LOGINAlexei POV“Holy crap,” Talia whispered to herself as we got out of the car and stared up at the house Dante had casually described as cozy during our drive up to the villa but cozy, that was one word for it.The house was massive, sitting beautifully against the hillside with an incredible view of the lake stretching out beyond it.It had the same kind of warmth and solid, luxurious feel as my house in New York, though everything about this place felt more open and connected to nature.The architecture, the spacious design, the heavy wood and stone details...it reminded me of home, only with a much more peaceful setting.Talia slowly tilted her head back, taking it all in.Dante watched his daughter carefully. He was trying his best not to let her see how nervous he was, but it was obvious to me that he wanted her to like the place.....he wanted both of us to like it. “Alexei mentioned you like log cabins,” Dante said.Talia blinked and looked at me. “Yeah, but this place could eat m
Alexei POV“I know you’re a proud man.”Dante studies me from across the table, his eyes fixed on mine as if he already knows exactly what is going through my head. “I know you’d do what it takes to make sure your family is comfortable.”“Always.”The answer comes easily because there has never been a question about that.My family has always been my responsibility, and even now, with everything that has happened over the past few months, that hasn’t changed.Still, a dark cloud lingers over me as I think about everything we’ve been through, too much has happened in too little time, and I’m still trying to figure out what comes next for all of us.Dante leans back slightly. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that I’m a proud man too.”A small smile pulls at his mouth, and despite the heaviness of the conversation, we both chuckle. “I haven’t had anyone in my life for a long time,” he continues. “But for the first time, I have another family. Talia, Ethan, and you.”There is something
Talia POVEthan runs toward his bed, probably unsure where to start as boxes and boxes wrapped in brightly colored paper litter every available surface on the bed and floor.There are so many of them that I can barely see the sheets underneath, and his excitement is written all over his little face as he looks from one package to another.For a moment, he simply stands there, taking it all in then he reaches for the nearest box.I walk into the room and sit down at the head of the bed, hating the way a little tiredness made my body weak.I shift slightly, trying to get comfortable, and watch as Ethan begins tearing into the packages with barely contained excitement.The paper rips under his little fingers, and his face lights up each time he discovers what is inside.I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as I watch him.Seeing him this happy does something to me.After everything he has been through, all I want is for him to have moments like this.Moments where his bigge
Talia POVToday is Ethan’s sixth birthday and I’m in the kitchen, carefully icing his birthday cake when I hear the sound of running footsteps coming from the open sliding glass doors.Before I can even turn around properly, Ethan comes rushing inside. “You won’t believe what we did!” he announces.He’s practically breathless from running, his face bright with excitement, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of him. I turn around and instinctively brace myself, already knowing exactly what he’s about to do.I’m expecting him to barrel straight into me but Alexei intercepts him before he can get close.“Whoa, take it easy,” Alexei tells him, scooping him up into his arms and I shake my head, fighting a smile.I’ve been home or, technically, at Dante’s house for two months now, and I swear Alexei has turned into some kind of ninja.He keeps one eye on me at all times, always ready to spring into action if he thinks I’m getting tired, might trip, or, apparently, if our six-year-old co
Aria POVI didn't know what happened later that night and honestly, I didn't even want to know.Viktor had insisted that I stay in the room, and after everything that had happened, I didn't have the energy or the courage to argue with him.My body was still tense, my mind was still stuck on what had happened with Alessandro, and every time I closed my eyes, I could see Viktor's knife again and I still couldn't believe he was dead.One moment, Alessandro had been standing there, and the next, Viktor had ended his life without hesitation.I knew Viktor was capable of violence especially after what happened with Yuri but seeing it happen so close to me was different and It had shaken me.So I stayed in the room like he told me to. I didn't even speak to my aunt for the rest of the party.Normally, I would have at least tried to find her, but that night I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't know what I would say anyway.My head was filled with too many thoughts, and I was still tryin
Viktor POVIf Alessandro thought I hadn’t noticed the way he’d eye-fucked my wife when we’d arrived, he was even more stupid than I thought. If it weren’t for my brother, I would have plunged my knife into the fucker’s face right away but Alexei had a lot to deal with now and couldn’t use any more trouble.Aria was trying to put on a brave face but I could see how upset she was after a talk to my bitch of Yuri wife. I didn’t want to know what the woman had said to her because she would never dare say something to my face. Unfortunately, it took me a few more minutes before I could finally follow Gianna after she’d fled the living room. When I stepped out into the lobby, I didn’t see her anywhere. I paused, listening closely, but the sounds of the party behind me were drowning out everything else. What if something happens to her or the baby?I headed in the direction of where I remembered the bathroom to be, hoping I’d find her there. A deep voice made me quicken my steps and when
Aria POV I flinched every time my uncle’s stifled cries rang out as Alexei and Viktor broke each of his fingers. My eyes weren’t on my uncle, though, but instead on my husband’s face. His expression was unreadable as he watched my uncle like he was conducting some sort of experiment.Soon, they b
Viktor POV Yuri eyes shifted between my brother and me, his breathing picking up and fear started to fill his veins and I knew the signs were obvious but this was only the beginning of his sorrow.I leaned down, my mouth curling. “You will admit to it your transgressions soon and you will apologiz
Viktor POVWhen Alexei first told me about a marriage with the Crown Syndicate, I thought he was pulling my legs as usual but when Nikolai sent me the picture I was surprised, marriage was the last thing on my mind right now and an orphan, I didn't know what to say about that. I should have known s
Aria POVI immediately looked away from him and fighting the weak tears at the corner of my eye.I saw him remove his boxers, and then he climbed on the bed naked. I trembled because couldn’t stop myself no matter how had I tried. His hand touched my waist then slid up slowly, the touch was light b







