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The Gift

Author: Maya Adams
last update publish date: 2026-08-31 03:48:40

Nikolai's POV

The penthouse felt different when I walked through the door. It was quieter, heavier, as though the air itself had thickened with unspoken tension. My first instinct, as always, was to find Anastasia. The need to see her, to reassure myself that she was still there, still present, still willing to listen, propelled me forward through the familiar rooms.

I found her in the bedroom, seated by the window with her knees drawn up to her chest. The fading light of dusk painted her silho
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  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Lesson

    Nikolai's POVThe conversation with Jason Stone had left a sour taste in my mouth, the kind that lingered no matter how much I tried to wash it away. I excused myself as soon as politeness allowed, my mind already racing ahead to the next steps. The drug lord would need to be watched, his movements tracked, his intentions scrutinized.I pulled out my phone, dialing Elias with practiced efficiency."Keep an eye on Jason Stone," I instructed, my voice low. "I want to know where he's staying once he leaves this event. Every detail.""Understood, sir." Elias's voice came through crisp and clear. "I'll have someone on him immediately."The line went dead, and I slid my phone back into my pocket before I turned, ready to rejoin the crowd, and nearly collided with Jackson Reed.The older man was standing there, a glass of something amber in his hand, his smile carefully arranged. "Nikolai. I was hoping we'd have a chance to talk.""Jackson." The name came out flat. "I'm surprised to see you

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Threat

    Anastasia's POVThe forced smile on my face felt brittle, a mask barely holding together under the weight of Damon's presence. Beside me, Zara radiated hostility, her arms crossed and her expression openly hostile."I don't recall inviting you to this conversation," Zara said, her voice dripping with ice. "Or did you just wander over here hoping to crash another private moment?"Damon's smile remained fixed, utterly unbothered. "I'm a social creature. I enjoy mingling with beautiful women.""Then find some other beautiful women to mingle with. These ones are occupied."I jabbed my elbow into Zara's ribs, a subtle warning. "Ignore her, she's been in isolation for two weeks. I think that she's forgotten how to be civil.""I haven't forgotten anything," Zara shot back. "I just don't see any reason to pretend I like someone I clearly don't."Damon laughed, the sound easy and unforced. "I admire your honesty. It's refreshing, even if it is aimed at me."Zara opened her mouth to deliver ano

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Reunion

    Anastasia's POVI wove through the crowd, my gaze scanning every face I passed in search of Zara's familiar features. The charity event had drawn a significant crowd, and navigating through clusters of guests required more patience than I currently possessed.Business acquaintances I'd rather avoid materialized at every turn, forcing polite greetings and strained smiles while my attention remained fixed elsewhere."Anastasia! How wonderful to see you.""Lovely event, isn't it?""You must be so proud of Nikolai's work."I smiled and nodded and offered the appropriate responses, my feet carrying me forward with the single-minded determination of someone on a mission. But Zara remained frustratingly elusive, hidden somewhere in the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits.The suspicion that my best friend was deliberately avoiding me grew with every passing minute. Zara had always had a flair for the dramatic, and appearing at the last possible moment seemed entirely in character.I fin

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Drug Lord

    Nikolai's POVLeona's sudden appearance had shifted the atmosphere like a storm front rolling in unannounced. Elias had excused himself almost immediately, slipping away into the crowd before I could stop him but not before I caught the look he shot at Leona, a glance so charged with hatred that it stopped me cold.I'd known Elias for years and I've seen him handle difficult clients, navigate treacherous business deals, while still maintaining composure under pressure that would have broken lesser men. Never once had I witnessed him look at anyone the way he'd just looked at Leona. Pure, undiluted venom.What had she done to warrant that reaction? The question burned in my mind, demanding an answer but asking Elias was out of the question, he'd already disappeared into the throng of guests, leaving me alone with the woman who seemed to have a talent for appearing exactly when I least wanted her.Leona's eyes were fixed on me, her attention so absolute that she hadn't noticed Elias's d

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Warning

    Nikolai's POVThe moment the door clicked shut behind us, I had Anastasia pressed against the wall. I planted my lips on her neck, trailing hot kisses down the column of her throat while my hands worked the zipper of her gown. The emerald silk gown fell to the ground leaving her in nothing but lace and heels."I thought you said we didn't have time for this," she breathed, her fingers tangling in my hair."I said we didn't have time for slow." I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. "I never said we didn't have time at all."I spun her around, bending her over the edge of the vanity table. "You're so beautiful," I murmured, my hands gliding over the curve of her hips. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"She didn't answer with words. Instead, she pushed back against me, a silent plea that sent a surge of need through my veins.I kicked off my shoes, my trousers following moments later. I positioned myself behind her, my hands gripping her hips, fingers digging into her soft f

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   Charity Event

    Anastasia's POVTwo weeks had passed since the yacht party, and the memories of that chaotic night had begun to fade, replaced by the rhythm of everyday life. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, turning from side to side as I studied my reflection.The gown I'd chosen for the charity event was an elegant deep emerald silk that hugged my curves and cascaded to the floor like liquid light. The neckline dipped just enough to be alluring without crossing into inappropriate territory, and the fabric caught the soft glow of the bedroom lights with every movement.The charity event was hosted by Nikolai's company, Stavros, and the pressure to appear flawless weighed heavily on my shoulders. I'd spent the better part of an hour deliberating over accessories, my jewelry box open and spilling its contents across the vanity.My phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with Zara's name. I snatched it up, a genuine smile spreading across my face. Two weeks of silence had felt

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Man Behind The Mask

    ANASTASIA’s POVThe instructions I’d given myself were simple. Fly to Monaco, secure the contract with the foreign investors, and head back to London proving once again why I was the undisputed head of Reeds and associates. Rivals didn’t line up around the block trying to ruin me just because I w

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   Personal Concern

    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

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Contract

    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

  • Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie   The Pain In My Ass

    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

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