Nolan Russo thought he had his life figured out. As the son of a powerful mafia boss, his future was all planned: step into his father’s shoes and take over the family empire. But those plans are thrown into chaos when his father demands he marry Anastasia Ivanov, the bold and unpredictable daughter of another powerful family. The marriage is meant to unite their families and save the Russo business from falling apart, but neither Nolan nor Anastasia is happy about it. Anastasia has no interest in being anyone’s wife. She’s used to living on her own terms and refuses to be controlled. To her, this marriage feels like a trap. But despite their clashes and fiery arguments, there are few moments of undeniable tension between them—something neither can ignore, no matter how hard they try. Just as they start to find their footing in this uneasy alliance, their world is shaken by betrayal. Someone close to Nolan breaks their trust, setting off a series of dangerous events. To protect Anastasia, Nolan hires Ivan, a quiet yet mysterious bodyguard who seems to understand her better than anyone else. But the closer Anastasia gets to Ivan, the more tangled things become. Secrets start to surface—secrets that could destroy everything they’ve worked for. As the lines between loyalty, love, and revenge blur, Nolan and Anastasia are forced to confront the choices they’ve made. Can they survive the lies and betrayals that threaten to tear them apart, or will the weight of their choices crush them both?
Lihat lebih banyakNOLAN’s POV
“You’re marrying her, and that’s final!” my father declared, rising from his chair with an air of authority that filled the room.
I stood slowly, taking deliberate steps toward the door. “You don’t get to decide how I live my life. I’ll do whatever the hell I want!” I shot back, pausing at the door frame to meet his gaze before walking away.
As I headed to my car, my mind raced with the weight of his words. Marry a girl I didn’t even know in two months? Who the hell did he think he was, dictating how screwed up my life should be?
On my way out, I caught sight of my mother standing by the doorway. The worry etched across her face was unmistakable, but I managed a faint smile before stepping out into the evening air.
Growing up, I had always been the most gentle of my siblings. Ruthless, yet gentle. I’d poured my focus into the family business, knowing my father would one day hand it over to me. The mafia world was twisted and chaotic, but it perfectly fits my type of chaos. My father was a controlling force, constantly dictating and bossing everyone around. But with me, he trod carefully, aware that I could be just as ruthless as him.
For three generations, my family had ruled the mafia world, amassing generational wealth and a reputation that made us untouchable. I was raised alongside two brothers and a sister, but while they were shielded from the darker sides of the business, I was thrust into it early. As the heir, it was my destiny to lead.
Despite the darkness surrounding our lives, my mother, Livia, nurtured love within our family. She was the stark opposite of my father—the ruthless leader balanced by her tender care. Sometimes, I wondered how they’d ever ended up together.
“Come in. Looks like you’re losing your mind over something,” Dimitri, my friend and business partner, said, holding the door to his condo open.
I needed to cool off, and there was no one better at problem-solving than Dimitri. That’s why our business partnership has lasted this long.
“Let’s hear it,” Dimitri said, pouring us each a glass of scotch.
I chuckled. “That easy to read me, huh?”
No, we’ve just handled too many deals together for me not to notice when you’re ready to murder someone. I’m just thankful it’s not me this time.”
“Funny,” I said dryly, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. “My father wants me married in two months.”
“Well damn, I had no idea you and Clara were that serious”
“You know Clara and I aren’t that serious. Hell, I don’t even know anything about that bitch.” I replied, leaning back. Clara and I had been in an open relationship for over a year—nothing exclusive, just convenience.
“Who the hell are you getting married to then?” Dimitri asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“Just some girl whose father we’re looking to do business with,” I said bitterly
“Oh shittt”
That was all he needed to hear. He knew something was wrong. My father and I had been working to expand the business, forging alliances to secure our future. But after a betrayal two years ago by one of my father’s partners, the business had taken a hit—a bigger one than I’d realized.
“Exactly how bad is the business doing” he said with his calculative eyes as he tried to make sense of what I just told him.
“As bad as you can imagine,” I admitted, swirling my scotch. For someone destined to inherit the family empire, my father sure liked keeping me in the dark. Whenever I suggested taking the reins, he shut me down, insisting I wasn’t ready.
“It’s Friday night,” Dimitri said, finishing his drink. “Let’s hit the club, clear our heads, and figure out a plan later.”
I wasn’t in the mood to party, but I wasn’t in the mood for much of anything. Nodding, I rolled up my sleeves, the tattoos on my forearm coming into view. “Our usual spot?”
“Yeah. Let me call ahead for our table,” Dimitri said, already dialing.
We sped through the smooth streets of his estate in my car. Like me, Dimitri had been born into this life, though his family handled logistics and legalities.
We got into my car and I sped down the smooth road of Dimitgri’s posh estate. Just like me, Dimitri was born into this life. The only difference was that his own family handled logistics and the legal aspects. They knew everybody everywhere.
“You bringing Clara tonight, or are you on the hunt for someone new?” Dimitri asked, texting on his phone.
“Neither. The last thing I need right now is a woman in my face, the thought of holding a conversation with a woman repulses me right now” I replied, rolling my eyes as we pulled into the club’s underground lot.
We went straight to the VIP section of the club as that is our usual spot if we ever come to Club Hera. “Let’s order something to drink,” Dimitri said while waving over the waitress. “ Bring in two bottles of Whiskey with ice and some shots of Vodka,” he told the waitress.
As I sipped my drink, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my sister: Father wants us all at dinner tomorrow. I locked the screen without replying. Family dinner? No thanks.
Dimitri disappeared to chat up a group of women by the bar. At least one of us would enjoy the night. I leaned back, nursing my drink. Casual flings weren’t my thing—as my sex preferences weren’t for everyone. Only someone as fucked up as I enjoyed it, that’s why Clara worked. She understood me. My preference wasn't anything extreme, I just enjoyed sex differently.
Dimitri came back with two of the ladies some minutes after and I excused myself to use the restroom. The drinks I’ve had were making me a bit lightheaded but it was the kind of tipsy I needed to get through the night.
On my way back, I passed a private section where people indulged in their quick and filthy desires. What I saw stopped me dead in my tracks. Just as expected there was indeed someone there who was getting satisfied, but it wasn’t anything I had ever imagined.
In the dimly lit room, I saw a young lady sitting with her legs spread widely apart, a man on his knees pleasing her, while another kissed and fondled her breasts. I had heard and seen women get pleased by multiple men, but this was different.
It wasn’t the scene itself that left me taken aback—it was the gun in her hand, pressed against the kneeling man’s temple. I’ve never heard of it being done while the woman held one of the men at gunpoint.
It was fucked up sight, but I found it hot. The man stopped kissing her and her eyes lifted, locking onto mine like she knew I had been there the whole time.
EPILOGUEANASTASIA’S POVThe soft afternoon breeze rustled through the leaves, swaying the tall trees in the empty private park. The sunlight came through the tree branches in soft lines, casting golden patterns on the grass.I sat on the picnic cloth spread over the grass with my arms wrapped loosely around my knees as I watched Hailey dash across the open space with her bubble stick.She giggled wildly as she waved the stick through the air, bubbles floating into the sky before popping in soft, invisible bursts.“Mommy, look!” she squealed and ran toward me, her little legs carrying her across the open space as she swung the bubble wand with dramatic flair as bubbles danced into the air, floating around her like tiny enchanted orbs. One burst against my cheek as she got closer, laughing mischievously.“You got me!” I laughed, grabbing her and pulling her into my lap. “Tickle monster’s coming!” I warned and dove my fingers into her sides. Her giggles filled the empty air as we tumble
ANASTASIA’S POVI stood by the window as I watched Camila’s car drive out of the compound. The headlights disappeared into the darkness, swallowed by the trees lining the road. I crossed my arms over my chest involuntarily as a chill ran down my spine.There was a strange weight in my chest, like a knot that wouldn’t loosen. I wanted to believe he would be okay, the mission would be successful, and he would come back like he said.I turned from the window, picked up the throw pillows on the floor, and began tidying the living room. The table was cluttered with empty mugs and pieces of paper from earlier strategy sessions. I stacked them neatly and arranged everything, trying to distract myself.Max appeared silently in the doorway like a shadow. “You should get some rest,” he said in a calm, steady voice.I gave him a faint smile. “I could say the same to you.”He shrugged. “I’ll just check the perimeter first. Make sure things are secure.”“That’s a better idea,” I agreed. He nodded
NOLAN’S POVIt was already dark outside when I stood by the window, arms folded, watching fog settle over the field. The silence in the house felt heavy, like we were waiting for something. Tonight, I was going after Ivan. No more running and hiding. Behind me, I could hear Dimitri and Camila going over the plan for tonight.I turned and walked down the short hall to the bedroom where Anna and Hailey were. Anna sat in the rocking chair, cradling Hailey, gently humming some old lullaby. The sight nearly undid me.Anna looked up at me with a smile as I entered. “She’s finally calm,” she said, sounding exhausted.“That’s great,” I nodded and stepped closer. “I want to say goodbye before I go.”Anna adjusted Hailey in her arms so I could take her. Hailey stretched her tiny hands as I held her in my arms.“You look tired,” Anna said softly. “Sit on the bed.”“It’s going to be a long night,” I muttered as I settled on the bed."Don't let this turn you into him," Anna said quietly as she se
IVAN’S POVI hadn’t slept.Not even a wink.My jaw ached from how hard I’d been clenching it, and my phone had been glued to my hand all night. Every hour, I called her number again, even though I knew I’d get nothing but her voicemail.My men were scattered across the city, pulling every string we had—contacts, cameras, informants, even bribing airport personnel and gas station clerks.Still nothing.No one had seen her.No one had heard a thing.And that fact alone told me she didn’t do this alone. Nolan must have helped her.I sat at the head of the long dining table that had been turned into a makeshift command center. Three laptops were open in front of me, each screen displaying different feeds—security cameras from local streets.“She had help,” I muttered, my voice low, simmering. “She wouldn’t have pulled this off alone.”“Obviously.” Klaus didn’t look up. “You maybe wanna grab her parents?”I leaned back and let out a slow breath through my nose. “Nah, suggesting that alone
NOLAN’S POVThe car rumbled softly as Dimitri drove through winding roads and quiet intersections. The city lights faded behind us, replaced by wide stretches of empty land and tall trees that looked like shadows in the night.Camila’s tail lights blinked in the distance as we followed her car down an almost invisible road. The farther we drove, the quieter it became.“Where the hell is this place?” Dimitri muttered beside me, eyes narrowing.“I don't know, but it’s discreet. That’s what we need right now,” I replied, looking around.Finally, Camila's car slowed and turned onto a gravel path hidden behind a row of overgrown bushes. A few feet later, a small bungalow nestled between thick trees and shielded by a long fence and sliding gate. It was simple, but private. No neighbors in sight. Just silence and space.“Well, this could work,” Dimitri said, parking behind Camila.I stepped out of the car and looked around. The air was cooler here. And for the first time in weeks, I felt lik
IVAN’S POVI parked across the street and leaned back, letting my eyes scan the house, especially the window in the nursery.There was no movement.The cream-colored blinds she always kept half-drawn were closed, and there was no soft glow of the lamp she usually left on.I narrowed my eyes and looked down at my watch. It was 10:34pm.Usually, by this time, she'd be putting Maya to sleep. Sometimes she sat by the window after, curled up with that little blanket draped over her legsBut tonight? There was nothing.I stepped out of the car and walked up to the front door of the house. I rang the doorbell once and waited, but there was no answer.I knocked next. “Anna?” I called out in a stern tone, but there was still no response. I reached for the handle and twisted it. The door creaked open with an ease that made my skin crawl. Anna never leaves the door unlocked. I closed the door behind me with a soft click and stood still for a moment, listening.There was no sound from Maya, no
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