LOGINNext to Aunt Alessia stands her daughter, Cristiana. Her face is adorned with an honest smile, but her eyes are giving away more than she wants them to reveal. I know what her problem is and that she’s hoping for me to solve that problem for her. And maybe I will. Even though I know it wouldn’t be a
Xavier might be self-sufficient to protect her, but I’m more ruthless. The fear of going against me has a stronger effect on people who hold a love for their lives and wives and children. And I wouldn’t hesitate to use that fear to keep my family out of danger. Xavier might be an asshole, but he’s s
“My world is a less scary place with you in it, baby. I will kiss you a thousand times every day if that’s what it takes to keep you in love with me for the rest of our days.” [VLADIMIR] "Do you take Vladimir Perazzo as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or
“Do you really?” I tease, although the insinuation makes my nerves tingle. I watch him take a sip before leaning on the railing and chuckling. “Enjoy this time as much as you can, because once we’re done with dinner, I’m not letting you out of my sight, out of my reach, and out of my bed,” moving c
I swallow. “What is it?” Breathlessly, I manage to ask. Grabbing me by my waist, Mir twirls me around and pushes my back against the rail. The cool breeze of the ocean bites my bare back even more. I shiver. But nothing matches the dance of butterflies in my belly. Or the way my bones tickle. When
[ZARINA] “Mir, this is...” I gasp. “Do you like it?” pressing those words into my ear, he grazes his teeth below my lobe. “...gorgeous. It’s gorgeous.” After our deep and long conversation, the previous night, Mir and I woke up with someone causing a ruckus at the door. It was only then it dawne
“Go for it!” he says and snaps his fingers twice. In a wink, a woman who works in the store comes rushing to him with a notepad in her hand. “Yes, sir!” she says robotically. “What else do you have?” He tosses the questions most carelessly, making it clear that money was not the problem, what he
His brows pinch in surprise at first, but he quickly schools his expression back to normal. “You don’t even know what I’m going to say.” “That’s your problem. You’re taking too long.” He chuckles, again. “Right. So, let’s get to the business then.” “Music to my ears.” He nods, minds a painting o
But then I remind myself, she is not mine to care for. She is with her mother now, the one she wanted so badly, the one who doesn’t have to pretend to be someone else. Honestly, I’m amazed at how much restraint Vladimir has demonstrated this time. He is not the man known for his patience, no, he is
[ZARINA] I run. I run until my chest hurts and my leg burns. I run until my vision blurs and my head spins. I don’t turn or scream or cry for help. I run until something clasps around my wrist and yanks me back with force, it sends me flying back into someone’s warm arms. “What the fuck happen







