MasukI finally stepped out of the bathroom, skin still damp from the shower, eyes red and puffy from the tears I’d let fall in private. I had cried until my throat burned, until the fear and heartbreak had emptied themselves out, leaving only a quiet resolve. I wouldn’t force this baby on him. I wouldn’t beg. But I also wouldn’t give it up. Not for anyone.Dante was sitting on the edge of the bed now, watching the door like he’d been waiting for me. The moment our eyes met, he stood, slowly, wincing from the pain in his ribs and the bruises that still painted his body in ugly shades of purple and yellow.“Are you okay?” he asked, voice rough with concern.I nodded, not trusting my voice yet, and walked past him toward the other side of the bed, needing a little distance to steady myself.He followed immediately, moving faster than he should have. Before I could sit down, his arms wrapped around me from behind, gentle but firm, pulling me back against his chest. I froze, surprised, hands st
The penthouse bedroom was bathed in soft afternoon light when I woke up, my cheek pressed against the edge of the mattress where I had dozed off at the foot of the bed. My neck ached from the awkward angle, but the discomfort faded the instant I lifted my head and saw Dante awake, propped against the pillows, staring at me with that quiet, intense gaze that always made my heart stutter.He smiled small, tired, but real. “I saw how peacefully you were sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you, and I can’t carry you to a better position yet.”I sat up slowly, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s fine. I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep there.”Dante’s eyes softened. “I guess my dad and brother left already.”“Yes,” I said, standing and stretching my stiff limbs. “They didn’t want to disturb your sleep. Your dad said they’ll be back by the weekend.”He nodded, then glanced at the housekeeper who had quietly entered and was arranging a light lunch on the low table near the window, chicken br
Maxim and Ivan followed me out. We settled on the large sectional sofas overlooking the city skyline. The afternoon sun poured in, making the room feel bright and hopeful.Maxim looked at me with genuine warmth. “I’m glad you’re both fine.”Ivan rolled his eyes playfully. “Dad, you worry too much. He’s the one who chose this path.”Maxim’s expression softened. “You won’t understand until you have your own child.”I placed a hand unconsciously on my stomach, the small swell still hidden beneath the oversized hoodie. The thought of telling Dante about the baby once he was stronger made my heart race with both fear and longing.Ivan noticed my distraction and tapped my shoulder. “Alessia? I’m talking to you. You zoned out.”“Sorry,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m just thinking about… a lot. Everything that’s happened and…”Ivan stood and extended his hand. “Let’s go get some fresh air outside.”I took it gratefully.He glanced at his father, who was already absorbed in his phone. “We’ll b
The penthouse was wrapped in a fragile kind of peace three days after the nightmare at Alexei’s compound. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting the marble floors in warm gold and making the city skyline below look almost gentle. I sat by Dante’s bedside in the master suite, legs tucked under me in the oversized armchair, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. The bruises on his face had begun to fade from angry purple to softer yellow-green, and the worst of the cuts had been stitched and bandaged by the private doctor who visited twice daily. He still looked battered, but he was alive and fine.I reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, my fingers lingering on his warm skin. The quiet moments like this were the ones I clung to, the ones that reminded me why I had walked into hell with nothing but a blade and a prayer.A soft knock sounded on the bedroom door.I glanced at Dante, he was still deeply asleep, painkillers keeping
The night air was thick with smoke as our convoy pulled away slowly from the blazing inferno that had once been Alexei’s stronghold. Flames roared behind us, devouring wood and concrete in a hungry orange blaze that lit up the sky like a funeral pyre. I sat in the back seat of the lead SUV, Dante’s hand limp but warm in mine, his breathing shallow and ragged. Every bump in the driveway sent fresh pain flashing across his face, but he stayed silent, always the stoic Don, even half-dead.Liam turned to face us from the driver's seat, engine already rumbling. “We’re clear. Doctor’s waiting at the penthouse. Let’s get the hell out of here.”I nodded, squeezing Dante’s fingers. The convoy had barely started moving when two massive black trucks roared into the compound from the side gate, headlights cutting through the smoke like twin knives. They skidded to a stop, blocking the only exit road completely.My heart slammed into my throat. “Liam, is that one of ours?”Liam’s hands tightened
Tossed the phone onto the floor.Walked back to the bed where Alexei lay lifeless.I looked down at him, blood pooling around his head, mouth frozen in shock.“Killing you was so easy,” I said softly. “Like slaughtering a chicken. All that mouth… just for you to die like one.”I laughed low, bitter, and triumphant.“That’s how you always laughed at everybody, shitbag.”I turned.Opened the bedroom door.Stepped into the hallway.The hallway stretched ahead like a throat ready to swallow me whole, dim flickering lights casting long shadows on blood-splattered walls. Gunfire roared outside like thunder trapped in a bottle: sharp cracks, rapid bursts, the distant screams of men dying. My heart hammered so hard it felt like it would burst through my ribs, but I didn’t slow down. Dante was down here. Somewhere in this hell, he was waiting for me.I took the stairs two at a time, gun gripped tight in both hands, the push dagger on my waist. Liam’s men had arrived. They must be winning. And
The pilot’s calm voice came over the intercom, first in English, then Japanese: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our final descent into Tokyo Haneda Airport. The temperature on the ground is 8 degrees Celsius. Please return your seats and tray tables to their upright positions…”I stirred ag
He leaned back in the chair, watching me with lazy amusement as I licked the cone. “You’re making that look obscene.” I grinned around a mouthful. “It’s delicious.”He didn’t answer, just kept staring, eyes tracing my lips, my throat, the way my tongue darted out to catch a melting drip.His phone
Haruto inspected each item personally, face impassive. When the last crate was resealed he turned to Dante and spoke in measured Japanese. The interpreter, standing a respectful distance away, translated immediately:“Everything is as agreed. Quality exceeds expectations.” He paused, allowing a sma
I exhaled shakily. “Yes. It’s been so heavy carrying it alone.”“You didn’t tell your friends? Family?”My smile faded. “I don’t have friends. And my only family is my father… but we’re estranged. He sold me once. He’d never care about a grandchild.”Sakura’s expression softened with real sorrow. S







