Semua Bab A Bride For A Truce: Bab 1 - Bab 10

ADRIKO’S POV I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Manhattan penthouse, the city sprawling below in its chaotic rhythm. Horns blared, headlights blinked like fireflies in the endless traffic, and faceless figures hurried along the sidewalks. Manhattan never sleeps, and tonight, its energy matched my restless thoughts. I sipped my vodka and watched, the view never got old. It however lacked the allure of Moscow in summer,its golden evenings and soft, warm breezes. Still, Manhattan had its rugged charm, though it was a poor substitute for home. I pushed the thought aside. Nostalgia had no place in my life here. Not with this wedding tightening around my neck like a noose. Sergei’s voice pulls me out of my reprieve. He’s seated on the other side of my large oak desk,tablet in hand, rattling off updates about shipments. I stride to my chair and sink in. “The shipment to the South Boston waterfront is set to leave at midnight,” he says, scrolling through the details

ADRIKO’S POV The presence of Viktor set off warning bells in my head, the air felt thick like a volcano was teetering beneath the surface. My hand twitches, itching for the familiar weight of my gun in my pocket but I can't make a scene…at least not yet. His lips curves into a slow deliberate smile as he strides forward, his gait too casual, too confident for a man walking into the lion's den. I know it is a strategy. Viktor never acted without a plan. “Adrik, hope i’m not late? ,I couldn't miss the history-making occasion”, the mocking smile spreading across his face. Seeing that look on his face took me back to memories I’d rather not dwell on, deals gone wrong, bonds broken. He had always challenged my authority and questioned my decisions. We hadn't crossed paths since I left Russia but this..him here, now was a veiled threat “You weren't invited,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to slice through butter. Serafina’s gaze moved between Viktor and me. Her eyes were sharp w

ADRIKO’S POV The door clicked shut behind me and my eyes instinctively flickered to my phone screen.Sergei.My thumb Swiped the receive button, and I pressed the phone to my ear. “Speak” I ordered, my voice low and calm despite the fury simmering underneath the surface. “We found something boss” Sergei reported. I strode down the hallway, taking measured steps to my study. “Tell me”. “The detonator, it’s a high-class military piece. Someone went through a lot of trouble to get it”. I reached the end of the hallway and pushed open the doors to my office. The scent of leather and polished wood greeted me as I paced across the room. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I glanced out my study window, the city bustling below. “And the source?” I asked. “That's where it gets complicated. The parts were smuggled into the city months ago but it was assembled-” “Spit it out, Sergei”. “Well the markings on the piece seem to point to the Yakuza, but we ain't hundred percent ce

SERAFINA’S POV Two days later-Stamford Hospital New York. The first thing I noticed was that I had a headache. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, the overhead bulb burning into my eyes. The smell of antiseptic hit me and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I was in a hospital. “Serafina?” Adriko called in concern. My eyes moved to the side and there he was sitting on the chair beside me. His eyes locked onto mine, brows furrowed. “W-what…happened?” my voice was faint,barely above a whisper “You collapsed in the bathroom, and hit your head,” he said, his voice calm but tense. “You’ve been unconscious for two days”. Two days! My eyes widened as memories flashed through my mind. I had gone to use the restroom after the doctor left, I remember feeling dizzy before slumping and hitting my head against the sink. “I felt so weak”, I murmured, my fingers brushing the bandage on my forehead .”The room was spinning. I couldn't…” “You couldn't what?” his tone sharpened and I flinc

SERAFINAThe ride back home was filled with a tense silence. I sat beside Adriko as he drove, his hands clenching the steering wheel occasionally. I replayed everything that had happened in the hospital as I stared out the window.Why can't I catch a break? I have never felt so unsafe in my entire life. Yes, I knew how dangerous the Camorra is but I have never had anyone physically attack me before. I bit my lip to stop it from trembling but the effort was futile.A shaky breath escaped me and before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks.Adriko noticed, his sharp gaze flicked to me he swore softly under his breath. “Don’t” he said, his voice low but commanding. “Don't what?” I shot back, wiping my tears with trembling fingers. “Cry? Be scared? What do you want me to do Adriko? Pretend I wasn't almost killed?”His jaw tightened, but instead of answering, he surprised me by placing his hand on my thigh and squeezing softly in a comforting gesture. My heart skipped a beat at the co