ANASTASIA’S POVI pulled back gently from Nolan’s embrace, but he still held me in his arms. I looked up at him to search his face and tried to read his expression. We locked eyes and I could see a different mix of emotions. My heart skipped a beat as his eyes darted down to my lips, and as if on impulse, I did the same too. I watched him with my anticipation building as his eyes darted from mine to my lips and he looked like he was fighting an inner battle. He swallowed hard as he drew closer to me. His lips hovered just above mine and without thinking, I closed the small distance between us and crashed my lips into his. Immediately our lips collided, it felt like a missing piece in me had been found. This wasn’t the first time we were kissing, but this time it was real. Nolan cupped my cheeks as he deepened the kiss, his lips slowly gliding against mine. My fingers curled into the fabric of his t-shirt wanting his warmth. Before I realized it, my back pressed against something
NOLAN’S POV Something tickled my face, pulling me out of my sleep. I scrunched my face in mild irritation, shifting away from what was disturbing me. But, the tickling didn’t stop, it continued brushing against my nose. My brows furrowed in confusion as I opened my eyes to see what was happening. As I rubbed my eyes open, I looked beside me to find a figure sleeping next to meThen it hit me.Anastasia and I shared a bed.Adjusting to the dim morning light coming into the room through the slit in the curtains. I turned my head slightly to get a good look at her. And there she was, curled up beside me, strands of her long hair sprawled across my chest.The events from last night replayed in my head, making a slow smirk creep onto my lips. It was the first time we had shared a bed, and it was perfect.I carefully reached out to brush a few strands of hair from her face. When my fingers made contact with her skin, she stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. Instead, she snuggled closer t
ANASTASIA’S POV I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as I parked at the entrance of an electronic store owned by a family friend John. It’s the same place I’d always come to for my tech needs. I lost my phone in the fire with so many other things, and I needed to replace them as soon as possible.I stepped out of the car, adjusting my bag over my shoulder, and walked into the store. The moment I entered, a warm, familiar voice called out to me.“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite customer.”A smile tugged at my lips as I turned to find John, standing in the middle of the store with his signature kind expression. “Hey, John,” I greeted, making my way towards him.“For me to see you, you must’ve gotten yourself in trouble huh?” He said, chuckling.“Haha, very funny, John.” “What can I help you with Anna?” “I need a new phone. My last one got... burned.” I said as I looked around.I turned back to him to see his brows lifted in surprise. “Burned? That’s not something I he
NOLAN’S POV I drummed my fingers softly against the desk, staring blankly at the stack of files at my front. I’ve been sitting in my office for the past two hours, trying to get some work done, but my mind kept drifting elsewhere.To her. Anastasia.It had been a day since the night we were intimate, and I couldn’t shake the thoughts of her running through my head. The way she had fit so perfectly in my arms when I held her. The feel of her skin against mine. The way her lips had felt against mine. The way she had looked at me afterwards.I rubbed a hand over my face as I leaned back into my chair.Get it together, Nolan.I didn’t think things between us were going to get this intertwined. This marriage wasn’t supposed to mean anything. But damn, it did. The more time I spent around her, the more difficult it became to not get drawn to her.I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on my office door. “Come in.”The door opened, and my private investigator, Viktor, stepped inside, ho
ANASTASIA’S POVWhen I stepped into the house, the aroma of something delicious greeted me. I paused for a second to take in the scent of spices and roasted meat.I curiously made my way to the kitchen wanting to see what Maria was making. The last thing I expected to see was Nolan standing over the stove, making roasted chicken. Maria was standing beside him, handing him a dish as he plated the meal.I took in what was happening and blinked, maybe I was hallucinating?Nolan? Cooking?He looked up just then and caught sight of me. I watched as a slow smile spread across his face. “Hey, princess.”I folded my arms and leaned against the doorway, my lips twitching with amusement. “Well, well well. What exactly am I witnessing here?”Nolan smirked as he continued with what he was doing. “Just a man making dinner for his wife.”I glanced over at the dining table, where different dishes were already laid out—roast potatoes, grilled vegetables, fresh bread, and a bottle of red wine at the c
NOLAN’S POVI stirred slightly as I felt nudging in my sides, but I didn’t wake up, it must be Anna thrashing around in her sleep. The nudging continued consistently.I scrunched up my brows trying to adjust my eyes to the warm light coming inside through the window. I looked to my side to see Anastasia already awake and looking at me with wide eyes.“Uhm, good morning to you too?” I said turning to face her fully.“You’re going to be late for your trip,” she said blankly.“Can’t wait to get rid of me, huh?” I said as I leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her lips. She let out a sigh as she snuggled closer to me, “I’m sorry it looks like that, I just like being on time when traveling.”I chuckled, “That’s alright princess,” I said as I pressed another kiss to her lips lingering for a bit. I knew I had to leave soon, but I wanted to enjoy a little more time with her. She kissed me back just as softly before pulling away slightly, her fingers tracing light patterns on my chest.“You p
ANASTASIA’S POVThe chatter of conversations filled my ears as I stepped into the conference room. I settled into my seat at the head of the long table, looking at the expressions of my suppliers seated around it.“Alright,” I said as I crossed one leg over the other, leaning forward slightly. “Let’s get straight to the point. I hear there’s been an issue with delays in shipment. Does anybody care to explain?”Mr. Donatti, one of my longest-standing suppliers, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “Yes, Miss Ivanovo–.”I raised my hand, cutting him off. “Mrs Russo,” I corrected in a stern tone. “Ah, yes. My apologies, ma’am,” he said looking around the room awkwardly. “The new regulations at the docks are slowing down our processing times. We’re doing our best to navigate the situation.”I nodded as I tapped my fingers rhythmically on the table. “And by ‘doing your best,’ you mean what exactly? Because last I checked, I paid for efficiency, not excuses.”Donatti shifted in his
NOLAN’S POVI was sitting on a couch in my hotel room with my elbows resting on my knees. Mateo was sitting across from me with a tense expression on his face as he thought about our next move. “We need to clean up this mess," I said with frustration evident in my voice. “Raul Esteban did more damage than I anticipated, and now my business is paying the price."Mateo sighed as he said, “We’ve already started damage control, but it’s a bit difficult at the moment. Some of your men switched sides the moment they saw an opportunity.”I tilted my head back as I let out a humorless laugh. “Then they need to be reminded of their loyalty. Actions have consequences.”Mateo nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. What do you want me to do with them?”Before I could answer, the door burst open. Mateo and I turned towards the door as Dimitri stormed in, his eyes scanning the room before landing on me.I blinked at how he stormed into the room, then leaned back into the couch. “Uh, hi, roommate?
ANASTASIA’S POVI could feel a dull, persistent throb banging through my skull as I slowly regained consciousness. The last thing I could remember before passing out was the driver stopping to check the tires, and the car was suddenly filled with fumes that knocked me out. From where I was, I could hear muffled and distant voices. I could feel my eyes covered by blindfolds, so opening my eyes was pretty much useless. I tried to move my wrists, but they were tightly bound behind me. The rough texture of rope dug into my skin with every slight movement. I tugged once, then twice, getting frustrated as I realized how useless my efforts were. My legs were bound to the chair as well, restricting even the slightest move.I let out a frustrated groan just as I heard the door creaking open. The door opening was followed by slow and deliberate footsteps. I counted two people from the footsteps. One of them stopped a few feet away while the other circled me, the sound of heels clicking on t
NOLAN’S POVI was sitting on a couch in my hotel room with my elbows resting on my knees. Mateo was sitting across from me with a tense expression on his face as he thought about our next move. “We need to clean up this mess," I said with frustration evident in my voice. “Raul Esteban did more damage than I anticipated, and now my business is paying the price."Mateo sighed as he said, “We’ve already started damage control, but it’s a bit difficult at the moment. Some of your men switched sides the moment they saw an opportunity.”I tilted my head back as I let out a humorless laugh. “Then they need to be reminded of their loyalty. Actions have consequences.”Mateo nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. What do you want me to do with them?”Before I could answer, the door burst open. Mateo and I turned towards the door as Dimitri stormed in, his eyes scanning the room before landing on me.I blinked at how he stormed into the room, then leaned back into the couch. “Uh, hi, roommate?
ANASTASIA’S POVThe chatter of conversations filled my ears as I stepped into the conference room. I settled into my seat at the head of the long table, looking at the expressions of my suppliers seated around it.“Alright,” I said as I crossed one leg over the other, leaning forward slightly. “Let’s get straight to the point. I hear there’s been an issue with delays in shipment. Does anybody care to explain?”Mr. Donatti, one of my longest-standing suppliers, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “Yes, Miss Ivanovo–.”I raised my hand, cutting him off. “Mrs Russo,” I corrected in a stern tone. “Ah, yes. My apologies, ma’am,” he said looking around the room awkwardly. “The new regulations at the docks are slowing down our processing times. We’re doing our best to navigate the situation.”I nodded as I tapped my fingers rhythmically on the table. “And by ‘doing your best,’ you mean what exactly? Because last I checked, I paid for efficiency, not excuses.”Donatti shifted in his
NOLAN’S POVI stirred slightly as I felt nudging in my sides, but I didn’t wake up, it must be Anna thrashing around in her sleep. The nudging continued consistently.I scrunched up my brows trying to adjust my eyes to the warm light coming inside through the window. I looked to my side to see Anastasia already awake and looking at me with wide eyes.“Uhm, good morning to you too?” I said turning to face her fully.“You’re going to be late for your trip,” she said blankly.“Can’t wait to get rid of me, huh?” I said as I leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her lips. She let out a sigh as she snuggled closer to me, “I’m sorry it looks like that, I just like being on time when traveling.”I chuckled, “That’s alright princess,” I said as I pressed another kiss to her lips lingering for a bit. I knew I had to leave soon, but I wanted to enjoy a little more time with her. She kissed me back just as softly before pulling away slightly, her fingers tracing light patterns on my chest.“You p
ANASTASIA’S POVWhen I stepped into the house, the aroma of something delicious greeted me. I paused for a second to take in the scent of spices and roasted meat.I curiously made my way to the kitchen wanting to see what Maria was making. The last thing I expected to see was Nolan standing over the stove, making roasted chicken. Maria was standing beside him, handing him a dish as he plated the meal.I took in what was happening and blinked, maybe I was hallucinating?Nolan? Cooking?He looked up just then and caught sight of me. I watched as a slow smile spread across his face. “Hey, princess.”I folded my arms and leaned against the doorway, my lips twitching with amusement. “Well, well well. What exactly am I witnessing here?”Nolan smirked as he continued with what he was doing. “Just a man making dinner for his wife.”I glanced over at the dining table, where different dishes were already laid out—roast potatoes, grilled vegetables, fresh bread, and a bottle of red wine at the c
NOLAN’S POV I drummed my fingers softly against the desk, staring blankly at the stack of files at my front. I’ve been sitting in my office for the past two hours, trying to get some work done, but my mind kept drifting elsewhere.To her. Anastasia.It had been a day since the night we were intimate, and I couldn’t shake the thoughts of her running through my head. The way she had fit so perfectly in my arms when I held her. The feel of her skin against mine. The way her lips had felt against mine. The way she had looked at me afterwards.I rubbed a hand over my face as I leaned back into my chair.Get it together, Nolan.I didn’t think things between us were going to get this intertwined. This marriage wasn’t supposed to mean anything. But damn, it did. The more time I spent around her, the more difficult it became to not get drawn to her.I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on my office door. “Come in.”The door opened, and my private investigator, Viktor, stepped inside, ho
ANASTASIA’S POV I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as I parked at the entrance of an electronic store owned by a family friend John. It’s the same place I’d always come to for my tech needs. I lost my phone in the fire with so many other things, and I needed to replace them as soon as possible.I stepped out of the car, adjusting my bag over my shoulder, and walked into the store. The moment I entered, a warm, familiar voice called out to me.“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite customer.”A smile tugged at my lips as I turned to find John, standing in the middle of the store with his signature kind expression. “Hey, John,” I greeted, making my way towards him.“For me to see you, you must’ve gotten yourself in trouble huh?” He said, chuckling.“Haha, very funny, John.” “What can I help you with Anna?” “I need a new phone. My last one got... burned.” I said as I looked around.I turned back to him to see his brows lifted in surprise. “Burned? That’s not something I he
NOLAN’S POV Something tickled my face, pulling me out of my sleep. I scrunched my face in mild irritation, shifting away from what was disturbing me. But, the tickling didn’t stop, it continued brushing against my nose. My brows furrowed in confusion as I opened my eyes to see what was happening. As I rubbed my eyes open, I looked beside me to find a figure sleeping next to meThen it hit me.Anastasia and I shared a bed.Adjusting to the dim morning light coming into the room through the slit in the curtains. I turned my head slightly to get a good look at her. And there she was, curled up beside me, strands of her long hair sprawled across my chest.The events from last night replayed in my head, making a slow smirk creep onto my lips. It was the first time we had shared a bed, and it was perfect.I carefully reached out to brush a few strands of hair from her face. When my fingers made contact with her skin, she stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. Instead, she snuggled closer t
ANASTASIA’S POVI pulled back gently from Nolan’s embrace, but he still held me in his arms. I looked up at him to search his face and tried to read his expression. We locked eyes and I could see a different mix of emotions. My heart skipped a beat as his eyes darted down to my lips, and as if on impulse, I did the same too. I watched him with my anticipation building as his eyes darted from mine to my lips and he looked like he was fighting an inner battle. He swallowed hard as he drew closer to me. His lips hovered just above mine and without thinking, I closed the small distance between us and crashed my lips into his. Immediately our lips collided, it felt like a missing piece in me had been found. This wasn’t the first time we were kissing, but this time it was real. Nolan cupped my cheeks as he deepened the kiss, his lips slowly gliding against mine. My fingers curled into the fabric of his t-shirt wanting his warmth. Before I realized it, my back pressed against something