ALEXEI I stood in my office, the estate grounds unfolding beyond the window like a distant tapestry. Thoughts of Zoey danced in my mind, her presence a puzzle I couldn't figure out. She had a way of unsettling the carefully constructed walls around me, and I found myself struggling with unfamiliar emotions.Yaz's voice echoed from the doorway, pulling me from my thoughts. "Boss, you've got a meeting in half an hour."I nodded, my mind still lingering on Zoey. The relationship between us were shifting, an invisible thread connecting us in ways I hadn't anticipated. Love, or whatever it was, had a knack for complicating the straightforward path I had carved for myself.There was a vulnerability in her eyes that tugged at something deep within me. Love was a liability, a weakness I couldn't afford. Yet, the mere idea of it lingered, an uninvited guest in my thoughts.I strolled into the garage,

ALEXEI I got a tip that Carlos, the spy sent to infiltrate our ranks, was holed up in one of our famous clubs. The audacity of choosing such a familiar place thinking we wouldn't find him there amused me. With Yaz, Ivan, and Viktor by my side, we took our positions in the higher-class section, observing the crowd below."Any sign of him, Yaz?" I inquired, impatience evident in my voice as Yaz typed away at something only he understood."Not yet, Alexei. Just be patient. He'll make a slip, and we'll catch him," Yaz assured me, his eyes focused on the task at hand."I'm done being patient. It's time to spill some blood," I declared, the thirst for retribution pulsating through my veins."You're a sadist," Yaz remarked, a glint of amusement in his eyes."Don't act like you don't enjoy the game," I retorted, smirking at the shared understanding between us.As Yaz continued his work, I noticed Viktor pacing r

ZOEY The hospital room had become my temporary safe place, complete with sterile walls and the ever-present hum of medical equipment. While the physical pain from the gunshot wound had subsided, the emotional aftermath lingered, like a shadow refusing to fade.Alexei, true to his word, remained a constant presence by my side. It was both comforting and disconcerting—comforting because his closeness provided a sense of security, and disconcerting because it emphasized the dangerous world we were entangled in.The first day after the attack was a blur of painkillers, occasional naps, and fleeting moments of wakefulness. Alexei sat beside me, occasionally engaged in low-voiced conversations with Yaz, who would then leave the room, only to return with a serious expression etched across his face.As the days unfolded, my mind gradually cleared from the fog of medication. The bandages on my stomach itched, a constant reminde

ALEXEI I watched Zoey as she slept, a temporary break from the chaos that consumed my world. With a silent sigh, I left her room, making my way to the office. The weight of responsibility clung to every step, a constant reminder of the dangerous dance we were entangled in. Yaz was waiting in the office, his expression serious. "How did it go in the warehouse?" I asked, my voice edged with concern. Yaz grimaced. "It was a trap. Mikhail knew we would investigate, and he set it up. Five of our men paid the price." Anger simmered beneath my skin. Mikhail was playing a dangerous game, planning attacks with cunning accuracy. I clenched my fists, the desire for payback burning within me. "Mikhail is good at hiding," Yaz remarked, echoing my thoughts. "But we'll find him, Alexei. He can't hide forever." I leaned against the desk, my jaw tight. "He thinks he can outsmart us, but he underestimates the lengths I'll go to protect what's mine. I couldn't do it the first time but I'll do it t

ZOEY As I walked down the stairs, I spotted Alexei waiting at the bottom. His eyes widened in admiration, and a genuine smile graced his lips.  "You look gorgeous," he complimented. His compliment warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but return the sentiment, "You look dashing too."Hand in hand, we made our way to the garage and into the car. The drive to the party was surprisingly quiet, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. Nerves fluttered in my stomach, and I felt like a chaotic mess inside. We soon pulled up at the extravagant venue.Alexei turned to me with a reassuring gaze. "Come on. Let's go. Remember to stay close to me, okay?"I swallowed hard, my nerves bubbling, and nodded in agreement. "Okay."As we entered the grand party, it was like stepping into another world. The venue was filled with influential figures from the Bratva world. Alexei's reminder echoed in my mind,