All Chapters of The Assassin’s Portrait: Stepbrother Dark Romance : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

꧁ Marisella ꧂I’m proud of myself for hanging on this long.The call doesn’t last, then Maksim returns the phone to his pocket without another word.His facial muscles haven’t moved an inch, that scowl still intimidating and savage.I subtly dig my heels in.Finally, Maksim steps aside, gesturing to the elevator doors like a chauffeur.I blink in surprise, then slide a questioning glance at the elevator.He nods.My chest nearly explodes with satisfaction.Chin high, I press the button and step in. Maksim follows me, taking up so much space it should be illegal.I don’t need to ask to know he’s going to babysit me.The thought is both reassuring and annoying, but I’ll take the win I’ve been given.He drives me to work in a muscular truck, and I can’t help but feel important.I hadn’t heard Alexei’s exact words, and I try to imagine them.Had he sighed at my stubbornness before giving in?Or…My spine stiffens.What if he ordered Maksim to deliver me elsewhere while I simply followed l

꧁ Marisella ꧂He saw. He was there.A cynical sort of satisfaction floods my chest in waves.How to answer his question?“What do you mean?”Alexei rises with shocking speed, all six feet of pure muscle boxing me in against the door.My palms splay over the reinforced wood behind me, my breaths shallow and quick.“Your date,” he says, looking down at me.“You watched. What do you think?”His next breath parts his lips, and my eyes are drawn there. Firm. Red. Has he been biting them?“I don’t think you understand the situation—”“You’re right, I don’t. But why should I be worried? I’ve never hurt anyone.”“Tough talk for someone who, just days ago, fell asleep with an intruder in the house.”The rude reminder of that unfortunate night sears me in flashes. I dodge sideways and walk into the living area. My palms are sweaty.Alexei’s footsteps follow me right into the bedroom, and I flip the switch for some semblance of control.“What do you expect me to do when you won’t tell me anythin

꧁ Marisella ꧂The days go by until they bleed into one.Just as Alexei had promised, Maksim brought me everything I needed. From food to games to stave off my boredom.My routine is a monotonous ritual of waking, eating, turning questions over and over in my mind, and staring blankly out the window.Maksim is out there right now. He doesn’t live in this smart home with me. One night, I’d seen a glint from the trees and figured it had been him up there with a weapon.I feel like a well-guarded criminal. Except this criminal can surf the internet and order Chinese.I’d spoken to Mom yesterday. Her condition is improving at a steady pace. She’d asked to see me, and guilt had squeezed its fingers around my throat.I sigh, my hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea.She knows nothing of it.The debts, what Alexei has had to do, and the fact that she has bodyguards at the hospital.At least she’s safe.The next name and face that flash through my mind make me release another tired sigh.Sony

꧁ Marisella ꧂“Please calm down, Mum, please. How do you—”The hospital room door swings open, and a nurse sweeps in.“What is going on?”Mum and I turn at the sudden interruption, the nurse’s stern face taking us in.I stand up, still holding Mum’s hand. “I, uh… she just got excited. Mum, are you okay?”Mum’s chest rises and falls under her still-shaking palm, but she gives a nod. She breathes through her mouth, her face still etched with a mix of terror and confusion.“Your heart rate is too high. I’ll administer a drug to help you calm down—”“No!” Mum interrupts. “I’m fine. Or I will be. Just let me talk to my daughter first. Please.”The nurse looks at both of us again. “Don’t cause her any more shocks. She’s still under close monitoring.”At my nod, the nurse turns and leaves.The door hasn’t even closed completely when Mum grabs my hand again.Her chin is set, her grip almost too strong. “There’s something I need to tell you.”No kidding. Everyone seems to have secrets that I o

꧁ Marisella ꧂In person, Elizaveta sucks the air in the hallway and spins it into an icy typhoon around herself.She’s tall. Equal in height to Alexei’s six-something, though she’s wearing heels. Even then, it’s impressive.After a single sweep of her dismissive gaze over me, she scans the hospital hallway with distaste and then turns to Alexei.“Why are we outside?”The spell breaks.I face Alexei too.Without looking at his fiancée, he gestures to her. “Marisella, this is Elizaveta Vasilieva, my fiancée. Elizaveta, this is my sister.”“Stepsister.”Elizaveta’s correction slams into me with the force of a brick.But I don’t have the time or luxury to be shocked or offended. To be anything. My mother is fighting for her life, and I have a plan that requires a straight head.So I smile, even though my joints ache and my head hurts.“It’s so nice to finally meet you. I was wondering when we’d get to meet.” I can’t bring myself to offer a hug or handshake. “I didn’t imagine it would be