Lahat ng Kabanata ng Marked by the Mob: A Russian Mafia Romance: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Nicolai paced the study, his fingers drumming on the table in front of him. The conversation with Sergei had been brief and to the point. Petr had been found, but no sign of Dmitri. Nicolai knew his brother's MO too well, and Petr's brutal murder only confirmed his involvement. He ran a hand across his face, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle on his shoulders. He'd been unable to focus on the financials Sergei needed him to review, his thoughts constantly drifting to Alessia. He was thankful that at least he knew she was safe under his roof. The door burst open with a bang, and Nicolai's head snapped up. His eyes widened in shock at the sight of the man standing in the doorway. He was drenched in blood, his usually crisp suit in tatters, and a deep gash ran along his forehead, marring his face with a bright red scar. Nicolai recognized him as one of his most seasoned guards, but he couldn't recall his name. "What in

Banging came on the thick wooden door and she flinched. Dmitri nodded and one of his men opened the lock. A gust of cold air blew in, briefly interrupting the intense atmosphere as two men entered, their faces grim."What's her status?" Dmitri demanded, his eyes never leaving Alessia."Safe and sound, sir," one of the men replied, his voice strained."Good. Keep it that way. I want her unharmed...for now."

The cabin was silent save for the thumping of her heart and her ragged breathing. Alessia's eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail that might help her escape. The window, of course, was out of reach, and the door was locked tight. Her eyes fell on the bed she was secured to and a glimmer of hope ignited. The frame was old and the welds holding the iron bars in place looked rusty.She tested the bonds securing her wrists, but they held fast, immovable. Still, there was a slight give when she pulled against them. Perhaps they hadn't been as careful as they should have been in securing her. She pulled and strained against the restraints, feeling the cool metal dig into her skin. A jolt of pain shot up her arms, and she hisse

Alessia's heart sank as Dmitri led her toward a large cage in the corner of the room. The cage was enclosed by thick metal bars and occupied by a group of women huddled together. Their eyes widened as she approached, a mix of fear and desperation clouding their gazes.She was pushed into the cage, the impact sending a jolt through her body. The women shuffled aside, making room for her, and she stumbled into their midst, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The cage was large enough to accommodate them all, but the space was cramped and stifling. A sickening feeling settled in her stomach as she realized these women must have been brought here against their will, just like her.Outside the cage, Dmitri's men continued their grim preparations. Alessia's eyes welled with tears when she recognized some of Nicolai's guards among them, their faces beaten and bruised. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Nicolai, if he was even alive. The cage was lit by a single bulb, its hars

The night was cold and unforgiving, but Alessia barely felt the chill as she stood on the porch, her heart pounding in her chest. The door to the cabin creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with a face etched with lines of hardship and wisdom. Her eyes, a piercing blue, studied Alessia with a mix of caution and concern."Please," Alessia begged, her voice trembling with desperation. "I need your help. They're trying to kill me."The woman's expression softened, and she stepped aside, gesturing for Alessia to enter. "Come in, child," she said, her voice thick with a Russian accent. "You are safe here."Alessia stepped into the warmth of the cabin, her eyes darting around the cozy interior. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the simple furnishings. The scent of fresh bread and herbal tea filled the air, a comforting contrast to the horror she had just escaped.The elderly woman closed the door and turned to face Alessia, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and