ANA'S POVRoman is so careful with me that it makes me feel even more emotional.When he’s was done helping me take a bath, he turns off the faucets and helps me out of the shower. My eyes drift over him while he uses a towel to pat my skin dry, uses the hair drier on my hair with the appropriate heat setting.Even though I’m still feeling shock from all the trauma, love fills my heart for him, the way he's taking care of me.He places an arm at my back and another under my kness, then lifts me and carries me back to his bed gently After setting me down to seat on the bed, he rushes to the walk in closet for a clean shirt and gently pulls my hand in and buttons it up.“I need to brush my teeth,” I say, my eyes constantly on him.“Okay.” When he moves to pick me up again, I shake my head. “I can walk.”“I know, let me do this.” He lifts me into his arms and heads back into the bathroom with me. Once I’m on my feet and I’m brushing my teeth, Roman cleans the floor.Seeing this b
I nod again, feeling stupid for thinking he wanted me dead. “I’m so sorry. I panicked and wasn't thinking straight,” I try to explain.He lets out a heavy breath. “I know.” His eyes caress my face. “Please, just don’t ever run from me again.” it hurts“I won’t,” I whisper in his ears. I wrap my arms around his neck, and hold him as tight as I can not letting go. After a while, he asks, “Do you feel much better?”Even though my world is still ruined by the terrible incident, I just nod because I feel safe in Roman’s arms. I didn’t lose him. If anything, it feels as if this nightmare has brought us closer together than how we were before.“Do you think you can eat down something?” he asks.I pull back as I rub my hand over my burning stomach. “My stomach still feels quite uneasy.”“Some toast might make you feel much better,” he murmurs as he gets up.When Roman lifts me into his arms, I don’t bother fighting back and rest my head on his shoulder. I close my eyes as he carries
ROMAN I have to go to the meeting with the elders today and try to reason with them on the death of Vladamir and it not being Ana’s fault.I push the board room door open and go inside ready to fight for her.It’s easy to be intimidated by the leaders of the elite group. Most of them, From other families included, have served time in jail. While that’s disgraceful in the outside world, it’s a stamp of honor for any member of the Bravta.Granduncle Morozov sits at the head of the table. He’s old, in his sixties. His once-blond hair is now completely white and washed by time. While cancer has made him look older, it didn’t take his hair away, probably because of his stubbornness about refusing to undergo chemotherapy. I try not to look at him knowing every and any weaknesses will be exploited.My cousin Vasili leaves my side and sits on Granduncle’s right, which is his position as his right hand man. On his left sits Kai, the Enforcer. He holds the same level of power as Vlad, bu
ROMANSit down,” Kai orders. “Show respect to your Pakhan, Igor.” Igor mumbles an apology and begrudgingly sits while still giving me the death glare.“It’s good that you’re here, Petrov. We have some business to discuss.” The pakhan speaks for the first time since I came in. There’s a huskiness to his voice due to the cancer, and soon enough, it’ll be noticeable to everyone.“I have business to discuss, too.”Viktor scoffs under his breath at way I addressed Granduncle.My attention turns to him. “You have a problem with me?”“None at all, Petrov.” He pauses, readjusting his glasses with his middle finger. “Yet.”The threat behind his gesture doesn’t escape me, so I counter using his subtle way. Still keeping eye contact, I slide the cup of coffee in front of me then crush a piece of sugar inside before it melts. “Good to know.”His brows furrow, and his most loyal soldier, Aleksander, stiffens behind him, his hand going to his gun. He has a smaller frame for a guard, but he’s as
ANAHeels clicked against the marble floor of the club.The club XXS was turned into a ballroom while upper floors hosted poker tables and roulette tables.“Do you do this often?” I asked, side-eying Roman.“What? Show you off to my business partners.”“Host gambling at the same time as a fundraiser?”“No, usually it’s a nightclub and casino.” His gaze roamed over the room. “But for the event of bringing you out in public , my people didn’t organize anything. I let the city host their fundraiser and they have free rein of the building and event today.”It was an important day for me. Roman was introducing me to people. I was not the Rapunzel hidden in the castle anymore, my gut warned, a feeling of something happening tonight.“What’s the matter?” Roman’s gaze focused on me, his men walking right behind us.I shook my head. “Nothing.”Silver trays full of champagne flutes and appetizers made the rounds across the room. The glasses glistened the mighty chandelier. A small musical
ANAMy eyes flickered to his hand wrapped around my waist as a sense of ownership.When Mayor Rice said my mother's name, The incident that I dreamt about sometimes came rushing to the forefront of my mind. My temples throbbed as my mind hunted for something. Something important.It evaporated, just like all of my dreams of freedom before she died.Forcing a smile to my lips, I turned to look at Roman. “Ready to make the rounds, dear?”Roman’s eyes were on Dario, something dark in his gaze. Yes, Roman was neck deep covered in blood, but at least he didn’t deal in human trafficking or selling innocent women. His uncle might have, but he didn’t.A corner of Roman’s lips tugged up, ever the politician “Gentlemen.”His voice held an unspoken threat of retribution and suddenly, I found myself happy to have him on my side.++++++++++++++++ROMAN Maria De Sol One thing I could be certain of.Ana faked not remembering that name. It was as if she was triggered by the name but she hid it
ANASunlight gleamed through the windows of my bedroom. Dust particles swayed in the air like tiny bits of silver and gold. Just like my dress.“Oh my gosh,” the dressmaker beamed. “The dress is gorgeous, on you”I shook my head while staring at my reflection. My makeup had been done and my hair had been pulled up in a fancy braided bun. A diamond tiara made me feel like a princess. A snow princess. A silver princess.The wedding dress was a perfect mixture of white and silver, like freshly fallen snow. The thin straps had tiny diamond beads that matched the diamonds on the tiara. The corset had the similar decor, hugging my torso while the sheer material of it flared down to the hardwood floor into a long flared train behind me.It was simply beautiful. Breathtaking.But whenever I think of the reason for this wedding, it tugs at my heart.“It suits you perfectly,” she chimed in as she tugged the last of my laces on my back. “You are glowing.”“I’m so nervous,” I admitted.“
ANA The champagne was getting to me, setting my insides aflame. Or maybe it was the glances Roman sent my way. They were like a warm caress on my skin and felt better than the light ocean breeze against my skin. Throughout the after wedding dinner, I was aware of his eyes full of promises and for the first time ever, it didn’t send fearful shivers down my spine. And that scared me more than anything. “What’s the matter?” Callie asked, leaning closer to me as her arm looped through mine. Bella mimicked the movement on my other side. The three of us walked together towards the Gazebo. “Are you looking forward to having him screw your brains out?” Callie remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. I smiled slightly. It was time to go home with Roman as he waited for me across the field. I ran back to him open heartedly, joining our hands together. He raised our interlocked hands, his lips brushing softly against each knuckle. “Tonight is our honeymoon,” he spoke lo
ROMAN “I was scared,” she finally admits.And I hate it. I hate that she felt that way.“You don’t ever need to be scared of anything, because I'm all yours.” I slide another inch in.She’s so fucking wet I hardly have to push.“I’m sorry.” Her voice is a whisper, and I know she means it.“I know.” Another inch. “And that’s the only reason I’m letting you come.”Her hands fight for a hold on my back as her tits rub against my chest.Her eagerness, her willingness is going to send me over the edge. But I need to get her there first.“You want to come on this cock, Moya Roza?”“Please,” she begs, and I feel the plea in my dick.Next time she begs me, it’s gonna be from her knees.I move my mouth until my lips are just brushing against hers.“Please, who?” I demand. “Who am I?”She tries to pull me closer. “You’re my Roman .”Thunder rolls through my body as I swallow her words.You’re my husband.“Fuck,”I growl the word and drop my full weight onto her. Burying myself as
Chapter 144ANARoman hooks a finger in the front of my bra lingerie, catching the edge of my bra and yanks them down. He pauses for a second, as he picked my up from the floor and places me against the wall. but then he hikes me higher against the wall and wraps his lips around my nipple.I practically sob at the sensation.His hot mouth. The way his tongue licks at my nipple while his teeth press into my soft flesh.A groan rumbles from Roman’s mouth to my skin, and I can’t stop my hips from rocking into Roman.It feels so damn good.When Roman pulls down the other side of my bra , hard enough to snap the strap off. I move my hands up to cling to his shoulders. Feeling his muscles flex and bulge while he suckles on the other peek.“Jesus.” He laps at my flesh. “Fuck, Zolotse.” His teeth graze over my breast. “Hold on.” he growlsWhen I don’t react, he lifts his head to say to me, “Hold on to me.”I circle my arms around his neck and hold him close.As he presses his chest a
ROMAN An hour later, I walk into the interview room in the police station.Gloria’s haunted eyes meet mine.I glance up at the police officer standing by the door. “I would like a few minutes with her.”Carl nods and closes the door behind him, leaving me with her.I take a seat at the other side of the table opposite her.I stare into her eyes as my eyes hold hers.She drops her head in shame. “I’m sorry, Roman. But I don't regret it, if for the very least I get your attention for a few weeks, I'm at peace.” she whispers.I stare at her. She’s so pitiful, and my stomach twists. “Gloria.”She keeps looking at the floor.“Look at me.”She lifts up her eyes up to meet mine.“Why did you do that to me?”Her eyes fill with tears. “I’m scared you'll leave now that your uncle is dead I know you won't come to Russia to see me that stupid American woman has all your attention, Rome, you were mine first.” “Stop it, Gloria” I shout at her“I’m pregnant with no money.”I frown. “There i
ANA“And you are so quick to judge, Ana. Unlike you, I’m not sleeping and married to the Minister. I don’t get to have special treatment.”Roman’s eyes narrow. “Leave. Now”“You’ll regret this,” Holmes spits back at us.Roman’s cold eyes hold his. “I think we both know who’ll regret this.” Roman takes up my hand and we walk down the corridor. He takes out his phone and calls up Dimitri.“Dimitri, change of plans. I’m returning to the office immediately. Reschedule the rest of my meetings.”He leads me out to the waiting car, and we get into the back seat.The car pulls out into the traffic. Roman makes a call.I hold Roman’s hand in my lap, but he’s too angry to even notice. He’s glaring out of the window as he silently fumes.But that’s okay. I notice.I’ve got him in my hand, and I’m never letting go. As long as we’re together, I don’t care about the rest of the world or the lies that they tell.We’ve got each other, and that’s everything.+++++++++++++ROMAN I’m sitting w
Chapter 141 The car pulls up at the press conference in Miami, and I practically jump from the car. I came straight here. I wanted to tell Roman the good news myself. I walk into the packed hall and stand at the back of the crowd. Roman is on stage, standing at a small podium and delivering a speech. “As you can see…” He glances up and sees me standing at the back. A frown crosses his brow, and I smile as I go up onto my toes with excitement. He regains his focus and goes back to his speech. I tap my toes, waiting for him to finish. Come on. Hurry up. I’m bursting at the seams to tell him the good news. He didn’t do it. He never went there, he never slept with her the happiness beams out of me. I feel so good being the person who found out the truth. Eventually, he says the words I’ve been waiting to hear. “Thank you all for coming today. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. Education is key for our future.” Everyone claps, and I smile proudly.
Chapter 140A man walks down the hall and out of sight. Two women walk out of a room and get into the elevator.The elevator opens, and we see a Dimitri struggling with someone. He puts his arm around Rome to help him.“Roman,” I gasp out loudHe’s so out of it, highly intoxicated, drunk and unable to walk alone.Then Dimitri walks into his room with him, and then he walks back out alone after another minute.“So, that part of the story is true,” I whisper.Callie smiles and taps my leg. “Told you.”Estella speeds up the footage and we all sit and watch. She goes forward one hour… then two, and then three.“This has to be, like, midnight by now.” I frown waiting for the exact moment.Estella points to faint numbers at the bottom of the screen. “That’s the time there. It’s 11:21 p.m almost a new day, do you see?”“Yes, okay.”A man walks down the corridor and looks left and right, eventually stopping in front of Roman’s door. Estella puts the footage on the big screen.We all s
Chapter 139I widen my eyes and I want to say, I know that for sure, but I won’t. “How would she have set him up, though?”She thinks for a moment. “She had the drinks spiked, got him to his room, had him open his phone, and she called her own number from his phone.”“Yes,” I whisper. “She could have done that, couldn’t she? I hadn’t even thought of that, she could have entered his bedroom as a relative.”“She could have left all the evidence to make him think that he did it.”“But surely.” My heart drops. “Surely she would know that we would find out who the father is as soon as the baby is born.” My shoulders slump. “What if it is his baby? What if this is all some grand plan to tie Roman to her for life?”“It could be.” Callie sighs, and we stare at each other for a while. “If we just had the security footage of that night at the hotel. I know Holmes asked the hotel for it, but they said there wasn’t any.”I frown that's impossible even the cameras on the Road. “There has
ANAI wake with a strange sensation.It’s morning, and the other side of the bed is cold, and empty and without Roman.I sit up instantly, my senses awake and on high alert.I make my way downstairs, where I can hear a muffled voices coming from Roman’s study. I move down the hall to listen.“Yes,” he says. “That’s right, the arrest warrant has been withdrawn.”Gloria.My heart begins to beat hard. Why did he have the arrest warrant removed?Nobody is looking for her.“You know what to do,” he says calmly.My eyes widen.I push the open the door in a rush to get to Roman.When he steps back, shocked to see me. He’s fully dressed in his crisp suit, ready for work.“What are you doing here?” he asks sharply.I stare at him, confused. “What are you doing?” I ask rhetorically He marches down the hall. His overnight bag is packed by the front door, not looking like it's filled with clothes.“where are you going?” I say as I run after him.“I have to go away for work for a few day
We walk out to the front of the house. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Petrov,” Zoran says, holding the back door open. Roman takes my hand to help me in.“Hello, Zoran.” I smile as I get into the back seat, and Roman gets in behind me. The door closes, and we sit in silence throughout the drive.I get vivid recollections of how much Roman Petrov could infuriate me back in the day. Nobody could wind me up like him.Nothing’s changed.Calm, calm, keep fucking calm.The car pulls up at the ballroom. We get out, and Roman takes my hand. We fake more smiles and walk through the crowd as if we are the happiest couple in the world.“Where are our seats?” Roman whispers, passing me a champagne from a passing tray.“What’s wrong, darling?” I whisper, taking a sip. “Tired of holding my hand?”His angry eyes flick over to me. “I am, actually.”I glare at him, our eyes locked. “Please, don’t act happy on my behalf.”“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve acted happy now, would it?”Adrenaline begins t