Share

Chapter 6

Author: T.O
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-08 20:33:53

NOLAN’S POV

The 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 practicing your ‘yes, dear’s?” He said with a mischievous look on his face.

Ignoring him, I pushed open the door to my office. Dimitri followed me inside, making himself comfortable on the leather couch as though he owned the place.

“Don’t start, Dimitri,” I muttered as I shrugged off my jacket and tossed it onto the chair.

He leaned back, arms behind his head, “Come on, man, you have to admit it’s hilarious. You, the infamous Nolan Russo, tied down by an arrangement. What’s next? White picket fences and family Christmas cards?” he said as the grin on his face grew wider by the second.

“Funny,” I said dryly as I settled into my chair “You’re enjoying this way too much,” I said with obvious irritation.

“How could I not?” Dimitri chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement. “The mighty Nolan Russo, master of his destiny, now playing husband. I should sell tickets to this show.”

“You’re insufferable,” I muttered, flipping through the documents on my desk. The pile seemed to grow by the second, each file representing another problem waiting to be solved. “Now, can we move on to actual work, or do you want to keep rehearsing your stand-up lines?”

Dimitri chuckled, sitting up straighter, finally ready to get down to business. “Fine, fine. Let’s talk business.” He grabbed the tablet from my desk, swiping through the files. “The shipment from Sicily is on track, but the deal in Madrid hit a snag. The client’s getting cold feet—something about increased scrutiny from law enforcement.”

I nodded, my mind already racing through solutions. “Reach out to Matteo. Have him smooth things over. We can’t afford delays on that front. Get him to calm their nerves.”

“Will do,” Dimitri said, “Concerning the weapons cache in Eastern Europe… The locals are getting restless. They want a bigger cut.”

“Offer them a ten percent increase,” I said, as I leaned back into my chair, “But make it clear it’s non-negotiable. We’re not running a charity here. If they don’t agree, find someone else to replace them.”

Dimitri's eyes glinted with amusement as he smirked. “As usual, diplomacy is always your first option”

“Smooth deals help keep the bloodshed to a minimum,” I replied. “Also, it’s better for business. The last thing I need right now is for a fucking deal to go bad.”

“Speaking of bloodshed,” Dimitri said, his tone shifting. He handed me the tablet again, this time with a more serious expression. “We’ve hit another roadblock at the border. Same place as before.”

“Still no progress?” I frowned as I scanned through the report, my irritation becoming obvious.

“None,” Dimitri confirmed, leaning into the chair with his arms crossed. “Every time we try to move goods through that region, it’s like hitting a brick wall. It’s getting harder to bypass them.”

I rubbed my temples in frustration, trying to think of a solution. “Who’s in control of that area? Have we figured out what the issue is yet?”

“Well, about that…” Dimitri hesitated, “It’s Ivanovos.” he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The name hit me like a slap. “The Ivanovos?” I repeated.

“Yep,” Dimitri said cautiously. “Your bride-to-be’s family. They’re the ones controlling that territory. From what I’ve heard, they’ve got their fucking claws in everything. Trades, border regulations, local officials. It’s basically their playground.”

“Of course it is,” I muttered under my breath as I slammed the tablet onto the desk. The noise echoed through the room.

Dimitri raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my frustration. “You’re taking this well.”

“Oh, I’m thrilled,” I snapped, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “First, they try to marry their daughter off to me, and now they’re screwing with my business. What next? Redecorating my damn condo?!”

“Hey, look on the bright side,” Dimitri said with a grin. “Maybe marrying Anastasia will get us into more countries.”

“Not helping,” I muttered as I glared at him.

“All right, all right. So, what’s the plan?” Dimitri said as he held his hands up in mock surrender. “We can’t keep hitting dead ends.”

I stood from my chair to pour myself a glass of scotch, I took a slow sip, letting the burn of alcohol settle in my chest. “Get me the details of their office. I want to know who to talk to, what strings to pull, and how to end this mess.”

“Consider it done,” Dimitri said, his playful mood shifting into something more serious. “I’ll get you the details when I get to my office.”

As he stood up to leave, I stood still for a moment, staring out the window, my mind racing. The Ivanovos. Of course, it had to be them. The disastrous dinner planned by our parents replayed in my mind and the memory of Anastasia’s sharp tongue and fiery glare that was not easy to forget was burned into my head. I wondered if she knew the chaos her family was causing in my life.

The buzz of my phone interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at the screen. It was a message from Dimitri: “I got the location. Ivanov’s office is on the east side of the city. I’m sending the coordinates now.”

Setting my glass down, I grabbed my jacket and my car keys. It was time to confront Ivanovos head-on. I strode toward the door, my thoughts focused on the confrontation that was about to unfold.

The engine of my car roared to life as I ignited it. Streets blurred past me as I sped out of the parking lot my final destination burned in my mind. Minutes after maneuvering through the city the Ivanovos building came into view, and a tall glass building casting a shadow over the street came into view. Without hesitation, I parket in the empty space and swung the car door open and strode toward the entrance.

“Mr. Russo, you’re expected on the top floor,” the secretary said as I stepped into the reception, not bothering to look up from the computer screen.

“Expected?” I echoed, my jaw tightening.

“Yes,” she replied, finally meeting my eyes. “Your office called in and said you’d be coming. Our President is waiting for you in the office. I’ll lead the way, sir.” She said as she led the way to the elevator.

The elevator ride to the top floor felt longer than it should have, the silence in the air thick with tension. When the doors opened, I stepped into an expansive office space with glass walls that offered an extensive view of the city, and the minimalist design was both cold and intimidating. The air was thick with unspoken power.

I looked toward the huge oak wood table backing the city view, and my eyes landed on the person seated at the desk looking through documents. Chills ran down my spine as my anger flared, my pulse quickening with each step closer.

“You!” I said in a low, menacing growl.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Marvea
The suspense is k*lling me!!!
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 7

    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

    Last Updated : 2025-01-08
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 8

    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

    Last Updated : 2025-01-10
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 9

    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

    Last Updated : 2025-01-11
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 10

    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

    Last Updated : 2025-01-12
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 11

    ANASTASIA’S POVThe blaring ringtone of my phone jolted me awake, immediately followed by the continuous ringing of my doorbell. I groaned, yanking the pillow over my head to block out the noise. Who in their right mind would be ringing my bell this early? They must have a death wish.“Damn it,” I muttered, throwing off the covers and stumbling out of bed. Snatching my phone from the nightstand, I squinted at the screen to see who was calling me. It was my mother. Just perfect.“What?” I answered in an irritated tone as I shuffled toward the front door.“That’s no way to talk to your mother, Anastasia,” she said, her tone sharp as always.I rolled my eyes and opened the door, only to find five people standing there, each holding more than two boxes and bags.“What the hell is this?” I asked, switching the phone to my other ear.“If only you’d bothered to pick up earlier, I wouldn’t have to explain,” my mother snapped. “That’s your makeup, hairstyling, and styling team. They’re there t

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 12

    NOLAN’S POV The Ivanovos' backyard looked nothing like its usual self. They had tiny lights hanging from the trees, allowing a soft glow to sprawl over the space. The seating area was covered with a white canopy to provide shade for the guests. There were different flowers everywhere, I could only recognize the roses and lilies arranged alongside other flowers. I could feel my mother’s death stare boring into me from where she stood. I couldn’t blame her, I was two hours late to the ceremony. It was all thanks to Dimitri, who insisted on throwing me a bachelor party the night before. The bachelor party ran too late because Dimitri insisted we make the most of my ‘final hours as a free man’. The pounding headache I was feeling served as a harsh reminder of how bad an idea the party was. ​I walked up to mother who was standing across the yard talking to another woman. As I walked up to her, I braced myself for the scolding that was to come. Before mother could scold me I swoo

    Last Updated : 2025-01-17
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 13

    ANASTASIA’S POVI groaned as the sunlight streaming through the light curtains woke me up. I tried to roll over to shield myself from the brightness, but something blocked my movement. I froze on the spot because I wasn’t expecting to have anyone in my bed. It had to be Athena. She has crashed at my place multiple times so it had to be her. With a playful smirk, I lifted my leg to kick her awake. Before I could kick her a second time, a deep unfamiliar voice rumbled from who I thought would be Athena.“Easy there,” the voice said.I bolted straight out of the bed with my heart hammering against my chest. The sudden movement sent a sharp pain through my skull, I pressed my hands to my temples as I let out a groan and tried to steady myself. I tried to look around at who was talking to me, but my vision was blurry and I couldn’t make out anything from my surroundings. “Are you okay?” the voice asked again, softer this time.I didn’t respond, as I was trying to make sense of what was

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18
  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 14

    ANASTASIA’S POVFLASHBACKI fumbled with my keys as I tried to steady my trembling hands, but the alcohol in my system made it almost impossible. The stranger beside me held me up with his firm grip as we both stumbled through the door when I finally opened the door.As soon as the door closed behind us, he pressed his body into mine pinning me against the door. He crashed his lips against mine, kissing me like he’d been waiting for this moment all night.I drunkenly tried to flip our positions so I’d be in control. But, it was like he saw it coming. He gently pressed his right hand against my throat, choking me, while his left hand trailed down to my ass and grabbed it firmly. The kiss grew hotter and more desperate as he slipped his hands under my knees and lifted me from the ground and my legs instinctively wrapped against his waist. His hips started grinding against mine as his lips moved from mine and trailed hot kisses down my neck and sucked on it, making me gasp. With my sha

    Last Updated : 2025-01-19

Latest chapter

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 60

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 59

    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.

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 58

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 57

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 56

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 55

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 54

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 53

    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

  • The Mafia‘s Shared Love   Chapter 52

    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

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status