chest, rising from his seat in one fluid motion. He carried me to the dance floor's center and gently placed me on my feet. I draped my arms around his neck, drawing myself closer to him.His hands found my hips as the music started, and we began our dance. T
REBECCARaising my eyes to meet his, my fingertips brushed over his chest, the cadence of his fervent heart beneath them. "This is my pledge to you, Artemy Loskutov. Your love is my anchor, my wellspring of strength. I promise to pour forth my affection from now until eternity's closure. I vow to nurture, to confide in your love, to be what you require, ensuring your emotions are perpetually considered. I pledge to express my love and reverence. I yearn to share my days alongside you. I, Rebecca Cavalieri, commit to embracing you as my husband, to love, honor, console, and cherish you from this day onward. We meld as one, an eternal unity."Savoring the anticipation, I formed my final words. "This vow emerges from the depths of my heart, a pledge to you.""May we
REBECCAMy heart quickened its tempo at the sight that unfolded before me. In that moment, nothing else registered; the entirety of my focus was consumed by the figure stationed at the far end of the aisle.Each step toward Artemy stole my breath away, the journey itself a blur as his gaze anchored me. His eyes, a striking bluish steel hue, bore into me with unwavering intensity, tracing my every movement, my every advance.His attire adhered to his usual black suit, save for the addition of a golden tie. His hair lay sleek against his head, a few days' worth of stubble lending him a rugged allure. I had insisted he forgo shaving, as it heightened his appeal.His eyes remained locked onto mine as
REBECCA"Alright, close your eyes, my dear," Camilla's voice was a gentle whisper, tinged with excitement. I could detect the joy in her tone, and it ignited a matching smile on my face. With a mixture of anticipation and unsteady legs, I complied, shutting my eyes."Are you all set?" Lynda's voice carried an air of eager anticipation."You guys didn't transform me into a clown, did you?" I quipped playfully.Their laughter resonated in the room, eliciting giggles from me. At last, I opened my eyes, blinking as the world before me came into focus. Then, a gasp escaped my lips, involuntary and genuine."You are an absolute vi
REBECCAThree weeks had passed since that pivotal moment. Artemy's arm drew me toward him, enveloping me until I was nestled against his warmth, almost melding into him. His strong arms encircled my waist, and I pressed myself against him, my head finding its place on his shoulder. As if seeking solace, one of my legs draped over his hips, and his grip on my thigh was both firm and possessive.In the cocoon of his embrace, I inhaled his scent, the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat serenading me. His touch traced indistinct patterns across my back, each stroke a balm to my senses, lulling me into tranquility.Amid this intimate connection, his voice, a soft caress, brushed against my ear, breaking the spell of silence. "Where shall we journey for our honeymoon?" Hi
REBECCAI descended the stairs, greeted by the heartwarming scene of Lynda, Bernadette, and Camilla gathered in the living room. Bernadette's knees were engaged in a rhythmic bounce, Princess nestled on her lap, their interaction an attempt to amuse the small canine companion.As my gaze swept over the tableau, an involuntary smile etched its way across my face. The unexpected sight before me was a testament to the depth of these connections.Aunt Bernadette, the role seemed incongruous at first glance. The transformation was astonishing - Bernadette, once reserved and distant, had evolved into a devoted aunt. This facet of her, while not frequently displayed, radiated a clear and undeniable fondness for Cevia.
REBECCAI roused from slumber to find the expanse of the bed empty beside me, an unexpected void that jolted me into alertness. Swiftly, I elevated myself into a sitting position, my eyes grappling with the persistent morning radiance as I blinked away the remnants of sleep.Emerging from the covers, I navigated my way toward the crib stationed nearby, only to discover it vacant, devoid of the presence I anticipated. My recollection painted a picture of Artemy embarking on his early morning ritual to tend to Cevia. Had they not returned to the comfort of our shared sanctuary?While enveloping myself in a robe, I embarked on a trajectory towards the bathroom, swiftly tending to the ritual of dental hygiene and facial invigoration. With my hair haphazardly ensnared