LOGINREVA Levi and I exchanged glances, the words lingering in the air. “Police?" I whispered to myself, wondering what they could want.“I have no idea what this is about," he said quietly, matching my expression as he pressed the button again. “I'm coming."I moved quickly, grabbing his shirt from where it was draped over a chair, but he was faster, approaching with a robe, which he slipped around my shoulders, his hands quick but careful as he helped me into it.He grabbed one for himself and pulled it on before briefly scanning me to ensure I was properly covered.“I'll be right back," he said, already moving to the front. It was clearly intended as a stay here. But there was no way I could stay behind.So I followed him a moment later, my heart pounding in my chest as I arrived in the hallway, just in time to see him open the door. My mind was still racing, but when the door opened, it came to a complete stop, and I froze.Danielle stood there, bruised and bloodied, and I let out a g
HUNTER I was half-drunk at a bar not far from Reva's house, planning how to spy on my bitch half-sister, whether to hire someone or do it myself, when I noticed her and Levi getting into his car, and that was all it took to get the plan started. Before I could think too hard, I was in my own car, following them at a safe distance.They took me straight to Levi's building, and getting in was easy. When security asked, I told them I was there to see Levi and let my confidence do the rest. People rarely questioned you when you appeared to fit in.I took the elevator up, but did not reach his door. I came to a halt just down the corridor, leaning casually against the wall, taking advantage of the dim lighting. From there, I had a clear line of sight without being noticeable.I didn't need much time; a few well-angled photos would suffice, and I'd have completed Nikolai's request without hassle. I got the photos I was looking for, but then I received texts from Alan, and I had paused talk
REVA Levi's voice broke through the tension. “Danielle?" he asked, a note of surprise running through his otherwise steady tone. “Hey—what are you doing here?"“I—" she began at the same time, the word tripping over his, and for a second, they both stopped. That's when I noticed how taken aback she looked to see me, her eyes flickering to me, then back to Levi, and my thoughts began to race.Did she have the key to his place? How had she just walked in as if everything was normal? Like she belonged here.Her gaze returned to me, and she took a small, controlled breath before returning to Levi. “Can.. I speak to you alone for a moment?" she asked politely but firmly.I hadn't finished processing the request when Levi responded, and my heart skipped a beat at his response. “You can speak in front of Reva."The firmness in his voice left no room for negotiation, and I sensed a subtle shift in the room before Danielle swallowed hard.It was quick, almost imperceptible, but I noticed how
REVA Levi and my father stood side by side, watching me twirl in the middle of the apartment, taking it all in. The place still smelled faintly of fresh paint and effort, of hours spent working together, and I couldn't help but smile. They had done an excellent job, and I told them so, my voice filled with awe as I turned once more, already imagining how it would look once everything was in place. The covers that remained draped over my furniture would be removed in the morning, when the lighting was better, and I had the energy to fuss over every detail. For the time being, the evening had settled in, and the two men in my life were getting ready to leave. They wanted to uncover everything, but I stopped them because the time was 10:30 p.m. Mom also wanted her man back. “Are you sure you don't want to come home with me?" My father asked again, his tone gentle. “Only for tonight. The place is still disorganized." I declined the offer with a smile as I approached him. “I'm sure,
REVA“Darling, you're home," my father said, his voice softening as he approached me, taking care not to get too close due to the paint. “You didn't call your mother or me to pick you up." “I got a ride," I replied quickly. “James was getting off, so he dropped me." Relief flickered across his face, and I took a step forward, hugging him as carefully as I could without smearing paint on myself. It turned into an awkward half-hug. Pulling back, my eyes immediately found Levi, and everything else faded away for a moment. God, he was sexy even without the usual sharp tailored fabrics that fit him like they were made for him—which they most likely were. My man wore a plain white T-shirt that had clearly seen better days, now adorned with streaks and splashes of paint that told the tale of his inexperience. The fabric clung to him, just enough to highlight the strength beneath it, and the sleeves slid slightly around his arms as he moved. His jeans were definitely not for this type o
HUNTERI stopped just outside Nikolai’s hospital room and took a deep breath, dragging a hand down my face. The irritation was still there, simmering under my skin. But I pushed it down.This was my second chance, and I wasn’t about to ruin it by walking in there with an attitude. So I straightened, wiped whatever expression I had off my face, and stepped inside.Nikolai lay in the bed, staring ahead, but the moment I entered, his head turned toward me, and I paused. He looked… worse.“I thought you didn’t want to see me again,” I said as I walked further in, and his gaze stayed on me.“Desperate times,” he said as I pulled a chair closer and sat down beside his bed, leaning back slightly.“What is this about?” I asked.“I need your help.”“I’m listening,” I said.He swallowed, his eyes shifting for just a second before coming back to me. “I need proof that Reva got with Levi before our divorce was finalized.”That caught my attention, but I didn’t interrupt. “I want you to have her f
REVA Throwing my arms around my father, I held on as though the cops would come after him and rip him from my arms, while sobs poured out of me despite my efforts to hold them back."Hey," he said softly, wrapping his arms around me just as tightly. "It's okay. I'm fine, sweetheart. I'm fine." My
NIKOLAIThe music cut out. “Security department, this is Mark speaking," a guy's voice came through from the other side of the line, and I straightened instinctively. “My name is Hunter Starling. I was transferred from reception to discuss security footage from Christmas Eve."“Yes, Mr. Starling,"
REVA“Mrs. Belkov?" Dr. Jacobs' voice echoed over the phone. “Are you still there?" That brought me out of the confused haze. “Yes," I quickly replied, forcing air back into my lungs. “I am here."I opened my mouth, prepared to say I had no idea why Nikolai had asked for me. I wanted to tell him th
THIRD-PARTY VIEWPOINTNikolai stumbled out of the penthouse and froze, realizing his car was not in the driveway. Only Hunter's car was present, so he rushed back inside, tearing through the place until he grabbed Hunter's keys from the counter. He didn't slow down and drove away in Hunter's car li







