登入[ANASTASIA]Ever since I returned from the safe house, I knew I wasn’t about to sit still and look pretty.Not when Ivan was still fighting for his life.Not when the place we once called home no longer felt like home.Not without Ivan.I spent days after my return thinking about the same thing, ove
“Now?” I nod. “More than ever.”This new information gives way to a new expression on his face. Instead of looking super annoyed, he looks curious, suspicious—even careful, if that furrowed brow reveals anything.Good. He should be.Because the thing about moles? They’re not just rats in fancy coats
*One Week Later*[DIMITRI]“The shipments will be at the docks tonight, but you still haven’t decided who we’re sending?” Igor taunted, as he stood by the bar, holding an empty tumbler—something he’s been doing ever since he walked into my office—well, Ivan’s office, but that’s irrelevant. One would
After our fourth round of pure, wild sex, I have nothing left in me. Every ounce of energy drained, I barely manage to pull the sheets over myself before sleep claims me.When I wake hours later, the room is dim, the soft glow of my bedside lamp casting long shadows on the walls. My body feels heavy
[NADIA]“You’re here?” I say into the phone, clutching my books tightly to my chest as I glance around. “Where?”“Outside. Meet me when you’re done with your classes.”A wide grin spreads across my face, excitement bubbling inside me. “Oh, I’m done. And even if I wasn’t, I’d still run to you.”Dimit
The Ivan I know is strong. Unshakable. Even in the worst situations, he carries himself with a quiet, effortless confidence that makes you believe nothing could ever touch him.But the man lying in this hospital bed, surrounded by beeping machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic, looks nothing l
I light a cigarette and take a drag. My phone rings just then. It’s Dimitri. “Just called to remind you about the arms meeting with the Morozov brothers,” he says. “I can’t make it,” I take another pull, letting the nicotine calm my nerves. “I’m taking Ana to Kazan.” There’s a small pause on his
[IVAN] “What is boarding school, papa?” Tati asks, breathless, as she comes running downstairs with her little yet energetic feet. My eyes quickly find their way to Ana, who seems busy moving around the kitchen. She must have discussed the school matter with Ivan Jr., and my little mischievous dau
I smack his hand away and roll to my side of the bed. “That was different. I was asleep, unaware of my poor life choices. Don’t read too much into it.” The bedsheet shuffles, and as I turn to glance over my shoulder, I find him sitting up, his chest bare. Dammit! I forgot he never slept with a shi
[ANASTASIA] Uh… I haven’t been awkward in a long while, probably because I haven’t been close to any other man in a long time, Ivan especially. Not that the thought of any other man had ever even crossed my mind. For as long as I was away, my kids were my world; they still are. I wish I could say m







