Lahat ng Kabanata ng Marked by the Mob: A Russian Mafia Romance: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

The acrid scent of antiseptic couldn't mask the underlying smell of desperation that seemed to permeate St. Mary's Hospital at 2 AM. Dr. Alessia Russo's shoes squeaked against the linoleum as she strode down the corridor, her pace quickening with each step. The flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows, transforming the familiar hallway into something sinister. Alessia's heart pounded, not from the brisk walk, but from the knowledge of what she was about to do.As she approached her locker, Alessia glanced around furtively. Seeing no one, she quickly shed her white lab coat and stuffed it inside, replacing it with a nondescript black peacoat. She didn't want to draw attention to herself where she was going.Pushing open the heavy metal door leading to the alleyway behind the Hospital, a gust of cool night air hit her face, carrying with it the pungent odor of rotting garbage and stale urine. She grimaced, glancing around nervously, her heart pounding. She couldn't believe she w

The week following her dinner with Nikolai Zhukov passed in a blur of sleepless nights and distracted days. Alessia found herself going through the motions at work, her mind constantly drifting back to the Bratva boss's offer.During a rare quiet moment in the ER, Alessia retreated to the staff lounge, cradling a cup of lukewarm coffee. She stared unseeing at the TV mounted on the wall, some daytime talk show playing at low volume."Earth to Dr. Russo," a voice cut through her reverie. Alessia blinked, focusing on her colleague, Dr. Sarah Chen. "You okay? You've been spacing out a lot lately."Alessia forced a smile. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind."Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Anything you want to talk about?"For a moment, Alessia was tempted to confide in her friend. To spill everything about Nikolai, the Bratva, the impossible choice before her. But the words died in her throat. How could she explain without sounding insane? Or worse, without implicating Sarah in something dangerous

As she began to work, Alessia felt a strange sense of calm descend over her. This, at least, was familiar territory. Bullet wound or not, a patient was a patient.An hour later, Alessia emerged from the makeshift operating room, exhausted but triumphant. Sergei would live, though he'd need proper medical care and antibiotics to prevent infection.Nikolai was waiting for her, a pleased smile on his face. "Well done, doctor. I knew I made the right choice with you."The pra

Nikolai Zhukov stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, a glass of scotch in hand, his steely gaze fixed on the twinkling city lights below. His mind, however, was occupied with thoughts of a certain defiant doctor.Alessia Russo. The name alone sent a thrill through him, igniting a mix of emotions he wasn't accustomed to feeling. Her audacity in threatening him earlier should have infuriated him. In his world, such insolence typically warranted swift and brutal retribution.And yet...A smile played at the corners of his lips as he recalled the fire in her eyes, the steel in her voice. "One day, you're going to need me to save your life. And on that day, Nikolai, I'm going to remember this moment."He should be angry. He should put her in her place, remind her of the power he held over her and her loved ones. Instead, he found himself... amused. Intrigued. Aroused, even.Nikolai took a sip of his scotch, savoring the burn as he conjured an image of Alessia in his mind.

The rhythmic thud of fists against leather echoed through Nikolai's private gym. Sweat glistened on his bare torso as he unleashed a barrage of punches on the heavy bag, each impact a futile attempt to drive Alessia Russo from his mind.Hours had passed since their encounter, yet he could still feel the ghost of her body pressed against his, could still smell the faint scent of her perfume mingled with antiseptic. It was maddening.With a growl of frustration, Nikolai landed a vicious hook that sent the bag swinging wildly. He steadied it, breathing heavily, his mind racing.What was it about her that had gotten under his skin so thoroughly? Her defiance? Her compassion? The way she looked at him not with fear, but with a dangerous mix of curiosity and understanding?"Bozhe moy," he muttered, reaching for a towel. "Get it together, Nikolai."A knock at the door interrupted his brooding. "Enter," he called, not bothering to turn around.Sergei's reflection appeared in the mirrored wall