Aria.The soft light from the lamp in my room cast a warm glow around us. "I'll call you," Axel said, his voice rough but his eyes soft.I pulled him back, my heart screaming that it was too risky; he could get killed. I couldn't bear that pain. The pain of losing a loved one.Not again."I'll be okay, krasotka," he said, as if reading my mind. He kissed me, and I could feel the urgency and the passion. "I'll bring Nilo and Zara back. Safe. Trust me."I clung to him, tears threatening to spill. "Promise me, Axel. Promise me you'll come back."He smiled that bad boy smile I loved so much and whispered in my ear, "I promise, krasotka."I didn't want to let go. I couldn't. But I did, and he left. The door closed behind him, and I was left alone, his promise echoing in my head.Sleep was impossible. I paced around my room, restless, anxious. I checked on Mila. She was asleep, peaceful, unaware of the danger. Max wagged his tail, happy to see me."Everything will be okay, Max," I said, but
Axel.A ping.I glanced at the phone. "Aria's back home. Safe." Damn, it felt good to exhale. But the tension didn't stay gone for long.Roman leaned forward, adjusting the collar of his impeccable shirt. Guy always looked like he stepped straight out of a damned magazine shoot. "Remember that little nugget Zara spilled earlier? About Viktor planning some sort of 'housewarming' gift on our turf?"Gritting my teeth, I nodded. "Bastard's planning to hit us at home.""I know when it's gonna happen." He glanced at me."Aria got word from this Anya." I forcefully set my phone on the table. "She gave a hint about something brewing for Mila's birthday.""Bullseye." Without a word, Roman took a dart from the side table. With controlled anger, he hurled it straight into a dartboard across the room, hitting dead center.I squeezed my brow together. "This Anya bitch, we knew about her?"Nikolai's face twisted in disgust. "Yup, that bloody janitor finally confessed that he was on Viktor's payroll
Axel.The basement reeked of fear, piss, and the coppery tang of blood. Shadows clung to the corners like cobwebs, thick and oppressive. In the center of the room, Sergey was strapped to a chair, his face a mess of bruises and cuts.I circled him slowly, the rage inside me a living, breathing thing. The poker in my hand glowed a dull orange, wisps of heat shimmering off the tip."I trusted you, Sergei," I said, my voice a low rasp. "And you betrayed me."Sergey made a noise halfway between a whimper and a groan. "Boss, please... I can explain—"I backhanded him across the face, splitting his lip. "Explain? What's there to fucking explain? You went behind my back, you piece of shit. Tried to sell me out to the highest bidder."His eyes widened, bulging slightly. Blood and spittle flew from his mouth as he shook his head frantically. "No, no, it wasn't like that! I swear, I never—""Don't fucking lie to me!" I roared. The poker hovered an inch from his face, and the stink of his fear ra
Aria.48 hours before the party.I groaned as the sack came off my face. My head was ringing, my eyes bleary. The world was a blur of indistinct shapes and colors.Dear God! My head felt like it had been split open.Memories came flooding back - leaving the coffee shop, bitter espresso on my tongue. Walking through the alleyway to my second job at the mall, it was quiet, too quiet. Suddenly, I felt the prickling sensation down my neck that told me I was being watched.I had turned around, the fear already starting to rise in my chest. And then everything had gone dark.My hands were tied, but not tight enough to be painful. I adjusted to a more comfortable position on the creaking chair. Realization suddenly dawned...Someone kidnapped me! Oh God, please!"I think you broke the doll," I heard a voice say. The sound startled me, and I jolted my head upright, my eyes scanning the room for the source.My captor emerged from the shadows, draining the color from my face. He was tall and me
Aria.12 hours before the party.The car door swung open, and I stumbled out, my ankles wobbling in the damn torture devices Viktor called shoes. Biting back a curse, I straightened up, ignoring the burn in my soles. The driver smirked, clearly enjoying my struggle. Asshole."Get moving," he snarled, his eyes trailing over me with disdain. "And don't forget, if you mess this up, you can kiss your dear brother goodbye. We won't think twice about making him vanish. For good."My fingers twitched, itching to claw that smug look off his face. But I couldn't. Not with Mikey's life on the line. I took a steadying breath, the cool night air a stark contrast to the fury simmering in my veins.Focus, Aria. One step at a time. Just like Viktor drilled into you.I squared my shoulders and started the painful trek toward the entrance. The grand building loomed before me, its lush gardens stretching out like a green carpet. Massive pillars reached skyward, supporting a balcony that wrapped around
Aria.The party was in full swing, and I found myself struggling to maintain my composure in those godforsaken heels. It felt like an eternity as I wobbled and teetered, drawing the ire of my fellow servers. One particularly mean-spirited woman smirked as she watched me falter."Careful, darling," she taunted, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Wouldn't want to spill anything on these expensive carpets."I gritted my teeth, refusing to let her mockery derail me. I had a mission to complete, and I couldn't afford any distractions. With renewed determination, I straightened my back, held my head high, and continued dealing with the challenges before me.As I carried a tray of champagne glasses, I wound through the sea of elegantly dressed partygoers. Men in tailored suits and women in luxurious gowns mingled, their laughter and conversation filling the air. In the dimly lit corners of the room, I caught glimpses of couples exchanging passionate kisses and embraces, seemingly obli
Aria.My heart was still racing from the close call with Nikolai. I'd managed to retrieve the microchips, but I was no closer to figuring out where to plant them. As I wound my way through the crowded ballroom, I tried to keep my cool while internally freaking out. I mean, seriously, who would've thought I'd end up playing spy and planting devices in a mafia boss's mansion? I was definitely no James Bond.Holding the tray awkwardly in one hand, I quickly secured the bobby pins back into my hair, each one hiding a tiny spy device. One step closer to planting the damn things, yet I had no clue where the hell Axel's room was. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack the size of Texas.Struggling to maintain my balance, I felt a pang of envy as I watched the other women in the room glide effortlessly in heels even taller than my own. The contrast between their grace and my own clumsy movements only added to the mounting pressure I felt.How do they do it?I wobbled slightly, stead
Aria.With my tray finally empty, I set it down and mustered up the courage to sneak away from the bustling activity. I headed down one of the hallways, my heart pounding with every step. The server's uniform turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No one batted an eye as I passed more bodyguards standing sentinel outside various doors.As I went, I made up ridiculous scenarios in my head for what could be hidden behind each one. It was a stupid game, but right then, I needed something to distract me from completely freaking out.By door number five, I was getting good at it. "Oh, that must be the room where Axel keeps his collection of exotic stuffed animals," I muttered under my breath, stifling a nervous giggle as I strode past yet another imposing door.I'd been discreetly exploring the hallways and peeking into rooms for what felt like hours, but so far, I'd been unable to determine which rooms belonged to Axel. Time was running out, and my frustration grew with each passing mom
Axel.A ping.I glanced at the phone. "Aria's back home. Safe." Damn, it felt good to exhale. But the tension didn't stay gone for long.Roman leaned forward, adjusting the collar of his impeccable shirt. Guy always looked like he stepped straight out of a damned magazine shoot. "Remember that little nugget Zara spilled earlier? About Viktor planning some sort of 'housewarming' gift on our turf?"Gritting my teeth, I nodded. "Bastard's planning to hit us at home.""I know when it's gonna happen." He glanced at me."Aria got word from this Anya." I forcefully set my phone on the table. "She gave a hint about something brewing for Mila's birthday.""Bullseye." Without a word, Roman took a dart from the side table. With controlled anger, he hurled it straight into a dartboard across the room, hitting dead center.I squeezed my brow together. "This Anya bitch, we knew about her?"Nikolai's face twisted in disgust. "Yup, that bloody janitor finally confessed that he was on Viktor's payroll
Aria.The soft light from the lamp in my room cast a warm glow around us. "I'll call you," Axel said, his voice rough but his eyes soft.I pulled him back, my heart screaming that it was too risky; he could get killed. I couldn't bear that pain. The pain of losing a loved one.Not again."I'll be okay, krasotka," he said, as if reading my mind. He kissed me, and I could feel the urgency and the passion. "I'll bring Nilo and Zara back. Safe. Trust me."I clung to him, tears threatening to spill. "Promise me, Axel. Promise me you'll come back."He smiled that bad boy smile I loved so much and whispered in my ear, "I promise, krasotka."I didn't want to let go. I couldn't. But I did, and he left. The door closed behind him, and I was left alone, his promise echoing in my head.Sleep was impossible. I paced around my room, restless, anxious. I checked on Mila. She was asleep, peaceful, unaware of the danger. Max wagged his tail, happy to see me."Everything will be okay, Max," I said, but
Axel."What the fuck is this?" I barked, eyes locked on the girl lying unconscious on the bed, barely covered by Nikolai's jacket. Her face was stained with blood, but something told me it wasn't her own.Nikolai scowled, rubbing a bruise on his jaw. "This crazy bitch cut off two of Viktor's men's dicks. She came charging at me with the same knife when I tried to talk to her. So, I had to knock her out a bit." Nikolai spoke with guilt."You mean you punched her lights out." Roman laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, at least you could have told her we're the 'good guys,'" he added.Nikolai's face turned red, his anger rising. "You think this is funny? She's dangerous."I raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. "She's a wild one." Had to be. She petrified Nikolai, for fuck's sake. "Must've scared the shit out of you," I taunted."Yeah, fucking hilarious," Nikolai snapped, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You try talking to a naked, blood-soaked woman wie
Zara.The minute my brain pulled me from the dark, I knew something was off. There was a rank stench in the air, like a mix of sweat and stale beer. Beneath me was a mattress that was as thin as a pancake and twice as lumpy. Not the stinking tile floor I was on.Fucking hell, where am I?Nilo!I hoped that scrappy little shit was okay. My last memory was of two Russian gorillas closing in, hands itching to choke me out. I hoped Nilo ran. But I doubted it; he was high as fuck.Right then, I had my own shitstorm to weather. Testing my bonds, I found my wrists and ankles tied tight. I was spread out, my bare skin kissed by the chill of the room.Goddammit, not again.My mind started replaying past nightmares, but I pushed them down, forced myself to stay in the here and now.Duct tape smothered any cries for help, reducing me to desperate, muffled whimpers. I had tried to break free earlier, but all I got for my troubles was a swift kick to the ribs. It was hard to tell how long it had b
Axel.The cold took its grip on the evening, yet there I was, drenched in sweat beneath layers of Kevlar and tactical gear. One would think being a mafia boss prepped for an assault would mean luxury suits and polished shoes.But tonight? It was all about armor and readiness.Looking around, most of the guys were in position, ready to strike."You good?" I nodded.We were deep in Alek's warehouse, and the air was thick with the foul stench of his sins. Decay, piss, and a darker odor that spoke of forbidden acts and broken souls permeated the place. Nikolai's gaze was like a knife, slicing through the darkness, never settling, always searching.Roman... he looked like he was one wrong word away from sna
Axel.We'd just checked out of the hospital.My black Lamborghini Urus was waiting where Grisha had dropped it off earlier, and I unlocked it, holding open the passenger door for Aria.I looked at her fumbling with the seatbelt, her fingers trembling. It gave me the excuse I needed."Need help there, krasotka?" I asked, leaning over. Her eyes locked onto mine, surprised. I couldn't resist; I kissed her, quick and demanding.She kissed me back, her hand reaching down, and everything inside me was on fire. She was teasing me, tracing the outline of my cock. It hardened instantly, and I groaned, lost in the sensation, the tantalizing promise of what could be. I pulled her close, her body warm and inviting, her touch driving me insane.
Aria.Today was the day I'd die.With my baby.My baby!I still couldn't believe it...I was lying in a big, uncomfortable bed, not like the one I'd been in before... and the room smelled like medicine. A memory flashed before my eyes:A man in a white coat was talking to Nana, and he was using words I didn't understand."I'm sorry to inform you that Aria will not be able to conceive as the impact of the accident had caused significant damage to her fallopian tubes," he said. His voice was all serious and grown-up, and I couldn't make sense of what he was talking about. But it must have been something bad because Nana started crying really hard
Axel.A few hours before.I was standing with Patrick, but my eyes betrayed me, drifting over to Aria. Damn it all to hell, she looked off. Pale.Is she okay?"Aria!" Mila's shriek made me snap to attention. My head whipped around. Mila's face was a twisted mask of terror as she clung to Aria, but it was no use. Aria was falling, her face pale, and her eyes shut.I was moving before I knew it, muscles working on autopilot. My arms reached out, and I caught Aria just before she hit the ground. Mila was crying like her heart was breaking. Nikolai was there, picking her up."It's okay, Mila," I grunted, feeling something twist in my gut. "Aria's gonna be fine. I am going to take her to the doctor
Aria.I didn't feel well.My heart was pounding like a drum in my chest. The toy shop around me seemed to blur, the edges of my vision getting fuzzy.What's happening to me?This can't be happening now. Not here, not with Mila.Think, Aria, think. What's Viktor planning?My mind returned to Anya, her evil smirk, and her cold, deadly eyes.Should I come clean with Axel?No! He'll kill me. Bloody Viktor!He's left me in the dark. I have no idea if Nilo or Zara are alive.Oh God, breathe, just breathe."Look, Aria!" Mila's voice rang through the haze, and I turned to see her eyes shining with excitement. She was pointing at the dollhouses lined up on a shelf, each one more elaborate than the next. "See this one?" she chirped, pulling me closer. "It's got a little garden and a swing. And this one here's got tiny rooms, and you can even see the little dishes in the kitchen!""Yeah, Mila, they're beautiful," I managed to say, my voice sounding distant even to my own ears. I tried to focus o