LOGINNikolai's POVI stood at Leona's door, my hand still gripping the handle, my body filled with rage. Confronting her left me with a bitter feeling, while her words still echoed in my ears when she confessed her feelings, schemes and her willingness to destroy what I had with Anastasia.I released the handle and turned to leave, pulling my hood up to cover my face."Nikolai." Her voice stopped me cold.I paused but didn't turn around. "What do you want, Leona?""She doesn't have the power you need."My jaw tightened hearing her say those words, my hands clench into fists at my sides."Anastasia," Leona continued, her voice smooth and calculated, "she's not the one who can elevate you, she doesn't have what it takes to take your business to the next level. She doesn't have the connections or the resources or the drive to do so."I turned slowly, meeting her gaze. “So what exactly are you trying to say?"She stepped closer, her smile sharp and knowing. "I'm offering you a choice, Nikolai.
Nikolai's POVI stood at Leona's door, my hand still gripping the handle, my body filled with rage. Confronting her left me with a bitter feeling, while her words still echoed in my ears when she confessed her feelings, schemes and her willingness to destroy what I had with Anastasia.I released the handle and turned to leave, pulling my hood up to cover my face."Nikolai." Her voice stopped me cold.I paused but didn't turn around. "What do you want, Leona?""She doesn't have the power you need."My jaw tightened hearing her say those words, my hands clench into fists at my sides."Anastasia," Leona continued, her voice smooth and calculated, "she's not the one who can elevate you, she doesn't have what it takes to take your business to the next level. She doesn't have the connections or the resources or the drive to do so."I turned slowly, meeting her gaze. “So what exactly are you trying to say?"She stepped closer, her smile sharp and knowing. "I'm offering you a choice, Nikolai.
Anastasia's POVWaking up to an empty bed wasn't what I was expecting. My hand reached out instinctively, searching for the warmth that should have been there but I got greeted by the cold sheets. He was gone for probably an hour or twoI sat up, my heart already racing. The room was quiet, too quiet, a knot formed in my stomach as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed."Nikolai?" My voice echoed through the empty room, unanswered.I moved through the house quickly, checking every room from the kitchen, living room, and study. Each empty space I searched through made my chest tighten a little more. When I was done checking the whole house and now certain that he wasn't home, I got instantly scared.My fingers trembled as I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. It rang once, twice, three times. Then voicemail. I tried again and again. Each unanswered call sent a fresh wave of worry crashing through me.I couldn't sit still, I paced the living room, my mind racing with possibiliti
Anastasia's POVWaking up to an empty bed wasn't what I was expecting. My hand reached out instinctively, searching for the warmth that should have been there but I got greeted by the cold sheets. He was gone for probably an hour or twoI sat up, my heart already racing. The room was quiet, too quiet, a knot formed in my stomach as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed."Nikolai?" My voice echoed through the empty room, unanswered.I moved through the house quickly, checking every room from the kitchen, living room, and study. Each empty space I searched through made my chest tighten a little more. When I was done checking the whole house and now certain that he wasn't home, I got instantly scared.My fingers trembled as I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. It rang once, twice, three times. Then voicemail. I tried again and again. Each unanswered call sent a fresh wave of worry crashing through me.I couldn't sit still, I paced the living room, my mind racing with possibiliti
Nikolai’s POV Barely any light had crept through the curtains when I slipped out of bed. Anastasia was still fast asleep, her breathing slow and peaceful, her face relaxed in a way that made me want to kiss her. I watched her for a moment, fighting the urge to crawl back under the covers and stay there, cuddled up with her. But I had other plans, I couldn't lay under the covers with her, not with Leona's betrayal burning a hole in my chest. I scribbled a quick note and left it on the nightstand. "Went out. I'll be back. Don't worry." It was vague, probably frustrating, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her where I was going. She would try to stop me, and I couldn't afford to be stopped. The morning air was cold and sharp hitting my face as I climbed into the car. I pulled out my phone and dialed Elias, not caring that it was barely five in the morning. "Sir?" His voice was groggy, laced with confusion. "Is everything alright? Do you need anything?" "I need Leona's address, her
Nikolai's POVThe hours slipped away unnoticed while Anastasia and I talked. She'd insisted on staying awake, on keeping me company and refusing to let me retreat into the silence I'd been craving. Her persistence was maddening and endearing in equal measure, a reminder of why I'd fallen for her in the first place.Eventually, exhaustion won and she drifted off in my arms, her head resting against my chest, her breathing slow and even. The tension that had gripped her features throughout the evening softened, replaced by the peaceful expression of someone who felt safe.I carried her up to the bedroom, laying her down on the mattress with more care than I'd ever shown anyone. She murmured something in her sleep, a soft sound that might have been my name, and it felt really nice to have heard that. Reaching out to me even in her sleep.I didn't leave immediately, instead I sat on the edge of the bed, watched her sleep, my mind churning with thoughts I couldn't seem to quiet. The night
ANASTASIA’s POVOh…You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!Was he serious? Like…actually serious? Or had he somehow lost a screw?I let out a forced chuckle. ‘’Tell me you’re joking.’’ I snapped, my judgemental gaze trailed on him. But his face remained the same with no amount of a smile or mockery i
Nikolai POV I stepped out of her office, the door closing behind as I stepped into the quiet hallway feeling accomplished. I stood there for about three seconds before any further step.I took the elevator down, my hands in my pocket as I thought of the way Anastasia carefully read the contract, r
ANASTASIA’s POV2 MONTHS LATER, NOTTING HILL, LONDON. ‘’Oh cut the bullshit, Bianca!’’ I screamed over the phone, my hand hovering over the lit screen in front of me.I was in my office, battling the worst headache ever after a board room clash and the Bianca was the least of my worries.It was D
‘’Strip!’’That command would forever be etched in my memory.The moment I breathed out those insane words about him fucking me, I regretted it instantly.He was swift.His hand gripped my legs and he pulled me close, wrapping my legs around his torso.He hoisted me up, carring me out of the club l







