ALEXEI I was in my office, the heavy oak door framing a picture of stoic control. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the bookshelves crammed with leather-bound volumes, each a silent testament to the Pushkin legacy. Yet, I couldn't focus on the crackling flames or the comforting aroma of pipe tobacco. My mind, usually a battlefield of strategic maneuvers and calculated risks, was consumed by the memory of her kiss. Zoey. Her lips, soft and yielding beneath mine, had ignited a fire within me, a wildfire that threatened to consume the carefully constructed walls I'd built around my heart. I poured myself another glass of amber liquid, the rich burn of the vodka offering a poor substitute for the lingering warmth of her touch. My fingers traced the rim of the crystal glass, the echo of her name resonating in the stillness. Little sparrow. The nickname had slipped out, a possessive murmur against her ear, a stark contrast to the cold, calculating persona I pre

ALEXEIRage pulsed through my veins, fueled by Zoey's infuriating accusations. I barged into my office, the door slamming against the wall. The room felt too small to contain the tempest of emotions swirling within me.Yaz, Viktor, and Ivan looked up from their seats, surprise and caution flickering in their eyes. They could sense the storm that accompanied me."What the hell happened?" Yaz asked, rising from his chair.I ignored him, my gaze fixated on the massive space of my estate. The buildings stood tall and unyielding, much like the chaos within me."Boss, are you okay?" Viktor ventured cautiously.I scoffed, the bitter taste of anger lingering on my tongue. "Okay? No, I'm not okay."Yaz exchanged a glance with the others, unsure of how to navigate the brewing storm."What did she say to rile you up like this?" Ivan asked, breaking the tense silence."She accused me of orchestrating the car bombing

ALEXEIThe air was thick with tension as we stepped out of the salon. Zoey's anger radiated like heat waves, and I couldn't help but find her defiance both infuriating and intriguing. She had a spirit that refused to be tamed, and that was both exasperating and exhilarating."Welcome to the family, Zoey," I said, smirking at her obvious discomfort.She shot me a withering look. "Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Pushkin. This marriage changes nothing for me."I chuckled. "We'll see about that."As we made our way back to the estate, Zoey walked beside me with an air of defiance. I couldn't deny the thrill of having her by my side, even if it was against her will. This marriage was a strategic move, a way to bind her to me in a way she couldn't escape.Back at the estate, the news of our impromptu wedding had spread like wildfire. The guards and staff greeted us with a mix of surprise and curiosity, their whispers following us a

ZOEYThe morning light filtered through the curtains, and as I woke up, a throbbing pain reminded me of the previous night's chaos. Trying to sit up, the ache in my abdomen protested, and I winced. The aftermath of the bullet wound was making its presence known.As I shifted on the bed, I felt an unexpected weight on my hand. Confused, I glanced down and saw Zoey, asleep and holding onto my hand like it was some lifeline. It was a sight that threw me off guard—her face relaxed in sleep, a stark contrast to the confrontational woman I'd grown accustomed to.Deciding to let her sleep, I eased back onto the pillows and found myself just watching her. In the quiet of the morning, with the room bathed in a soft glow, Zoey looked different. The harsh lines that usually marked her expression were softened, and there was an unexpected serenity to her features.I couldn't help but think about how beautiful she looke

ALEXEII stood in my office, glancing through the wide window that offered a view of the garden. Down below, Zoey and her friend, Emma, were engrossed in conversation. The sight of Zoey smiling and laughing brought an unexpected warmth to my chest.It was strange, considering my usual demeanor. I found solace in the moments when she seemed at ease, free from the burdens that constantly weighed her down. Her laughter, like a melody, echoed in my thoughts, creating a rare sense of peace.She looked different when she smiled, like a flower blooming amidst chaos. For a moment, I forgot about the ruthless world I navigated daily. It was just Zoey and her friend, sharing laughter and stories.I couldn't deny the magnetic pull she had on me. It wasn't just about the physical attraction; it was something deeper. Seeing her happy resonated with a part of me I had long kept buried. A part that craved moments of normalcy, moments of genuine happines