ANASTASIA’S POV
“I can’t believe my dad is setting me up with someone I’ve never met just because he thinks I need a man’s help to run the family business I’ve been preparing for my entire life,” I ranted to my best friend, Athena, pacing back and forth in the room.
Athena and I have been friends since we were kids. We both grew up in the same environment filled with rich and snobby people. Athena wasn’t the prim and proper lady you would expect in this kind of environment. That’s why I couldn’t even stay mad when she said, “It might not be as bad as you think. Who knows? He could be handsome and sexy as hell. Win-win.”
“Ugh, you’re missing the point, Athena!” I snapped, throwing my hands up. “I don’t need a man’s help to run this business. I’ve been training for this my whole life!”
I paused, the memory of earlier that day flashing through my mind. My father had barged into a meeting I was leading with our shareholders and pulled me aside. I thought he wanted to discuss new strategies to expand the business into other states.
Instead, my father pulled me aside to tell me I would be getting married to some man I had never even heard of, saying how he would be of so much help in running the business. My father knows how much time and effort I put into learning the ins and outs of the family business.
Athena’s voice snapped me back to the present. “Come on, Anastasia, you know your dad always has his reasons.”
“Exactly! That’s why I asked him for one.” I stopped pacing and looked her squarely in the eye. “Guess what his reply was?”
She shrugged.
“He said it was ‘nothing to concern myself with.’” My voice dripped with disbelief. “Can you imagine? My freedom is on the line, and that’s all he could say?” I sank onto the bed, feeling defeated.
Athena opened her mouth to respond, but my phone buzzed. I rolled my eyes at the caller ID. “Hello, Mother,” I answered, my tone laced with irritation.
“Hello, Anastasia,” came her soft but firm voice. Typical Mother. “You need to come home tomorrow,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
“Why, Mother?” I asked, trying my luck.
The silence on the other end was brief but loaded. “Are you questioning me, young lady?”
“No, Mother,” I quickly replied, dialing back my attitude to avoid a full-blown fight.
“We’ll be having dinner with the Ivanov family to finalize the details of your wedding,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity for you and Nolan to get to know each other.”
“Mother, I don’t want to marry him. I’ve never met him. I don’t even know what kind of person he is. For all we know, he could be a pervert!”
“I assure you, he’s no pervert,” she replied calmly. “And as for his looks, I’ve seen a picture. He’s quite handsome. You won’t hate him, Anastasia, I’m certain of that.”
Her confidence only made me fume the more “But why is Father doing this to me?” My voice cracked with anger and sadness. “I’ve worked so hard—day and night—to prove I’m capable of running this company. And now he’s invalidating all of it by marrying me off to someone I don’t even know. As if I need help from a man!”
There was a pause before my mother spoke again, her voice gentler. “Darling, your father isn’t questioning your abilities. There’s more to this decision than you realize. In time, your father and I will explain everything. For now, please come home for dinner tomorrow.”
“Fine,” I relented. “But I’m only coming to honor you and Dad—not because I’ve accepted this decision.”
“I understand,” she said with a sigh. “Dinner is at 9 p.m. Don’t be late.”
“I won’t. Goodnight, Mother.”
“Goodnight, my little fighter. And say hi to Athena for me. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mother.” I hung up, tossing the phone across the bed before collapsing onto it.
Athena smirked. “You know, this arranged marriage might be just what you need. You’re so busy being a boss lady, you never have time for the guys I set you up with.”
I threw a pillow at her. “Stop talking nonsense. An arranged marriage is never a good idea.”
“You never know, you might just fall in love with him at the end of the day,” she said “Are you high? We both know I don’t have time for useless feelings like that. Besides, we both know exactly how much fun I have with my men. I’m not ready to let go of that” I said, staring at the ceiling.
“Yeah yeah, I know, you nasty bitch” she said, as she laughed.
I sat up, eager to change the subject. “Enough about me. How’s work? Did you hear back from the company?”
Athena’s eyes lit up. “My agent says there’s stiff competition for the Versace shoot, but he’s doing his best to speed things up.”
“You know I could pull some strings and get you the gig in no time,” I offered.
“As nice as that would be, I really want to do this by myself and in the right way” She refused the offer like she always does. Despite Athena being from a well-to-do family, she works her ass off like it’s no man's business. That’s part of the reason why I liked her so much.
“Okay, whatever you say. But if you ever change your mind you know where to find me” I said teasingly.
“Yes yes, I do know where to find you my badass best friend.” She said jumping to engulf me in a hug on the bed.
“Ugh, get off me young lady,” I said, trying to wiggle my way out of her embrace. “You know you love it but whatever you say. Now, let’s head out to the club to get you out of this foul mood” She said as she skipped into my walk-in closet.
I didn't think going to the club would fix my mood, but it won't hurt to have some fun with men tonight. With a heavy sigh, I carried the bottle of wine on the nightstand as I took a huge chug and headed into the closet to see what magic Athena was making with my clothes.
I walked into my massive walk-in closet to find Athena surrounded by a mess of fabrics, tossing clothes over her shoulder like a woman on a mission.
“You need to trust me tonight,” she said without looking up. Her eyes were focused on a short black skirt she’d just pulled off a hanger. “You’re going for bold, sexy, and a little dangerous.
I leaned against the doorframe, still clutching the wine bottle. “Dangerous? In this mood? That tracks.”
Athena tossed the skirt my way, followed by a deep emerald-green silk shirt that felt like liquid in my hands. “This,” she said, pointing at the shirt, “is going to cling in all the right places and leave just enough to the imagination. Pair it with those strappy black heels you love, and you’ll own the room.”
“You’re really selling this,” I said, holding up the shirt to admire its soft sheen.
“Trust me,” she said with a wink.
Then she turned back to her side of the closet and started rummaging through her clothes. It didn’t take her long to pick out a pair of high-waisted black pants that hugged her hips and a white linen shirt tied casually at the waist, leaving just enough of her toned stomach exposed. She added a black leather harness that draped over her chest, an accessory that screamed confidence and her unapologetic bisexuality.
I raised an eyebrow as she spun around to face me. “That’s your look?”
“This,” she said, gesturing to herself with a flourish, “is how you make a statement.”
With a slight laugh and a shake of my head, I went to change. The silk shirt slid over my skin like a second layer, and the skirt showed off my legs just enough to keep things interesting. A spritz of my favorite perfume completed the transformation.
By the time we were done, the two of us looked like we’d just stepped out of a fashion editorial.
Athena gave me an approving nod as she grabbed her clutch. “You’re going to break hearts tonight.”
“I always do, sweetheart,” I said, grabbing my bag and keys.
The cool night air hit us as we stepped out of the house, the faint scent of jasmine wafting through the breeze. Athena’s black sports car gleamed under the moonlight. She tossed her bag into the passenger seat and slid behind the wheel, her energy electric as always.
The engine roared to life as Athena adjusted the mirror and turned to me with a wicked grin. “Hera’s not ready for us tonight.”
ANASTASIA’S POV “Let’s get this party started, bitches!” Athena hollered as we strutted into the club. Classic Athena—the life of the party and unapologetically bold. She thrived on attention, and tonight was no exception. Women were her playground, though she dabbled with men whenever the mood struck.We headed straight to our usual spot in the VIP section at Club Hera. It wasn’t my top choice of venues, but the exclusivity made up for it. Plus, the men here were yummy.“Our usual drinks,” I instructed the waiter as he approached. From across the room, I caught sight of the club manager and gave him a small wave. He nodded in acknowledgment. “Gosh the girls here are looking way too sexy, I want them all!” Athena said, her eyes flitting eagerly across the room from woman to woman.I chuckled. “Go easy on yourself, young lady. You can’t have them all.” “Watch me,” she replied with a wink, already scouting her prey.The waiter returned with our drinks, and I could feel myself settlin
NOLAN’S POVWalking into the house I saw my mother and her assistants preparing for dinner tonight. It all felt surreal. The reason why parents were going to such lengths for this arrangement was absurd. I shook my head as I caught a glimpse of my mother, orchestrating everything with her usual precision. She was a perfectionist through and through.“Hello, Mother,” I said, leaning in to plant a kiss on her foreheadShe looked up with her beautiful smile. “My love, I take it you’re in a better mood than yesterday?” she asked with a playful wiggle of her brows, her teasing making me chuckle. It amazed me how she and Father worked as a pair. They are polar opposites. Mother was gentle and fun, while Father was strict and stoic, except when he was around her. Their dynamic was enviable in many ways.“Not exactly. Seeing you prepare for this dinner makes it painfully real that there’s no way out of this for me,” I said, sinking into the chair next to her.Her expression softened as she re
ANASTASIA’S POVDriving into my parents’ estate, I found my father and his assistant outside, waiting on Mother, as usual. Her delays were as predictable as they were frustrating, and Father’s expression was a blend of annoyance and resignation.“Anastasia, finally,” he said, glancing at his watch. “Your mother will be out shortly. Are you ready?”I nodded, smoothing the soft fabric of my dress. “I’m ready,” I said as I leaned against the hood of my sports car. Minutes later, Mother emerged from the house, her assistant trailing behind. She walked past me, her heels clicking on the stone pavement, without so much as a glance in my direction. She slid into the car, and I entered mine. I waited as my parents' car and their security detail led the way, and then we were off to the Russo estate.The ride was silent except for the soft hum from the engine of my car. The weight of the night’s expectations pressed heavily on my shoulders. As much as I’d prepared myself for this moment, the r
NOLAN’S POVThe private elevator leading to my office building hummed softly as it took me to the executive floor. The polished steel doors slid open as we arrived. The pristine expanse of the executive floor came into view. The quiet buzz of the city below was almost entirely muted which gave the office space an air of detachment from the chaos of the world outside.Walking toward my office, I spotted Dimitri leaning against Rebecca’s desk. He was mid-conversation, undoubtedly trying to charm her again. Rebecca’s polite smile failed to mask her discomfort, but Dimitri didn’t seem to care. “Good afternoon, sir,” Rebecca greeted me, her voice a bit too cheerful as she glanced in my direction, she looked glad someone finally saved her from Dimitri. “Afternoon,” I replied, my eyes narrowing slightly as I glanced at Dimitri.“Well, well, look who’s here,” Dimitri said, falling into step with me as I headed for my office. “How’s the future husband-to-be this fine morning? Already practic
ANASTASIA’S POV"Yes, Athena, I’m in my office. You can come by," I replied, signing off on a stack of documents on my desk. "Just ensure you’re here before 4 PM—I have business to attend to after that.""Oh, I’ll be there in an hour. Don’t miss me too much," Athena said cheerfully on the other end of the line.I chuckled dryly. "You wish."As I set the phone back on the desk, my secretary walked in, balancing yet another stack of files in her arms. I sighed inwardly. Managing a family furniture business as a front for our real operations was both a blessing and a curse. The endless paperwork tied to both businesses? Definitely a curse."They just never end, do they?" I said sarcastically, glancing at Ruth as she placed the files neatly on my desk. She gave me a polite smile, one I imagined she had reserved for all my complaints."You have a meeting at 2 o’clock, and you need to be at the other warehouse by 4," she said, her voice calm and professional as she ticked items off her iPa
NOLAN’S POV I sat in my dining chair, staring blankly at the unopened bottle of whiskey on the table. The light coming in from the city skyline stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows lighting the room dimly. My phone rang, pulling me out of my deep thoughts. The name on the screen was for one of my men, this could either make my day or leave me livid. I swiped to answer, my voice clipped.“What?”“Boss, we’ve got a problem,” the man stammered. His tone already irritating me.“Spit it out,” I snapped ready to get the conversation over with.“There was… a raid at the docks,” he said, hesitating with every word. “They were waiting for us. Three crates are gone—seized before we could get them out.”My jaw tightened. “A raid? How the hell did they know? Someone talk?”“I—I don’t know yet. But we’re working on it,” he stuttered.“Working on it?” I repeated with disgust “I don’t pay you stupid assholes to work on it!” I said my anger rising “I pay you bastards to ensure situations l
ANASTASIA’S POVThe low hum of the engine filled the silence of the car as I sped through the streets that led to the warehouse. My fingers drummed against the leather steering wheel, the tension in my chest building with each passing second. Handling business, asserting control, and reminding everyone why crossing me was a grave mistake were the moments I lived for.As I pulled up to the warehouse, the men stationed at the gates nodded in acknowledgment as the car moved past them. I stepped out of the car, my heels clicking against the concrete as I approached the entrance.The guards at the door were heavily armed, their rifles glinting under the unforgiving fluorescent lights. They stepped aside without a word and I stepped into the room. The air inside was thick with tension, and the two men sitting at the center of the room were tied to chairs, their faces swollen and bloodied. I stepped forward looking the traitors in the eye. These weren’t just two random fools who decided to
NOLAN’S POVWalking into the Ivanovos’ living room with my parents, I immediately looked for a spot near the entrance so I could slip out unnoticed if I can’t stand the entire drama anymore. I looked to my right and found a lone sofa near the doorway. Perfect. I plopped down, stretching out slightly, making it clear that I didn’t want to be there.My mother wasted no time diving into a discussion with Anastasia’s mother and a woman who was clearly an event planner, judging by the swatches of fabric and flower arrangements spread across the coffee table. Meanwhile, my father on the other hand was having a conversation regarding business with Anastasia’s father. I looked around in irritation as I had no idea why I was needed here. Did anyone honestly think I’d care about flower arrangements or seating charts? I slouched further into the chair and allowed my mind to wander toward some business deals I was still trying to close. Just when I was plotting my exit so I could go to work, a
ANASTASIA’S POVThe moment my eyes landed on her, I knew she was up to no good.She sat with a smug smile, perfectly poised at the dining table, as if the damn place belonged to her. Her sleek dark hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her red lips curled at the edges as she looked at me with amusement dancing in her eyes.I didn’t miss the way her dress was slightly adjusted in a way that drew attention to her exposed collarbone, or how her eyes flickered to Nolan with interest that was far from professional.I shook my head subtly as a wicked grin grew on my face. Nolan led me to my seat, which was beside him. Dimitri was already seated, but my focus was solely on Camila.“Anastasia,” Nolan started in an even tone. “This is Camila De León, our potential new business partner.”She extended a hand, her stiletto nails were painted blood red.“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she purred in a smooth voice.I didn’t take her hand.Instead, I gave her a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Is it
ANASTASIA’S POVThe sound of my tea cup clinking against the ceramic saucer echoed softly in the dining room as I set it down. I stirred my tea absent-mindedly, my mind replaying yesterday’s events—or rather, the absence of Nolan. He didn’t come home to change for the event he attended, and when he finally did return, it was well past two in the morning. I had been awake, waiting, but when I heard the front door open and close, I’d turned onto my side and pretended to be asleep.The mattress dipped slightly when he got into bed, and even in the darkness, I could feel his warmth behind me, as he wrapped his arms around my waist. But I didn’t move. I didn’t lean into him like I usually did. I just laid there.Now, sitting alone at the dining table, I felt the frustration I had pushed aside last night bubbling back to the surface.The sound of approaching footsteps pulled me from my thoughts, and seconds later, Nolan entered the dining room, his sweatpants hanging low around his waist.
NOLAN’S POVI studied Camila as she leaned casually against the bar, a slow smirk spreading across her lips. She knew exactly what she was doing—playing the game, waiting for me to take the bait.I lifted my glass, taking a slow sip of my scotch before meeting her gaze. “That depends,” I said. “I take it you’re Camila?”She tilted her head, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulder. “Come on, don’t play the ‘I don’t know you' game."I shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s not a game. I only just heard about you two days ago.”“Nolan Russo, I was expecting you to be more charming, Nolan. Or at least a little less direct.” She said, squinting her eyes at me.I let out a quiet chuckle. “I don’t see much point in pretense.”Camila’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable as she signaled the bartender for a drink. He handed her a glass of red wine, and she swirled it slowly before taking a sip. “I take it that’s how you handle your business then. Straight to it,” she mused.I raised my glass o
NOLAN’S POV"Everything is set?" I asked, tapping my fingers against the desk."Yes, boss," my secretary responded. "We’ve secured the necessary clearance, and the delivery will be made on time. There won’t be any hiccups."I nodded and checked through the file in my hand. "And the security arrangements?""I’ve double-checked, Sir. I personally made sure there won’t be any loose ends.""Good," I said, standing from my seat. "You’re dismissed. Let me know if anything changes."She nodded and turned to leave, I added, "Oh, get me, Dimitri. Now.""On it, boss."Once the door shut behind her, I exhaled slowly and rolled up my sleeves. I walked over to the cabinet to pour myself a generous glass of scotch. I took a sip and allowed the burn of the liquor to spread through my chest, my mind already running through the plan for the night.The door creaked open, and Dimitri strolled in. He collapsed onto the couch, stretching his arms over the backrest.I gave him a blank look. "You shouldn’t
ANASTASIA’S POVIvan opened the front door and stepped aside to let me in. I walked into the house and let out a deep breath as I plopped onto the couch rolling my shoulders to ease the tension as Ivan silently set my bag on the coffee tableI bent down to remove my heels from my feet that ached from a long day. Before I could take them off, Ivan was already kneeling at my side. His hands reached for my ankles, "Don't worry, I can do it myself," I muttered as I shook my head.Ivan didn’t move. "I’m already here, ma’am. Just rest your back." He said in a soft and calm tone. I stared at him for a second as the softness in his voice took me by surprise. He was usually stoic and all business, but this…this was different.“Alright,” I nodded slightly and leaned back into the couch. I watched as he carefully removed my heels, his fingers slightly brushing against my skin. His touch was unexpectedly gentle for a bodyguard, softer than Nolan’s. My mind wandered, imagining how his hands wou
NOLAN’S POVI leaned back in my chair, phone pressed to my ear as I listened to the voice on the other end. "I understand, Hera, but what you're asking for isn't possible at this time," I said, rubbing my temple "You'll have to find another supplier if you want it done that way."The man on the other end started protesting again, but I had already lost interest. I was about to end the call when the door to my office swung open. “I’ve got important information,” Dimitri said as he strolled in, completely ignoring the fact that I was still on the phone. I held up a finger to signal for him to wait, as he plopped down in the chair across from me, making himself comfortable."Mr. Hera, Good night," I said, cutting the man off mid-sentence. I ended the call and set my phone down, exhaling sharply. "This better be important, Dimitri.""Trust me, it is." He smirked, leaning forward.I sighed and sat up straight, resting my arms on my desk. "Alright. What’s it about?"Dimitri’s smirk grew
NOLAN’S POV“So, how were you able to sleep next to her last night? Dimitri asked, readjusting in his seat. I scrunched my brows at him. “What do you mean by that?”“You know… the thing with Leo?” he said, raising his brows suggestively. “Oh, that”“Yeah, that,” he said scoffing. “Dare I say she’s more brutal than you are.”I let out a loud laugh. “It just might look like that.”“Damn, maybe she should be running this show and not you,” He said with a devilish smirk on his face. “Careful now,” I said in a warning tone. “I bet she’s going to give Ivan hell,” Dimitri said, shaking his head with an amused chuckle.I leaned back in my chair, stretching my legs. “He’s a big boy. He can handle it.”Dimitri raised a brow. “You sure? Because I give him a week before she has him questioning all his life choices.”I smirked. “If he can survive her, he deserves a raise.”Dimitri laughed, but the amusement faded as he leaned forward. “We need to talk.” He said, resting his elbows on his knees
ANASTASIA’S POVI squinted my eyes as the rays from the morning sun filtered through the curtains. Stretching, I reached out for Nolan, but my hand met only empty sheets. I sat up frowning as I glanced around the room. "Nolan?" I called out softly, but there was no response.I swung my legs off the bed and stood, rubbing my arms as goosebumps formed from the cool morning air. I checked for my robe, but it wasn’t in its usual place. I sighed and made my way toward the door in nothing but my silk nightgown. I heard the murmur of voices from the kitchen, and I followed the sound.As I stepped into the kitchen, I was greeted by an unfamiliar sight. Nolan was sitting casually in a chair, and a tall man with his back to me stood in front of him. He had a lean, muscular build with broad shoulders. The moment they heard the soft patter of my bare feet against the tiled floor, they turned towards me.My gaze landed on the stranger first, as I took in his striking blue eyes and the faint scar
ANASTASIA’S POVThe sight of Leo hanging upside down from the ceiling filled me with a bit of satisfaction. His body was bloodied and covered in bruises. “Good,” I muttered as I stepped closer to his unconscious body, which was swaying slightly from the chains suspending him. The satisfying echo of my boots against the cold concrete floor filled the air. Dimitri and Nolan stood behind me, watching.“Hello, Leo,” I called out, kicking him hard in the ribs, causing him to let out a strangled cry as he woke up, his swollen eyes darting around frantically before they landed on me.“Anna?” Leo called out weakly. “Surprised to see me?” I crouched to his eye level, tilting my head. “Guess you didn’t do your job so well, huh?”“I’m sorry, Anna,” he managed to choke out. I let out a cold laugh, shaking my head. “It’s too late for that, Leo. Don't you think“ Straightening to my full height, I turned to Nolan and Dimitri. Can I get a bucket of hot water, husband?" “Whatever you want, princes