ANYAI stepped into the room with shaky feet, the atmosphere heavy with tension. The doctor was there, tending to Vincenzo. Nico, Carlo, and Blanca were standing around, partially blocking my view. My heart raced, fearing what I was about to see.As they noticed me, Matteo's voice cut through the air, drawing their attention. They parted slightly, creating a path for me to see. And then I saw him, lying there, his form obscured by bandages and blood.A gasp caught in my throat, and I crumbled to my knees. It couldn't be true. This couldn't be Vincenzo. Not the indomitable force of strength and charisma I knew. Not him, lying so still, surrounded by the sterile white of a hospital room.The tears I'd been holding back burst forth. I reached out, my fingers trembling, as if touching him could prove to me that this was just a nightmare. That this wasn't really happening.“Vincenzo,” I choked out, my voice quivering. &ldquo

ANYAIt had been three days since Vincenzo had returned home from his injuries. Thankfully, he had fully recovered, and our lives had returned to a sense of normalcy, albeit with a heightened sense of passion between us. As Vincenzo and I had promised each other, our intimate moments were nearly everywhere - in the bedroom, the bathroom, under the soothing cascade of water, in his office, his car, and even while he was driving. The fire between us seemed unquenchable, and I found myself craving him constantly.A mischievous smile played on my lips as I recalled our recent encounters. The memories of our encounters in various places sent a rush of heat through my body. Our connection was electrifying, and he knew exactly how to make me tremble with pleasure.This morning had been a particularly memorable one. I had woken up to a delicious sensation, Vincenzo under the covers, pleasuring me with an intensity that left me breathless. H

ANYAI open my eyes and blink repeatedly, trying to focus in the unfamiliar surroundings. My body aches, the result of being confined and bound for far too long. This room is different from the one before; a bedroom, immaculately clean. I'm still chained to a chair, though at least my legs are free.Attempting to stretch my legs, pain shoots through me, and I can't help but let out a cry. Damn cramps – a consequence of being immobilized for so long. How much time has passed? How long have I been here? And why hasn't Vincenzo found me yet?My discomfort is momentarily forgotten as the door creaks open, revealing a man who exudes intimidation. My heart races as I take in his appearance – round face, sharp blue eyes, and an aura that radiates danger. Despite never having seen him, an odd sense of familiarity strikes me.“So, you're the girl Chirkov's been keeping,” his deep voice resonates in the room.“W

VINCENZOI was pacing the hospital hallway angrily. Anya was in there fighting for her life, and it was all because of that fucker. The weight of guilt and anger pressed heavily on me. I should have protected her better. I should have prevented this.Right now, that bastard was in the dark cage, locked away where he belonged. I intended to make him pay for every bit of pain he had caused Anya. He was going to regret the day he crossed paths with us.My promise to protect her echoed in my mind, and I cursed myself for not being able to keep her safe. I shouldn't have asked her to trust me in that moment of chaos. I should have kept her out of harm's way, no matter what.Anya had been in surgery for nearly seven hours. The mere thought of her lying there, fighting for her life, sent waves of frustration and helplessness through me. The doctors had insisted that I leave the room, claiming I was disrupting their work. Matteo had to physically

ANYAErik's small hand reached out and touched my hair. I raised my head to meet his gaze. “Why are you crying so much like this?”Tears still shimmering in my eyes, I managed a smile. “I'm just really, really happy.”He turned his gaze to Vincenzo. “Does she cry like this often?”Vincenzo chuckled. “Yeah, she does. It's a miracle she still has tears left.”Erik then looked at Vincenzo, a determined expression on his face. “Thank you for taking care of her. I promise, when I grow up, I'm going to repay you somehow.”My heart swelled with pride and love for this brave boy. I had missed him beyond words. When Uncle Pietro had told me Erik was dead, I thought a part of me had died too. I couldn't imagine what life would have been like without him, my only living family. Meeting him had become even more crucial now, as I needed to learn about my true parents.Vin