Consumed

By Darkness

CHAPTER 1 LUNA

Her head rested on his bare chest, the ripped pieces of red lingerie scattered all over the floor. I could see hickeys of the same shade all over

her neck. He always told me how he loved me in red…I guess he loved my sister in red too.

My heart was in denial, refusing to believe that Adrik and Elena would do this to me. But the evidence was damning, and it was everywhere. From the cum trickling down my sister’s exposed thighs, to the arm Adrik had lazily draped across her waist. They slept soundly, entangled in each other. The tears burned as they rolled down my cheeks, but there was no way I was going to let them see me break. They did shatter the illusion of the perfect life I thought I had, but I’d rather die than allow them to take anything away from my pride.

My tears were met by the cool touch of my wedding ring against my hot cheeks, bringing a brief sense of relief. I ripped the band from my finger before placing it gently on the bedside table to avoid waking the sleeping lovers. Something twinged in my chest, an emotion I couldn’t quite explain. It prompted me to gaze at Adrik’s features. He looked so sated, every muscle on his face relaxed.

I thought that he was only this comfortable with me. That he only found peace when he was with me. That was what he led me to believe at least. I put my hand over my mouth to fight a sob. Oh, how wrong I was.

I forced myself away from the sight that, to me, was just like a car crash; atrocious but you just can’t look away. I felt a hot stare trailing behind me. It almost burned my back with its intensity. Turning to look at them again, I saw Elena with her eyes wide open. A smirk was drawn on her beautiful face. I did not know what I expected, but definitely not this. There was no guilt in her eyes, just something bordering on insanity. My sister that I raised with my blood, sweat, and tears; was goading me as she slept next to my husband.

Her perfectly manicured red fingernails grazed his chest as she caressed him. She twirled his chest hair around her finger before leaning in and giving him a peck on the lips. He was still dead asleep, but that didn’t stop her from trailing her kisses downwards. Her cherry lips lathered his solid abs in kisses, and my eyes widened at the realization that she was still descending. She had no shame, obviously aiming to give my husband a blowjob in front of me.

I did not give her the satisfaction of a confrontation, or the sick pleasure of watching me unravel. I just gave them my back again and left with my head held high. As if my whole world did not just collapse in front of me.

Leaving the mansion, the frigid air hit my overheated face, making it a tad bit easier to breathe. With every step I took away from the place I called my home, memories haunted me. Memories of me painting the lilies he planted for me in the garden, of him not sleeping unless I was next to him, and of his loving words that I now know were nothing but a fantasy.

My feet took me to the only place I had left. My heels were making it hard to walk on the slippery, rain-soaked streets, and unfortunately, I did not dress for the occasion of running away from my house after I caught my husband with my sister.

On the way, I sought distraction in my “safe place” memories as I call them. They flooded my mind like an old photo album, each one more precious than the other. I remembered lazy Sunday mornings spent baking cookies with my mother, the scent of vanilla and chocolate filling our cozy kitchen as we laughed and joked together. And my father, with his toolbox always close at hand, teaching me how to fix things around the house and imparting lessons that would stay with me forever.

One memory in particular stood out, like a scene frozen in time. It was my seventh birthday, and my parents had surprised me with a shiny new bike. We spent the entire afternoon on the streets, trying to learn how to ride it. They didn’t know how to ride a bike themselves, their own childhoods marred by hardship and struggle. That day is unforgettable, we all took turns riding it, and we all tumbled and fell. Despite the countless scars I have on my knees due to that, it is still my favorite memory.

I finally made it to the cemetery, which looked terrifying at night. But the need for some delusion of comfort was more important than my safety.

Making my way to my parents’ grave, I pulled my coat tighter around me. I did feel grateful for the breeze at first, but the bite of the cold started hurting my bones. It mirrored the pain in my heart. My pants got muddied as I settled next to their graves. My legs ached from the distance I walked, but I did not care one bit.

Before I allowed myself to break down, I promised that this would be the last time I cried over my husband and sister. I have never allowed myself to be consumed by people who didn’t care for me. It was evident that they did not.

No matter how hard it was to forget the man who claimed every bit of my being and left nothing of my soul or body untouched, or my sister whom I nurtured like my own child… I would do it. My chest heaved with the effort of holding back my grief, and I finally unburdened myself. The cemetery rang with the sound of my sobs. Today, I would mourn them. After this, they might as well lie down next to my parents, dead to me.

“Mama, I wish you were with me right now,” I said to the gloomy sky. “She looked at me like she wanted to see me shatter, like I am not the person that raised her all these years, like I never went hungry for her or put her needs above mine.”

I wiped my nose with the sleeve of my coat, something I had not done since I was ten. “Papa, if you were still here, you would have tried to beat Adrik into a pulp,” I mumbled while caressing his tombstone.

A watery laugh escaped my chest at the mental image of my dad attempting to hit Adrik. My husband is a huge wall of pure muscle—soon to be an ex- husband, I corrected myself. My dad would not have stood a chance, but I was sure he would have still tried

“I feel so alone,” I whispered to the sky, hoping someone up there was hearing me. “I thought I finally built a home. After all these years of pain, I thought I found my fairytale.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a gut wrenching scream that stabbed my throat on the way out. My arms wrapped around the tombstones, needing a hug even if it was from stone. I felt like my heart was about to stop…Can someone die from heartbreak? Because it felt like I would.

The betrayal cut so deep. I was not sure I would ever be able to form a bond with anyone ever again. But when I am ready, I sure as hell would try. This won’t taint me, it won’t harshen me to the world.

My thoughts gravitated to Adrik, how he was always so protective of me and ever so loving. I do not recall he once let me go to sleep feeling upset. He always lavished me with care and gifts, making me feel like I was the only woman in his life. I could not physically grasp how he did this to me. I trusted him blindly.

Come to think of it, I had never worried about other women since the first moment Adrik came into my life. I fascinated him from day one; he seemed enamored by me. He wanted me to own every inch of him, which is what he always told me. He would rasp in my ear at every turn of how he couldn’t fathom another woman’s touch. How I was the only one in the world he craved. Lies, all lies.

I should have known that he was too good to be true. He came into my life like a beacon of light and changed everything he touched for the better. And now, everything he touched is soiled with deceit. Did he love my sister like he claimed to love me? Since when has this been going? Why? Why? So many questions were in my head, and they were bound to be answered because deep down I just wanted to forget. I did not want to learn the details of their infidelity.

I went to straighten myself up and leave when something rustling in the nearby bushes caught my attention. I would have been paralyzed with fear had I not noticed the little fluffy tail peeking out. The fluffiest little brown kitten gingerly moved towards me, and I squealed as it let me pet it.

“What are you doing here, little guy? Are you all alone like me?” I softly uttered, and I swear it nodded at me, making me coo. After I got my fair share of love from the kitty, I started to leave. But the kitten just followed me, meowing all the way for my attention.

I couldn’t bring myself to leave him there. I scooped him up, putting his little shivering form in the pocket of my fleece coat for warmth. I melted at the fact that he was small enough to fit into it.

Maybe, just maybe, someone up in the sky was listening to me and did not want me to spend this night alone. I was fully aware of how delusional my

thoughts were, but I desperately needed the solace.

I stood at the curb, my arm outstretched as I hailed a taxi. The streets were not as busy as they usually were, and I was thankful for that. I didn’t want headlines to be made about this. I gritted my jaw at the thought, “Russian Billionaire Adrik Petrov’s wife found crying on the streets. Trouble in Paradise?” God, if something like that were to come out, I would die of embarrassment. The women within our social circle would be ecstatic, they never liked me. But I knew it had nothing to do with my character, they all wanted my husband. I was a hurdle in their way to get a piece of him.

As the taxi pulled up, its headlights illuminated the mud stains on my pants, and made the kitten in my pocket whimper. The taxi driver, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, glanced at me through the rearview mirror. His eyes lingered on the disheveled state of my appearance—the mud, the mascara streaks on my face—but he said nothing.

I gave him the address of a hotel far away from Adrik’s house. I needed space, both physical and emotional, from the wreckage of my life. The taxi began to move, and I stared out of the window, watching the cityscape blur into streaks of light. The raindrops on the glass reflected the tears I couldn’t cry anymore.

After about half an hour on the road, I could see the hotel in the distance. I could not wait to sleep the feelings off. I handed the driver the fare without a word. He met my eyes briefly, curiosity lingering in his stare but he was smart enough not to comment, and I stepped out to escape the pity I knew was coming.

My legs shook as I made my way to the hotel. The smell of the rain lingered in the air, but it did nothing to calm my nerves. I was insecure to go in with how messy I looked. In the end, after a mental battle, I entered, seeking refuge from the storm that raged both outside and within me. I chose a room with a Jacuzzi, wanting to bathe the mental grime of the day off and relax my muscles. Hey, if you were not going to pamper yourself after discovering your sister and husband have been sleeping with each other, when would you?

The receptionist, sitting behind the worn-out desk, was squinting at the strong light from her computer. She wore a forced smile that barely concealed the fatigue etched on her face. Her uniform was wrinkled and

showing signs of wear. I made sure to thank her profusely as she handed me the keycard to the room I requested, sensing how tired she was. However, I did not inform her of the kitten in my pocket that I really needed to name, for the fear that pets were not allowed. I grew attached to him. Behind the closed door, I finally allowed myself to breathe.

The hotel room, devoid of memories tainted by betrayal, became a sanctuary. I peeled off the mud-streaked clothes, shedding the remnants of the life that was no more. I looked at myself in the mirror, meeting the gaze of someone who had survived the unthinkable. My face showed it, looking sunken in and pale. But in essence, I was proud of myself for the way I handled this mess.

Before I headed to the bathroom, I improvised a makeshift litter box for my newfound companion. I emptied a chocolate box I found in the mini fridge, using it as a container. I lined it with the hotel’s complimentary plastic laundry bag. A small pile of crumpled tissue paper served as a substitute for cat litter.

The kitten, ever curious, hopped into the impromptu litter box as I watched. I felt a stupid sense of accomplishment as it peed in the box. I decided to name him Peanut because he was the same color as one. It definitely was not the most creative name out there, but it had been an exhausting day.

I made sure Peanut was comfortable and headed to the Jacuzzi with a bottle of whiskey that I found in the mini fridge. I rarely drank, it wasn’t because of anything in particular. It just didn’t appeal to me as most of it didn’t smell the best. But today it was like a need, I wanted to forget I was ever married in the first place and that I ever had a sister.

There was an urge in me to share what happened to someone who could understand. But I realized the bitter truth—I had no one. No close friends in this city, no confidants to turn to in times of need. The isolation weighed heavily on me. I always told myself that I didn’t need anyone but Adrik and Elena in my life, that they were more than enough for an introvert like me. In truth, I was wishing that I had made more of an effort to make friends. I just had never anticipated to find the two most important people in my life together, in our marital bed nonetheless.

Chapter 2 Adrik

There has only ever been one woman in my heart. Only one woman embedded so deep into my soul, that she owns every single part of me. Since I met her, my body craves only her. My cock does not even twitch for anything that is not related to her. Her smile. Her long wavy brown hair. Her doe eyes. Her petite curves. Just. Her. And that woman is Luna Petrov.

So, waking up to find her naked sister nestled in my bed, and my wife’s wedding ring on the bedside table was an unwelcome turn of events. There was absolutely no way I touched Elena. To me, she is just like any other woman that is not Luna, ordinary and unremarkable.

My head pounded, and my body broke out in goose bumps of disgust at the woman sleeping next to me as she nuzzled deeper into my chest. I immediately pushed her off of me, my body hating her touch. I noticed how sluggish my muscles felt, my usual strength diminished. I rubbed at my throbbing temples trying to remember what happened. I recalled Elena coming over, waiting for my Luna to return home from her baking class so they could watch a movie together. She went into the kitchen and made us some tea, and my mind was blank of anything that happened after I drank it. Judging from the state of my body, she must have slipped a strong sedative into my cup.

Rage like no other ate away at me, and I turned to look at her. She was already up and staring at me with a sick sense of satisfaction on her face. She grabbed Luna’s ring from the bedside table and slipped it onto her finger before caressing my beard. “She is gone, my love. We can finally be happy. It’s just you and me.”

I could swear that my dick shriveled back into itself at her unwanted touch. She dared put my Luna’s ring on her finger, dared to think that she has any right to my body. I roughly grabbed her wrist and ripped the ring from her before flinging her off the bed. She fell straight on her naked ass, looking at me for a second with bitterness before she started to laugh manically.

“You’re fighting this now, my love. But you will not be after you see how Luna won’t forgive you. I will be the only part of her you have left, and being just that for you is okay with me if it means I can finally have you.” She uttered, her eyes clouded over with nothing short of insanity.

I forced myself off the bed, stumbling slightly when my feet hit the ground. My body was still under the effect of whatever the fuck she gave me. That did not stop me from charging at her, pinning her against the wall and beating it with my fists until they bled. I had to keep reminding myself that I do not hit women. “What have you done, Elena? There is no way in hell I slept with you.” I screamed in her face.

“You and I know that. But do you know who doesn’t? Sweet, Sweet, Luna. “She giggled “I made sure she saw me looking as disheveled as ever, roughly fucked you can say. The poor thing just put down her ring and left. Didn’t even stick around to find out the truth; maybe she just doesn’t love you like you love her.” She continued, her words dripping with poison.

She moved her face incredibly close to mine, and I barely resisted the urge to puke. “Even if it was your cum in me and not another man’s. Even if you were in this bed with me willingly and I did not have to drag you here unconscious. If I were in her place, I would have still forgiven you. She doesn’t love you enough to forgive you, Adrik. But I do, I love you enough to forgive you for anything. I should have been with you, not her.” She babbled, her nasty breath assaulting my senses.

I lost control of myself and pushed her away, causing her back to hit the wall hard. She slid down it, a single tear escaping her eye. Yet, that fucking disgusting Chester smile remained on her face. “Soon, you will see that we belong together. You will understand why I did this.” She kept repeating like a mantra while I got dressed, wanting to go search for my wife. She was hugging her legs, rocking back and forth.

When she saw me fully dressed, heading out to go bring my wife back to where she belongs, she flipped. She crawled to me naked on all fours, probably trying to look seductive but all it did was make her look like a sleep paralysis demon. She clung to my legs once she reached me. She rubbed her chest all over my legs as if that would entice me. She was dead wrong; the only person who entices me was somewhere thinking I cheated on her, with her own sister nonetheless.

“Don’t go. I know you don’t like sharing,” she whispered, her eyes darting nervously around the room. “I promise I will clean myself up real good and then show you how much I love you.” She rambled, avoiding making eye contact, her gaze fixed on the floor. “I had to sleep with him, my love,” she continued, her tone wavering, “how could I make this look convincing to Luna? I also couldn’t drag you by myself. I needed him.”

I concluded that she didn’t do this alone. Someone helped her, and considering the nature of my work, this just got even more complex. She outed herself, all because she was stupid enough to think my reaction was jealousy over her and not total repulsion of her.

I shook her off me, dark enjoyment flowing within me as I saw her whimper in what looked like defeat.

Never did I enjoy a look of pain on a woman’s face. But she was an exception, she was pure evil. Kneeling down so that I was face to face with her, I barked out “You will pay for this. Finding my wife is more important than anything right now. But after I do, I will show you and your accomplice hell. It’s a promise.”

Her eyes flashed with blazing hate “She doesn’t deserve you, and she will never forgive you. I will make sure she never forgives you.” She hissed, and my hands reached out despite myself, choking her.

I tried to hold back the darkness within me, but she just pushed me too hard. It was unimaginable to me that my Luna wouldn’t forgive me. The mere thought that Luna didn’t think that every fiber of my being was reserved for her only, that I would let hands other than hers touch me was driving out the beast that always lurked within.

“I am entirely hers, Elena. Even if I have to beg at her feet for a lifetime so that she can see through your malice, I will.” I snarled in her face, a face that resembled Luna’s so much, yet was always lacking the innocence my wife carried around her.

I only let go of her when her face turned bluish from the lack of oxygen. Leaving her there crying was hard to do, when all I wanted was to punish her for what she made my wife witness.

Rushing down the stairs and outside, I hastily opened the car door and sank into the driver’s seat. The city lights blurred as I took off at a dangerous

speed. I pulled out my phone, dialing Alex’s number.

I barked out in Russian, “Alex. Track her phone. Now.” The call ended abruptly. No need for pleasantries. He knew who I was talking about, and he had advised I put a tracker on her since the beginning of our relationship. But I refused, wanting to shield her from this part of me.

Navigating the streets for her while Alex did his thing, my thoughts were a chaotic swirl in the meantime. Where was she? Who was she with? Was she okay? I didn’t know, and uncertainty didn’t sit well with me. I always knew everything about her, and this was torture for me.

I met her a year and four months ago. After dating for four months, I proposed. We have been married for a year. It was the best year in my entire life. The people around me kept telling me that my decision was rushed. But I found the love of my life, there was absolutely no reason to wait. On the contrary, I needed her bound to me.

The first day I saw her, I was in America for a business trip. She was a waitress in the restaurant I chose to eat at that day. Every day I count my lucky stars for going to that specific restaurant.

The spark was instant. I went to that restaurant for a week straight, just to catch a glimpse of her. I knew I wanted a future with her, so I relocated to America.

In my line of work, safety is a luxury few can afford. Every day brings new threats, new enemies lurking in the shadows, ready to strike when least expected. When I met Luna, everything changed, and I couldn’t bear to see snuffed out by the dangers that surrounded me.

Moving to America wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. Luna feared the mafia greatly, they robbed her of her parents. Bringing her into my world would have been like asking her to walk through a minefield blindfolded. She deserved better than that. She deserved a chance at a normal life, free from the constant threat of violence and bloodshed.

I hid the truth of my underground empire from her, not out of deceit, but out of love. I knew she would never accept me if she knew the full extent of my involvement in the criminal underworld. She deserved better than a man with blood on his hands, better than a life filled with danger and uncertainty.

It wasn’t a perfect solution; I knew my enemies would follow me wherever I went, but America offered a level of anonymity, a degree of protection that Russia never could. It was a hassle, having to travel to Russia often to run everything, but I put up with the inconvenience for her. This is because it offered Luna the chance to live without fear, to be happy, and to not have to be constantly looking over her shoulder, wondering if today would be the day it all came crashing down.

The phone buzzed with Alex’s response, cutting through my search party of one. “Found her. She’s at a hotel, I sent you the location. Room 307,” he grunted, his sleep-cloaked voice carrying an unspoken “told you so”. If I had put a tracker on her phone in the first place, this would have been much quicker.

Damn, she chose a hotel far away, and her need to get away from me was clear. It made me burn. Driving to the hotel, I wondered, what was she doing? Was she tangled up with someone else to forget what she has seen? The idea ate at me, like a snake swallowing its tail. I promised to be her first and last. If she broke that, I didn’t know what kind of darkness would crawl out of me.

As I gunned the engine, her room number echoed in my head. I couldn’t shake the image of another man’s hands on her skin, his lips touching the skin I had claimed.

The thought tightened my grip on the steering wheel, knuckles going white. Was there some bastard whispering in her ear, making her forget about me even if it’s just for a moment? Rage bubbled up, a bitter brew of jealousy and possessiveness. I would kill him, tear him apart piece by piece.

My mind painted an image of her crying, thinking I did some shit I didn’t. I’d always been her damn shield, but now, the thought of her broken over a lie had me slamming my fist into my chest. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

I hated the idea of her thinking I messed up when I didn’t. The gas pedal under my foot seemed like the only thing keeping me from bursting at the seams. I hit the steering wheel, an attempt to exorcise the demons clawing at the edges of my mind. I probably should not be driving in this state, but I would do anything to have her by my side again.

When I finally made it to the hotel, I parked the car wherever before walking in. Immediately, I tossed a stack of bills onto the front desk. The receptionist, her hands shaking a bit, looked at the cash, then up at me. I growled, “307” and she nodded frantically, fumbling with the money. The bribe way too sweet for her to say no.

It took her an eternity to find the damn extra key. I drummed my fingers on the counter, impatience creeping up. “Hurry up,” I snapped, the words harsh and cutting. She jumped, like she’d just realized I was there. Finally, she handed over the key, nerves practically dripping off her. I snatched it, not bothering with thanks, and marched off to the room.

What the fuck kind of place just gives out their guests keys for bribes? What if it had been someone other than me that wanted in her room? I shook off the thought, not wanting to be angrier that I already was.

When the elevator pinged at the correct floor, I roamed the hall searching for her room. When I found it, I threw the door open not knowing what to expect.

There she was, sleeping in the bed like an angel, wearing nothing but the hotel bathrobe. A full whiskey bottle was on the nightstand. No doubt she tried to drown the mess in her head but couldn’t.

My woman hated alcohol. I stood at the edge of the bed, just staring at her angelic features. Her face was so delicate, it made it hard to believe she belonged on this earth. Yet, there she was. My hand reached out and moved her wet hair away from her face, wanting to see her clearly. It was evident that she had been crying, her eyes were swollen and her chest was still heaving even in sleep.

I sat next to her, placing her head on my thigh as I continued playing with her hair. Her eyes blinked open, and she scowled. It took her a while to focus her eyes due to the combination of darkness and the blur of tears. But when she did, her body launched away from me like I was on fire. That wasn’t going to do.

I grabbed her arm as she tried to scramble away, pulling her back onto my lap. “Don’t,” I growled, a low warning. “I’m here to bring you back home where you belong.” No sooner had the words left my mouth, she slapped me hard across the face.

CHAPTER 3 ADRIK

I positioned my body on top of hers, effectively pinning her down so that she could no longer fight me. My little spitfire still tried to though. Her hips were bucking wildly in an attempt to get me off of her. I allowed my hold to relax a little around her wrists. She took the opportunity to yank one of her hands out and slap me again.

I knew that she needed this outlet before she let me explain, and I gave it to her. She maneuvered us so that I lay flat on the bed while she straddled me. Her closed fists came down on my chest as hard as she could get them to. It did absolutely nothing to me, and I worried she was hurting herself instead. Her tears flowed freely down her cheeks and I raised my hand up to gently wipe them away. Her body didn’t even flinch, it knew that I would never hurt her, even if she hurt me. She also didn’t even question how I was in her room, or how I found her. She was aware of how insane I was when it came to her.

She stopped hitting me and instead, started to get off me. I held her hips down, keeping her where she was. “I can explain, Milaya.” I rasped but she just looked away from me before quietly whispering “Don’t call me that.”

It was my term of endearment for her. I never thought that I would ever call a women such terms, but she was the one for me. The word means darling in Russian, and it suited her well. I hated how she didn’t feel comfortable with me calling her that all over lies.

I switched our position again so that she was under me. My body was pressing down on every inch of hers. But for the first time, she didn’t enjoy it.

Her face was turned away from me, she wasn’t even looking into my eyes. I placed soft kisses on her cheek but she just raised her hand to block me. My heart burned at the fact that the love of my life wasn’t finding pleasure in my touch. I was going to fucking kill Elena once I got through my wife.

“I promise nothing happened between me and her.” I told her and she scoffed, refusing to believe me. I tried calming myself down. If I were in her position, I wouldn’t be as half put together as she is. “She drugged me, Luna. Then dragged my unconscious body to our bed with the man she slept with beforehand so it looked like I was with her.” I continued.

“How can I believe you, Adrik? What I saw looked so real.” She uttered, sounding broken. I clenched my teeth tight, did she not realize how she was the only women my body belonged to?

“Milaya, my body is physically incapable of sleeping with any other women but you. You’ve branded me.” I growled in her ear and she turned around, looking deeply into my eyes. It was like she was searching for something. She seemed to have found it, because she allowed me to kiss her.

My mouth devoured hers, and she moaned softly. Yet, it wasn’t the same as always. She had these walls built around her. She wasn’t losing herself to me like she usually did, and I was determined to change that. I moved my kisses to her neck, sucking hard enough to leave hickeys on some places.

My fingers untied the string of the bathrobe, exposing her small curves to me. My eyes ate away at her body that I adored. I had every single detail of her memorized, from the small freckle next to her right eye, to the birthmark on her upper thigh.

“I need you to believe me. I would never betray you,” I murmured, my thumb caressing one of her pink nipples. Her eyes softened slightly, but I could see that she was still caught up in doubt. My lips replaced my finger and I sucked on her nipple, tugging at it with my teeth under her whimper.

I was going to show her just how much I was devoted to her. My mouth sucked her other neglected nipple, giving it the same treatment I gave its twin.

Her eyes became hooded with the pleasure, she had always been sensitive to my touch. I shifted downwards to kiss her flat stomach, giving special attention to the small parts of her ribs that were prominent. She gasped as I bit her hip hard, and I chuckled. God, I love how she reacts to what I do to her.

I reached her pretty little pussy, giving it kisses all over. She raised her hips to my mouth, eager for me to start. Her wish was my command. I grabbed a hold of her thighs to spread them wide for me. My eyes roamed over that tasty honeypot and I licked my lips before I dived in. My tongue flattened, and I wiped it all over her pussy. After a couple licks, I focused on her clit, sucking and flicking it in my mouth to the sound of her mewls.

I placed my whole mouth on her tiny pussy. I suctioned and used my tongue to draw figure eights on her clit. She went crazy, screaming while humping my face for more pleasure. My hands began to play with her nipples rolling them between my fingers. It wasn’t long after that, that she came. Her delicious juices were dripping down my chin. I gave her a second to recover, my hands rubbing her thighs to comfort her.

After I soothed her, I climbed up her body and kissed her, our tongues mingling. I took out my cock, lining it up with her hot cunt. Before I could thrust in, she stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “Condom.” She muttered and my jaw locked tight, my eyebrows furrowing.

“What, Luna?” I growled out. We never used condoms, I wanted her round with my child. I rarely ever took her any way but bare, skin to skin. Her demanding me to wear a condom pissed me the fuck off. She pushed me off her roughly so she wasn’t under me. Getting into my face, she sneered “Excuse me for wanting to be safe after what I had seen.”

Any control I had left snapped. I grabbed her wrist, dragging her over to the mirror. I positioned her facing it, before gathering her hair into a makeshift ponytail that I controlled her movements with. With my feet, I kicked her legs far apart before thrusting inside of her, bare.

“You’ll take every bit of me deep inside you, and you’ll love it. Because that’s what you’re made for, Milaya. Understand me?” I grunted in her ear. She swallowed roughly, glaring at me but agreeing nonetheless. Good girl.

She squealed as my full length sheathed inside of her, which is understandable given my size. I slammed into her hard, causing her eyes rolling to the back of her head. I used the makeshift leash to pull her even tighter against me.

Her eyed closed and I barked out “Open your eyes, Milaya. Watch me as I fuck what’s mine.” She refused to comply until I grabbed on her hair tighter, only then did she blink them open with a groan.

The sight of me fully clothed, pounding her naked form hard enough for her to go dumb, was one of my favorite sights. “Who possesses me?” I purred in her ear. I waited a second for her to speak up, but she didn’t.

I brought my free hand to her clit, spanking it gently. A cry escaped her lips, still she didn’t admit it. I licked the shell of her ear, whispering “Who is the only one that makes me hard? Who is the only one that gets my cum?” She took more time than I liked to answer that, and I hit her clit harder. She finally said it on a shriek “Me! Me!”

My hand slipped into my pocket, retrieving Luna’s wedding ring. As our bodies moved together, I seized the moment to slide it onto her trembling finger, feeling the weight of possession settle over us both. The metal felt cold against her skin, a stark contrast to the heat between us.

“You’re mine, Luna,” I growled, my pitch low and commanding. “This ring stays on your finger. You’re not allowed to take it off, ever. It’s a reminder that you belong to me, body and soul, just like I belong to you.”

“I” –thrust- “am”-thrust-“fucking yours” thrust, I said as I drummed her clit with my fingers.

She dug her nails into my arms as she came, yelling so hard that the whole hotel probably heard her. I followed directly after her, painting her walls with my cum.

My hands went to her head, massaging her scalp to easy any pain I may have caused from pulling on her hair. Her eyes were transfixed on my spent that dripped down her thighs and her face became darker.

Putting distance between us, she wore her bathrobe again. Shielding her gorgeous body from my view. She sat on the bed before lighting a cigarette she stole from my suit jacket without me noticing.

She brought the cigarette to her lips, breathing in its grey smoke. I hated that I saw regret on her features. I watched her more, the contours of her face illuminated by the ember’s glow, lost in her own thoughts.

Without a word, I reached for the cigarette, plucking it from her grasp. The smoke stung my lungs as I inhaled deeply, absorbing the acrid taste that was sweetened only by her lips. A low growl rumbled from my chest as I handed it back to her, my eyes fixed on hers. “Do not get used to it, Luna,” I warned.

She continued to stare into the distance, a distant flicker of defiance in her gaze. She was inhaling the smoke with a carelessness that unnerved me. After a particular pull, she coughed, a raspy sound that grated on my nerves. My hands twitched involuntarily, an instinct to take the cigarette away, to shield her from its harsh effects. Yet, I held back.

The air was charged as I moved to kneel before her. I took her feet, dangling from the edge of the bed, in my hands, my touch gentle. “Milaya,” I began, “I need you to believe me. Your sister framed me, set this whole damn thing up. She won’t get away with it.”

The words hung in the air, I desperately needed her to see the truth. She remained silent, her eyes still not meeting mine. She looked drained. The only response I got was her snuffing out her cigarette. “I would walk through hell for you. I’d kill for you, bleed for you. Don’t let her poison this between us. “I continued, my tone gruff. “I won’t let her tear us apart. You and me, we’re stronger than her games.”

Yet, even as I yearned for her trust, deep down, I knew it wouldn’t change a damn thing. She was never leaving me. She goes where I go, and I go where she goes. There was no escaping the twisted link between us. The room crackled as Luna’s eyes finally met mine.

Silently, I held her feet, placing gentle kisses on them. I had no shame when it came to her. I was willing to move mountains just so she could see how much I loved her. I loved her in ways that weren’t healthy. She studied me for a moment, her gaze searching. Then, a subtle shift — she patted on the bed next to her, a silent request for me to sit beside her.

Without hesitation, I moved to the spot she indicated, my eyes never leaving hers. The air between us carried unspoken words. I could tell that she wanted to believe me, but she was struggling to.

“Hold me,” she whimpered, breaking the silence. I wasted no time, wrapping my arms around her, holding her close. Her vulnerability showed

in those words, and my chest tightened in response.

“I do not know what to think right now. Just hold me for the night,” she confessed. I grunted in agreement, my chest aching from the pain etched across her face.

Gently, I lowered her onto the bed, still cradling her in my arms. My fingers traced soothing patterns on her back. In the dim light, I leaned in, my lips brushing against her ear as I murmured sweet nothings, an attempt to drown out the chaos in her mind. Her body was an unfamiliar stiffness in my arms, a stark difference from the warmth and familiarity I was accustomed to.

Luna had never been like this with me before; her body used to relax at my mere presence, especially when I held her close. Every time I entered a room, her features would soften, and a calmness would settle over her. The weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders when she felt the reassurance of my presence. The contrast was glaring, and it tore through me. After a while, the sound of her soft snored filled the room, despite her unease. Only then, was I able to fall asleep.

CHAPTER 4 LUNA

My eyes opened to find myself nestled in Adrik’s arms. I closed them again, enjoying his touch for a moment before I got up. He was usually hyperaware of my presence and would wake up the minute I left the bed. If what he told me was true, what Elena gave him must still have been affecting him. Rubbing my face with frustration, I took my phone and went to the balcony.

The cold air hit my robe-clad body like a slap. I needed it. I needed to feel something other than emotional pain and confusion. Sitting on the rain- soaked chair, I dug my nails into my palms in a form of self-punishment. I had a moment of weakness last night and gave in to Adrik’s touch. I shouldn’t have done that, especially when I still didn’t know if I believed him.

I hurt him too, slapped and punched him. This was unacceptable behavior for me. I knew he didn’t feel it, but I lost my cool. I promised myself that I would never cry over them again, but I almost mauled the man when he showed up in my room. I was too emotional. So much for being unaffected.

I felt so much confliction. On one hand, I felt guilty for not believing him. But on the other, I didn’t know if I could.

Nothing made sense to me. I could not wrap my head around Elena betraying me like this. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t notice her stare at him for longer than normal or act differently around him. But I always chalked it up to her liking him like a brother and wanting to impress him. Never in a million years did I ever think she was capable of a thing like this. Whether actually drugging him or just sleeping with him. I was the one who raised her after our parents passed. I sacrificed so much for her. I should be the last person on earth she would want to hurt.

My thoughts gravitated back to Adrik. He never regarded her as anything more than my sister, at least around me. There wasn’t a moment when I was suspicious that he was doing anything or anyone behind my back. With a

sigh, I checked my phone that I neglected yesterday. There wasn’t any message from Adrik. He knew that I wouldn’t respond. But I wasn’t stupid enough to think he wouldn’t find me.

He hated me being away from him, never mind not actually being able to reach me. I just didn’t expect for him to find me so quickly; I have no idea how he did. God knows how much he bribed the receptionist to get access to my room.

Sighing, I focused on my phone again. There were countless messages from my sister. When I opened them, I swear I felt my world crash as it is. The first thing she sent was an ultrasound picture. My hands shook as I read what she texted me.

-Luna, I am three months pregnant. It is Adrik’s. I know that this must be very difficult for you, and I’m sorry. But Adrik and I just have this connection that can’t be ignored. We were scared to tell you. I am sure that you will forgive us with time. I do not know what he told you, but I want to lay all the cards on the table.

-This thing started a couple of months into your marriage. Remember when I stayed over for the New Year? He snuck into my room that night. It was magical; we couldn’t stop.

-This isn’t the only thing he hid from you. He isn’t just an entrepreneur. He sells unauthorized weapons, among other things. It isn’t as simple as that too; he is rooted in the underground, just like our parents were. He has a lot more authority than our parents did.

-He didn’t tell you because he knew how you would react. You would have freaked out. He told me, though. He said I was fit to rule beside him. You aren’t, Luna. Please leave us be. You aren’t suitable for him.

-If you do not believe me, follow him tonight. There is this masked party going on in one of his clubs, and he will be there. It will show you all you need to see. Dress the part and be ready at nine. I will have one of the people that work for him take you. Do not tell him. He will deny. Come see the truth for yourself.

The phone slipped from my shaky grip, hitting the floor with a harsh crash. My sister’s texts were a repeating loop in my mind. She claimed that she

was knocked up. By my husband. While we have been trying for a damn year, she was the one bearing his child. According to her, they have been having this affair for half a year. He apparently had been touching her for that long. Was I not good enough? As soon as the thought came, I pushed it away. No one was going to make me feel unworthy.

I felt crazy. I didn’t know who to believe at this point. She claimed that Adrik was involved with the mafia. It felt like a punch to the gut. The images of our parents, murdered for trying to break free from this dark world, flashed before my eyes. It felt like history was repeating itself.

She understood that our parents were excised by the mafia when they wanted to escape it. They moved from America to Russia due to poverty and started doing illegal work. Once they realized how much of a danger we were actually in, they fled back to America. But they had already seen too much.

Elena and I came home one day from school, only to discover the bodies of our parents heavily mutilated. I was only sixteen, and Elena was only ten. From that moment on, our lives changed forever. I did things I wasn’t proud of, just for her. I considered her more of a daughter than a sister.

She wanted to rule the mafia now? With absolutely no consideration for what happened to our parents? No respect for them? I tried standing up, only to drop to my knees, the cold floor biting through me.

Doubt and fear clawed at my chest, a friggin’ emotional tornado tearing me apart. Fuck. I thought I knew the people in my life. But now every memory, every damn whispered promise, felt like a cheap trick. My world crumbled yet again, leaving me stranded in a reality that made no sense.

Sobs took over, the pain of betrayal and the terror of the unknown slamming into me. On that damn cold floor, I was a lost cause. Lost in a maze of lies, not knowing who the hell to believe, questioning the whole damn foundation of the life I thought was mine.

Dragging myself into the bathroom, the heated tiles were a contrast to the chill within myself, like they were mocking the warmth that had once been there. Toothbrush, toothpaste – the routine played out mechanically, a puppet with strings pulled tight. The water ran, but it couldn’t wash away the mess inside me.

Numb, I wiped the tears away. The mirror laughed in my face, reflecting a wreck of a woman. Eyes vacant, cheeks stained with a gut wrenching betrayal. Determination clawed its way up, a stubborn spark in the wreckage. Shoulders squared, I silently vowed to figure the truth out, no matter how much it hurt.

Pretend for now, I told myself. Pretend I’m clueless about my husband’s possible association with the mob, about him possibly knocking up my sister.

Coming out of the bathroom, I found him awake and up, engaged in a playful interaction with Peanut. A faint smile adorned his face as he remarked, “I see you’ve made a friend.” I nodded, my response icy, “His name is Peanut.”

He approached me, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, “Good thing he didn’t wake up when I was showing you how much I loved you last night.” I scoffed, gently pushing him away. Trying to muster warmth was so hard. It was a constant struggle to maintain composure and keep the storm within hidden from his scrutiny.

The sudden rap on the hotel room door jolted me from my thoughts. The scent of breakfast wafted through the air before he even opened the door.

He had ordered a selection of my favorites, from pancakes to croissants. The scent did not appeal to me. My stomach was too knotted to be able to eat anything. I knew him, though; he was even more stubborn than me. He wouldn’t stop until I ate.

Begrudgingly, I sat on the edge of the nearby couch. He dragged a small table so that it was near the couch and placed the food on it. Eyeing where I was seated, it was clear he didn’t like the distance I was trying to put between us. The second he sat down, he dragged me so that I was seated in his lap.

My teeth clenched, but I bit my tongue. He fed me and Peanut at the same time, only eating when we were too busy chewing to have another bite. I was not sure if fruits were good for kittens, but Peanut seemed to be enjoying them. I neglected how my heart melted at the sight of this big

strong tattooed man feeding my tiny kitty. Despite the cuteness, each bite seemed to carry a bitter taste, and I wanted it to be over with.

He broke off a piece of croissant, holding it near my mouth. I pulled away, not capable of continuing to play this domestic game with him anymore. Then, his hand landed on my stomach. Patting it like he was claiming territory, a possessive claim. “Our baby may be growing in there. Eat,” he muttered, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to say after what I experienced.

My body went rigid. I jumped away from him like he was some kind of disease carrier. A baby? Was he so damn eager for one? Is that why he could have cheated on me? Well, he might be getting it from my sister.

He moved towards me, his tone gentler this time. “What’s wrong, Milaya?” he asked. I brushed off the question, not wanting him to catch on to what I suspected.

“Nothing. I’m just tired. Can we go back home?” I threw out the request. It definitely did not feel like home at the moment. But I needed to start working on my escape plan if what Elena said was real. There was no way in hell I am staying with a cheat and a criminal. This time, I would make it harder to find me. I would keep moving. He wasn’t going to convince me to take him back with orgasms and sweet talk.

He agreed and gave me a peck on the lips. Turning away from him, I quickly put on yesterday’s clothes, keeping an eye on the stubborn mud stain. He noticed it and began to ask about it. But I did not want to remember that night, so I raise my hand in a silent plea to avoid the topic.

He looked away from me, his jaw locked. I could tell his patience was running thin, but he was willing to try for me. He nodded and got dressed quickly, before kneeling down to carry Peanut.

We left the hotel and slid into the car. His hand lingered on my thigh during the entire drive, the touch burning me from the inside out. I found comfort in petting Peanut; he was helping me take my mind off things somehow.

As we entered the house after an hour’s drive, I climbed up the stairs slowly. Once I made it upstairs, I leaned against the doorway. My eyes fixated on our bedroom; it felt like I was about to lose my breakfast. He noticed my state; he always noticed everything. He suggested with a desperate tone,

“We can switch to one of the guest rooms if you want. I already had someone change the bed sheets.” Dismissing the idea with a shake of my head, I head straight for the bathroom. I left Peanut with Adrik, knowing that he would ask the staff to bring him all that was needed. A shower was in order, considering the night ahead— there was a party I must attend.

CHAPTER 5 LUNA

The water pounded down, a steady beat against the tiles. I had been in a daze, scrubbing at my skin as if I could wash away the doubts that had torn me apart. Lost in my own head, I barely noticed when Adrik entered the bathroom. He ripped the shower curtain open and took the loofah from my hand with a force that snapped me back to reality.

“What the hell were you doing?” His yelled, eyes drilling into my flesh that I had scrubbed raw. The tension hung thick in the air, the only sound being the relentless drumming of the water. Leaning down, he placed kisses on the red spots that were sore. I found it hard to soften at the sight.

He grabbed the shampoo, working it into my scalp with his fingers, massaging away the stress. I closed my eyes, letting it distract me a bit. The water washed away the suds, but the nerves remained in me.

“Please do not hurt yourself. Please, my heart can’t handle it, Luna,” he rasped in my ear, and I just nodded absentmindedly. He moved on to the conditioner, his touch purposeful as he coated my hair. I finally mustered the energy to speak, “Adrik, maybe you should go to work today, like usual.”

I needed him to resume his schedule normally, or else he wouldn’t have gone to that supposed party Elena told me about. I couldn’t last another day with this suspicion growing inside me, not knowing what to believe.

He had to attend all the events he had planned for that day so that I could find out the truth. His response was immediate, a scowl darkening his features. “I’m not leaving you alone in this state,” he grunted.

“No, really,” I insisted. “I need some space right now. It’ll make me feel better if you go to work.”

He looked away, a vein pulsating in his neck, a telltale sign of the anger boiling beneath the surface. His eyes flickered between me and the tiles on

the floor, torn between staying and leaving. Eventually, he let out a heavy sigh, his reluctance evident.

“Fine, I’ll go,” he conceded, but his gaze remained guarded, analyzing my very soul. He washed away the conditioner and any soap suds that were still on my body. His touch was incredibly gentle but with no hint of any sexual intention. He saw that I wasn’t in the mood, and I was thankful for that.

He wrapped a towel around me with a tenderness that almost made me cry for the thousandth time in these two days. I let him carry me out of the shower. His strong arms supporting me like I was made of glass. Once in the bedroom, he seated me on the bed, the same bed where I had seen him with my sister. Swallowing back the bile that was rising in my throat, I forced a smile and pretended like everything was okay.

He reached for panties and a sweater dress, dressing me as if I were a child. His touch was gentle, but the room was charged from the unease. He brushed my hair away from my face, his fingers working on untangling the locks.

As he worked, I couldn’t bear his intense stare anymore. “Are you not going to leave?” I blurted out, frantic for a moment of respite from his all- consuming presence.

The walls seemed to close in as I waited for his response. I heard his teeth clench so hard it felt like they might break. He opened his mouth, as if ready to say something, but then closed it again, nodding angrily in agreement.

He mentioned he might be late as he put on the wrinkled suit jacket from last night again. I concealed a sigh of relief—because that meant he’d be attending everything he had planned. But he picked up on it, as he always did. Hurt flashed across his features, making my chest squeeze without my permission.

As he prepared to leave, I moved closer, aiming for a peck on the lips. Something in me needed to soothe him, and I swore at the soft spot I still had for him despite everything.

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. To him, it may have tasted sweet, but for me, it felt like swallowing poison—a bitter reminder of the fractures in our relationship.

I moved away from him before he deepened it, and he kissed my forehead before leaving. I was able to breathe easier after his retreat.

The hours could not pass by slower; I filled the time with playing with Peanut. He now had a proper litter box, toys, and the cutest cat tower. I truly believed in my heart that he was sent to me by someone from above; I would have self-combusted without him.

Once the clock finally hit eight o’clock, I started getting ready. Opening the closet, an array of expensive dresses Adrik gifted me came into view. My hand ran over a simple black one; it was very elegant and something I would have usually picked up. But my eyes constantly gravitated to a red dress I bought a long time ago.

I never wore it because it was a tad bit too revealing, but it was gorgeous. Red, short, and sparkly. I needed all the confidence I could get. So, I chose to go with it, even though it was not the safest option. Adrik would have a seizure if someone other than him saw me in this dress. Oh well.

I stood in front of the mirror after putting the dress on; it clung to my figure like a second skin, its daring V-cut adding a touch of boldness. It showcased my small curves, accentuating them.

The vibrant red made my fair skin tone pop, and for a moment, I felt undeniably sexy. I applied makeup to the best of my capabilities, and softly curled my hair, letting the waves frame my face. The eyeliner I had put on really suited my hooded eyes. My hair also looked very voluminous and healthy. I was impressed with my work.

But the truth was that this wasn’t a typical preparation for a glamorous night out. Instead, it was a charade to uncover evidence that could shatter the very foundation of the life I had always believed in.

As I knelt down to fasten my heels, a sudden ping from my phone jolted me. The text from my sister simply read, “He is there. Go down.” Adrenaline surged in me as I hastily spritzed on some perfume, grabbed my purse, and coat before running downstairs.

Opening the door, I was met by a familiar face—the man who often drove both Adrik and me to different places. He wasn’t a stranger; he worked for Adrik. Confusion furrowed my eyebrows as I grappled with conflicting thoughts. My sister’s cryptic message lingered, planting seeds of doubt that

made my stomach churn. I put on a brave face as I faced the man at the door.

The man before me seemed unusually nervous, shifting anxiously from foot to foot. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head when he caught sight of me. I could tell he forced himself to look away, his breaths ragged.

“Come on, Madam,” he stammered, “The car is outside.” I nodded in acknowledgment, stepping behind him, the click of my heels echoing in the uneasy silence. My mind raced with thoughts of what I might find.

As we neared the car, a stern-faced guard intercepted our path. He eyed me critically before turning his disapproving gaze to the man beside me. A surge of anger ran through me, realizing that Adrik had employed guards for me in his absence.

The guard had a no-nonsense demeanor. He sharply questioned the man about where he thought he was taking me, especially given my current attire. They clearly knew each other though; he called the driver by his first name, Nathan. Nathan stammered incoherently, but before he could finish his sentence, I intervened.

“Surprising my husband,” I declared. I needed him to believe me. The guard scowled, ready to interject. I raised my hand, signaling for silence.

“Are you going to ruin the surprise I’ve planned for my husband?” I asked, infusing a hint of feigned sadness into my voice. “Do you realize how disappointed that will make me? And once Adrik learns how sad I am that my surprise was ruined, I’m certain he won’t be pleased either.” I continued through a fake pout in my lips.

He reached for his phone to call Adrik. Acting on instinct, I lunged forward, gripping his hand tightly to stop him.

“Wait, please!” I pleaded. But the guard reacted as if my touch burned him, ripping his hand away from my grasp as if repelled by an invisible force.

“It’s a surprise, I’m telling you. You can’t spoil it,” I urged, my words rushed and urgent as I fought to suppress the rising tide of anxiety in her chest. I had to convince him, there was no other option.

“Nathan will be with me the whole time, I promise,” I reassured the guard, my eyes pleading with him to understand. With a muttered curse, the guard relented, nodding at Nathan and giving him reluctant permission to escort me.

.I fought back my sinister smile at the fact that he believed my lie. However, just before the car started moving, he leaned in and whispered something to him. Nathan trembled as the vehicle set off. His hands holding the steering wheel were shaking uncontrollably.

The car ride dragged on in silence, a solid two hours of overthinking and restlessness. My thoughts ate away at me, almost making me lose my sanity. There was something in my mind that was nagging at me, making me feel stupid.

I was in a car with a man I barely knew heading to God knows where. This definitely was not the smartest decision on my part, but my need to find out the truth was overshadowing my common sense. The surroundings passed by, and the car finally came to a stop in front of what looked like some random club in the middle of nowhere.

Reality hit hard, and my nerves spiked. Nathan turned around and handed me an expensive-looking mask. It felt heavy, matching the unease settling in my gut.

I put on the mask, wishing it could shield me from the weirdness ahead. Following Nathan, we stepped out of the car and slipped through the back door of the club. The distant thumping of music grew louder, creating an annoying background noise as I followed him.

Nathan stood me at a dark corner that offered me a clear view of the party. People in masks roamed about, their faces obscured in an unsettling dance of anonymity. The scene was enough to make my stomach churn.

Some were injecting drugs into their veins, oblivious to the world around them. Others engaged in explicit acts, with men receiving pleasure from women on randomly placed couches. The air was thick with a mix of moans, muffled conversations, and the unmistakable scent of illicit substances.

Overhearing snatches of conversation, I caught wind of topics that had nothing to do with casual small talk. Instead, the air buzzed with

discussions of violence, the mafia, and power plays. Weapons were scattered haphazardly, an ominous testament to the sinister undertones that saturated the atmosphere.

My eyes fixated on Adrik, unmasked and seemingly orchestrating it all. He moved with purpose, an authoritative figure in the midst of this mess. A wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm me as I grappled with the revelation of the world he inhabited. A world I had never fathomed. The same world that robbed me of the two people I loved most in this world.

I watched him from the shadows as a bunch of guys in masks crowded around him. He looked strong and in control, just like usual. The other men, all decked out in their fancy disguises, seemed eager to talk to him. He handled them with a domineering attitude, oozing power. I felt like an outsider. I was getting a glimpse of a side of Adrik that was way different from what I thought I knew.

I felt a sudden presence beside me, causing me to startle and break out of my thoughts. When I turned, I was surprised to see my sister there, even beneath the mask, I recognized her. “Believe me now, Luna?” she asked, a hint of mocking triumph in her voice.

I stared at her, a whirlwind of emotions knotting in my chest. “So, this means that everything you said is true?” I asked, my words quivering.

Elena scoffed disdainfully. “If not, why would I be here? You’d still be back home, oblivious. I had to make you see.” She took my hand and placed it on her stomach. “Don’t mess this up for me, Luna. Adrik still feels responsible for you. He won’t commit to one of us only, not as long as you’re in the picture. I’m pregnant, and you need to let us be.”

A sharp pang of pain shot through me as I grappled with the betrayal. “How could you do this to me? After everything I did for you?” I asked.

Elena remained silent for a moment before responding bitterly. “I never asked for all the things you did for me. You did them out of your own accord, so don’t delude yourself into thinking I needed you. I would have managed just fine without your silly sacrifices.”

I closed my eyes as her words stabbed me in the chest. She wasn’t even thankful for the fact that I gave her the shirt off my back, starved so that she could eat, and took beatings for her all throughout her childhood. The room

felt suffocating, anguish coursing through my veins. I stood frozen, my heart feeling like it was going to explode.

I shook my head with disbelief as I confronted her. “How could you be with him, Elena? He’s my husband. And given what we went through with our parents and the mafia, how could you even touch him?”

Elena’s laughter cut through the confrontation. “I guess you’re just mad that I finally managed to get what you couldn’t hold onto. Why can’t you just let me have this? And as for our parents, I’ve just learned to be smarter about it than they were. That is exactly why I am more suitable for Adrik than you will ever be.”

Before I could react, Elena continued, turning ominous. “I can help you disappear. Adrik will never find you again, Luna. You can go live that peaceful life that you so crave and never have to hear from us or see us ever again.”

CHAPTER 6 LUNA

After two months…

“Two baguettes for Mrs. Thompson, and don’t forget the cinnamon rolls for the Johnsons!” I called out to Christy, my employee, amidst the bustling activity in the bakery. The morning rush was in full swing. I deftly moved behind the counter, handing out fresh pastries and bread to the eager customers.

I took a quick glance out the window, past the busy scene inside. I caught sight of the mountains and the peaceful countryside. The rural landscape stretched out, simple and calming, with fields a mix of green and brown, and the clear, blue sky above. It was a refreshing change from the city chaos.

“Hey there,” greeted Samuel with a friendly smile, breaking me out of admiring the view outside my bakery. He was a regular customer who had been frequenting the place since I opened two months ago. He was a bit more flirtatious than the rest of my customers though.

“Hey,” I responded, matching his grin.

“Can I get a caramel coffee, make it as sweet as you?” he asked, his playful tone filling the air.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You never give up, do you?” He smiled widely, a glint in his eyes. “You can bet on it.”

As I prepared his coffee, my thoughts wandered for a moment. He wasn’t bad-looking, with his shaggy brown hair and chiseled jaw. But despite his charm, my mind couldn’t help but be dominated by thoughts of one man only. Shaking off thoughts of Adrik, I handed him his caramel coffee.

He made sure to brush against my fingertips as he took the cup, and I scoffed. He placed a hand on his chest in mock offense and muttered, “You wound me.”

I rolled my eyes at his silly antics. “You’ll survive, trust me.” With a subtle chin lift, I signaled him to move along, allowing the next customers in line to place their orders.

But before he left, he leaned in and whispered with a mischievous grin, “You forgot to write my name on the cup.”

Swiftly grabbing a sharpie from the counter, he scribbled something on the cup. I looked down to find it reading, “Alissa’s future boyfriend.” His teasing gesture made me burst into laughter. The sound echoed through the bakery as I attended to the other customers. I was getting used to my fake name after its frequent use, which I was ecstatic about. During the first few weeks, I wouldn’t respond to it if someone called me over. That definitely made for some awkward situations.

Over the past two months, while I ran the bakery and got used to my new persona, I noticed something odd—I felt no attraction to anyone. Even the guys who regularly flirted with me. Albeit their attempts to get my attention, my body seemed closed off to the idea of getting involved with anyone new.

It was a peculiar realization. Time had passed, and I had accepted my sister’s offer, but Adrik’s presence still lingered in my thoughts. He was like a stubborn stain that refused to fade away. Despite going through the motions of daily life, my heart stayed fixated on him, unwilling to open up to someone new.

Day by day, I found myself caught in this strange limbo between accepting my reality and resisting the idea of moving on. He was bound to find me someday. I didn’t know what hurt the most, the idea of him finding me and breaking my progress of forgetting him, or the idea that he was committed to Elena now and I was not on his mind.

I beat myself up at the fact that my mind betrayed me once again, wandering back to thoughts of Adrik despite my best efforts. Frustration bubbled up, and I couldn’t shake the mental images that kept resurfacing.

Needing a break, I approached Christy and asked her to take over for a minute. She gave me a quick nod, and with that, I slipped through the backdoor. I sought a moment of peace on the steps overlooking the greenery. It was a quiet spot for me to get my shit together in.

I reflected on Elena’s plan that involved a new phone and number, packed bags ready for my escape, and even a fake identity with fabricated papers. In this small town, I went by the name Alissa Ivanov. The only missing piece was Peanut. My sister had angrily arranged for Nathan to bring him to me after I told her I was not leaving without him. I rubbed at the finger that once bore my wedding band, a painful reminder of the life I left behind.

I slipped away from him without the formality of divorce papers. It wasn’t out of negligence, but rather an understanding that he would never grant me that freedom willingly. For him, the bond was unbreakable, a chain forged with blood and vows that he would never release me from willingly. So, I chose the path of secrecy, knowing that it would be easier to fabricate a new identity and vanish into the shadows than to face his relentless pursuit or to expect him to grant me the liberty to go.

What hurt the most was the memory of my sister snatching the ring from my hand before I left. She cruelly told me that it was never meant for me. It was a bitter truth, one I couldn’t escape even in this supposedly fresh start.

I couldn’t even escape the nagging thoughts about the money my sister provided for my escape either. It irked me how she knew where I hid my funds. It was a reminder of the intrusive familiarity she had with Adrik’s and my shared spaces. She must have been in our room with him countless times, and that realization only deepened the resentment I had in me.

I quickly realized my stash, no matter how considerable it was, had its limits. It was a lot, though not sufficient for a lifetime. Wanting to turn things around, I decided to pursue a long-time dream—opening a bakery. Securing a space and setting up shop became a practical focus, a place where the smell of fresh pastries could fill my void. With dedication, I crafted pastries and desserts, making my bakery an attraction that drew in people from nearby small towns as well as the one I now resided in.

Simultaneously, I invested in an apartment. Despite the considerable dent in my savings, it provided a stable place to call home. As I worked on my dream, I found comfort in the routine that drowned out my grief. Battling intrusive thoughts, I pinched myself, a futile attempt to ground my mind. “Stop thinking about them,” I whispered. Returning to the bakery, I immersed myself in work, pushing through until closing time.

As we cleaned up the bakery after closing, Christy dropped a bombshell. “Girl, don’t kill me… but I may have told Samuel we’d meet him at the bar after work.” I lifted my head too quickly, slamming it into a cabinet, and let out an involuntary scream. I rubbed my aching head. Christy stifled her laughter, revealing her plot, “He bribed me with free drinks if I could get you there.”

“Uh-uh. No way. Not happening,” I protested, my muscles yearning for a hot bath and a quiet night with a book. Christy grabbed a rag and lightly smacked me, retorting, “You haven’t so much as looked at someone since you came to this town, Alissa. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you ran away from a convent.” The term “ran away” triggered something in me, but I masked it.

Christy took my hand, giving me puppy eyes. She pleaded, “Please? For me?” I sighed, “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t even like to drink!” She continued with her pleading gaze, and with a defeated groan, I reluctantly agreed. Christy, unable to contain her excitement, threw the rag over her head and broke into a happy dance. She twirled and spun around, her limbs moving erratically. I couldn’t help but bury my face in my hands, cringing at the second-hand embarrassment.

She muttered as she continued her silliness, “You will change your mind about not liking alcohol when you taste the bar’s famous martinis.” I responded with a skeptical, “Doubt that.”

Undeterred, she grinned mischievously and teased, “That may not be the only thing you change your mind about. Maybe you’ll let Samuel treat you to something other than martinis tonight… Like that di-” Before she could finish, I playfully pounced on her. I knocked her down and pretended to choke her. Christy grinned wider at my outburst. “Oh, you like it rough! I’ll be sure to tell Samuel,” she teased, and I just yelled back, “Shut up!”

My face was probably redder than a tomato. We both cracked up, rolling on the floor. After pulling herself up, Christy said, “We should get going. He expects us there in about fifteen minutes.” I nodded, trying to shake off the embarrassment.

We walked out to Christy’s car, a beat-up thing that’s definitely seen better days. Closing the door, which felt like it could fall off any moment, I closed my eyes and mumbled a prayer that we would make it to our destination in

one piece. Christy managed to coax the stubborn engine to life, and we were off.

Heading to the bar, I couldn’t help but think this night out might do me some good. Work and worries had pretty much been my life since I got here. It felt like a good time to loosen up a bit. I deserved a break, and maybe tonight would be just that. Glancing at Christy as she drove, her long brown locks framing her tanned skin.

I couldn’t stop myself from appreciating her beauty. I hired her a few weeks after I opened the bakery, mainly because the customer influx was too much for me to handle alone. I initially kept my distance, hesitant to let people into my heart after everything that had happened. However, Christy managed to warm her way in. She evolved from an employee to more of a best friend.

Turning my eyes back to the road, a sense of gratitude washed over me. Despite everything that had happened, I was still here—alive, well, and, dare I say, successful. They didn’t taint me. What happened didn’t kill me. While it still hurt, the wound fresh, I survived. We reached the bar, and Samuel, sitting there nursing a whiskey, lit up as he saw us. Rushing over, he kissed me on the cheek and then turned to Christy. She had a sinister look on her face, demanding, “You owe me.” Samuel smiled and nodded toward the bar, where she ran over to quickly start a tab.

“You have no idea how happy I am that you came,” he said, dangerously close to my ear. My mind flashed to the potential consequences if Adrik were to witness this. I gritted my teeth with anger. Relaxing myself, I vowed to give Samuel a chance. I refused to let Adrik’s shadow loom over every aspect of my life. Leaning in slightly, we started a conversation.

The bartender asked what we wanted to drink, and Samuel turned to me. I hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “Oh, um, I’m not the biggest fan of alcohol… but Christy said the martinis here are really good. So, a martini?” The bartender nodded, and Samuel ordered another whiskey.

Why the hell did I say that? The bartender must have been taken aback, wondering why I was in a bar even though I didn’t like alcohol. Thankfully, no one commented on my outburst. Social awkwardness is a curse.

The bartender brought over our drinks, and I took a sip of the martini.

I let out an involuntary moan at its delightful taste. I noticed Samuel blushing a little which I chose to ignore. Instead, I turned to Christy, pointing at the drink and giving her a thumbs up. She responded with a smug “I told you so” as she downed yet another shot. The conversation flowed effortlessly with the help of the martinis.

I found myself hooked on the surprisingly enjoyable taste. Soon, I felt much looser than before. A few strands of hair fell out of my ponytail. Samuel reached over to gently tuck them behind my ear. The alcohol lowered my resolve, and made me accept touches I wouldn’t necessarily do sober.

Glancing behind him, I caught sight of a tipsy Christy mouthing something about “Get that dick” I burst into laughter, nearly spitting out my drink. Everything suddenly seemed much funnier. Samuel grabbed a tissue and wiped away the spilled drink, joining in the laughter. I hoped he did not catch what Christy mouthed.

Britney Spears’ “Oops! I Did It Again” blared through the bar. Christy stood up in the middle, twirling and flipping her hair dramatically. “Oh god no! Christy, for the love of everything holy, sit back down,” I cried.

Christy shook her head wildly, then wiggled her fingers and approached me, forcibly pulling me from my chair. She put her hands on my hips and guided them to move alongside hers, and I couldn’t help but cringe.

In my embarrassment, Samuel, seemingly sympathetic, put an arm around my waist and pulled me back into the chair. This effectively released the hold drunk Christy had, and a sigh of relief escaped me.

Christy scowled, “Hey, you took away my dance partner!” Samuel laughed heartily, even snorting. His hand lingered at my waist, and I felt a hot stare on it. Turning around, I saw a woman sitting nearby, and her presence seemed out of place in the bar. Her hair was pulled so tightly into a bun that it looked like it was going to be ripped out. She had a stern expression and was glaring at us. My heart raced; survival instinct kicked in. I felt exposed and unsafe. Weirdly, I felt like I was caught.

Chapter 7 Adrik

Sixty-eight days had passed. It had been sixty-eight days since I took a breath that didn’t feel like it was tearing me apart, limb by limb. Two months had gone by since I last kissed her, heard her voice, or felt her presence. I always knew her mere presence could bring me to my knees, and now I realized her absence could obliterate my very soul.

Without her to temper some of my darkness, it devoured me, tearing me apart. I thought of nothing but her. Memories of her taunted me, threatening my sanity. All I wanted was to be near her—her angelic voice caressing my ears, the scent of her that defined my home, gazing at her beautiful face, and running my fingers through her lovely hair.

I missed the cocoon we created. My heart longed for the time when she loved me, when intimacy between us made us feel like one. When there was no of doubt or suspicion. I missed her ability to shield me from my demons; when we were together, they remained quiet.

If she thought I wouldn’t find her, she was dead wrong. Even after death, I would find her. Her belief that she could elude me while we both lived and breathed was comical. I couldn’t forget the heart-wrenching moment I returned home to find her missing.

The guards I assigned let Nathan take her, foolishly trusting their colleague. All they told me was that she said she was surprising me. One of them mentioned glimpsing a mask in Nathan’s car as he warned him to bring my wife to me safely. I instantly knew he took her to the annual underground gathering I organized for connections here in America. She witnessed me in my element and fled.

I had never intended to reveal my involvement in that world to her, knowing she’d never accept me or my empire, especially with the trauma from her parents’ annihilation by that world. But Elena ruined that. It was clear she worked with Nathan to stage an affair and take Luna to that event.

When Luna disappeared, so did Elena. I got my hands on Nathan, literally beating him into a pulp for information. He confessed that Elena promised to help Luna disappear after witnessing what she had. He also revealed Elena’s lie about being three months pregnant with my baby.

However, he swore he didn’t know Luna’s whereabouts, begging me to spare his life and help him find Elena. The baby she carried was his. She led him by his dick to betray me, and that would be the biggest mistake of their lives.

I displayed his mutilated form in my club for a couple of days, making him a lesson for anyone daring to think they could take my Luna away from me. Elena was next; it was a vow. I couldn’t care less if she was a woman anymore; she was going to face punishment befitting her crime. Her sole objective seemed to be ruining Luna’s life, shattering her fragile heart into pieces.

Elena made my wife believe I would impregnate another woman, that I could ever love someone else when the only person I ever loved on this earth was her. She would pay when I found her. Yet, finding my wife took precedence; I devoted all my resources to her. Afterward, I would track down Elena and end her with my bare hands.

The search for Luna was a damn nightmare. No credit card activity, no signs in her usual haunts, and her phone emitted no signals. It was as if she had evaporated into thin air.

She had always been my puzzle, but this time, it felt like she was flipping me the middle finger and reveling in it. She slipped through my fingers like smoke. It wasn’t just about claiming what’s mine; it was the fact that she managed to stay away from me for so long. We belonged to each other, and I would make sure she damn well knew it.

The woman I owned, heart, body, and soul, had dared to abandon me. Her absence created a sickening void, gnawing at the edges of my consciousness—an itch I couldn’t scratch. I called in every favor, squeezed every sniveling rat in my network, yet she remained a phantom. Until I hired Svetlana Anatolyeva a week ago.

Svetlana had finally tracked down Luna’s whereabouts. However, she insisted on withholding the information until today morning, explaining that

this delay was crucial to gather as much intel as possible about Luna’s new life.

It was a strategic move to avoid interference that might tip her off or alter her carefully constructed existence.

I begrudgingly accepted this calculated approach, understanding that the more we knew, the better prepared I would be to confront Luna. The waiting felt interminable, every passing moment intensifying my obsession and desperation to reclaim what was once mine.

Svetlana’s investigative prowess was remarkable. She delved into Luna’s disappearance, discovering her under a new name—Alissa Grey—living as a baker in a quiet town. Luna thrived in her new life, while I merely survived. As she moved on, I felt numb, the darkness within me growing as her light thrived beyond my reach.

Mechanically packing my bag, my phone’s jarring ring invaded the tense air. Svetlana’s urgency permeated through the call, and I braced myself. “Are you getting ready to come?” she asked urgently.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I responded, “I’m packing right now. Is something wrong?” She hesitated before replying, “No, but there’s something I haven’t told you yet. I figured I should tell you before you come, so you know what to expect. Um, she may be more comfortable with her new life than I initially thought.” My growl betrayed my impatience as I demanded, “What do you mean?”

I sensed her carefully choosing her words, “She was at a bar yesterday with her… friends. Let’s say she appeared less uptight, more… happy.” A gulp punctuated her revelation before she added, “Adventurous, you might say.” My grip on the phone tightened almost to the point of breaking.

“Spit it out,” I commanded through a tight jaw. She sighed before confessing, “She was with a man last night.” As my ragged breaths echoed through the phone, she quickly clarified, “Not alone. Her friend, Christy, was with her. They were at the bar.” But that did not put me at ease in the slightest.

The revelation struck me like a blow to the gut, the notion of Luna with another man fueling the raging inferno within. I inhaled sharply, trying to suppress the surge of dark emotions threatening to consume me.

“Was he touching her?” I growled through gritted teeth, barely containing the seething anger that bubbled beneath the surface. Svetlana’s hesitant admission only intensified the storm within me. With a roar, I flung a nearby vase, shattering it against the wall. “Where?” I demanded with a menacing snarl.

The vivid images of another man’s touch on Luna sent waves of fury through me. “He kissed her cheek, put her hair behind her ear, and touched her waist. That’s all,” Svetlana stammered. It felt like I was about to explode from anger. “I’m coming,” I declared before abruptly ending the call. The fantasy of tearing apart this unknown man played on repeat in my head. I was surely going to kill that motherfucker.

A feral rage consumed me as I processed the unsettling truth. No man, friend or not, had the right to touch her. Her skin, her essence, belonged to me and me alone. I’d annihilate anyone who dared trespass on what was rightfully mine. The urge to protect my possession surged through me, an unbridled darkness threatening to unleash itself. I was her first, her only, and there was nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure that it stayed that way.

There was also a current of surprise flowing through me. She despised the taste of alcohol; it was one of the traits I appreciated about her. The realization that she was at a bar struck me with a disconcerting force. How much had my Milaya changed in these few months? The woman I knew wouldn’t willingly step into such a place.

My mind struggled to comprehend that there were facets of her life hidden from me. She was my obsession, my muse, and the thought that there were now aspects of her existence that I did not know made me want to crawl out of my skin. I prided myself on knowing everything about her—from the mundane to the intimate details, like her period cycle or the way she preferred to wear her hair. Faced with the reality that there were gaps in my knowledge, the anger intensified, transforming into a volatile concoction of frustration.

Hauling my bag downstairs, I felt anticipation knotting my stomach. The urgency to reach her propelled me into my car, tires screeching as I sped off into the long drive ahead.

It was an incredibly tiring drive before I arrived at the hotel; my legs carried the burden of driving for several hours. The receptionist’s attempts at

flirtation fell on deaf ears as I checked in, Luna the only woman occupying my thoughts.

Navigating through the lackluster surroundings—a mediocre entry, threadbare sheets, and a wonky elevator—I recognized the inevitable compromise of luxury in such a small town. The only redeeming feature was the breathtaking mountain views, and the fact that I was closer to Luna than I had been in months.

I tossed my bag into the modest hotel room, driven by an insatiable need to catch the slightest trace of her. I stealthily made my way to the bakery she had opened, parking inconspicuously before slipping into the shadows.

There, behind the cover of a tree, I observed her closing up shop with her friend. My eyes devoured every detail—her sparkling eyes revealing a genuine passion for her work, her long hair that she gracefully flipped back every time it fell into her face, and her full lips forming a genuine smile each time her friend engaged her in conversation.

She had a profound effect on me, stirring a tempest within that defied control. My temperature soared, hands trembling with a longing for her. Not even the most dangerous men in the country could evoke a reaction from me, yet she had the power to make my body quiver with an insatiable need for her presence. It was a force that tested the limits of my self-imposed restraint, threatening to shatter the composed facade I meticulously maintained.

“Fuck,” I growled. I couldn’t control the way my body reacted after not seeing her for so long. My cock hardened, inducing sharp pains in my groin. Used to having her every day, being without her for so long caused constant physical pain.

I watched transfixed as she took a bite into a cream-glazed donut. Her fingers got smeared slightly, and she put them up to her mouth before sucking on them. Her pink tongue sneaked out for a second to lick the cream off, and I couldn’t hold myself much longer.

My dick strained against my jeans, and I looked around quickly, ensuring no one was nearby before taking it out. I stared at my wife as she took another bite, leaving traces of white cream behind on her luscious upturned lips.

Her eyes closed, and even from here, I could tell that she let out a little moan. Damn, I missed those moans of hers. Wrapping my hand around my dick, I proceeded to jack off while I stalked my wife. Stalking what was rightfully mine, yet I was denied. My hand squeezed my cock harder, moving faster and faster.

Suddenly, her eyes moved towards where I was. Those innocent brown eyes were looking in my direction, as if staring straight at me. Then, her tongue came out to lick the cream residue on her lips. It was at this moment that I unraveled, my dick spurting out load after load of hot white cum onto the green grass.

I was going to punish her later for letting my sperm go to waste. If I came, it was supposed to be in her mouth, pussy, or ass, because my pleasure was for her only.

She then turned to look at her friend, who was off to the side, whom I completely forgot existed. Just like I suspected, she didn’t catch me. She wouldn’t have been so composed if she saw her husband, from whom she was running away, jerking his meat to the sight of her.

My dick was getting tired from my hand, but it wasn’t going to be long before it felt her touch again. It belonged to her at the end of the day.

Chapter 8 Luna

It’s been a few days since I hurriedly left that bar. The woman’s intense stare rattled me, sending a cold shiver down my spine. The unease lingered even after we departed. To conceal it, I had persuaded Christy and Simon to call it a night. Despite their hesitation, upon seeing my pale face, they presumed it was the booze hitting me hard.

Simon, a true gentleman, offered to drive Christy’s car since she was drunk. He dropped me off at my apartment building first, drove Christy to her home before parking her car, and then took a cab back home.

Doubt clawed at my sanity, making me question if I was losing my mind. It felt like I was being hunted, observed every second. Like prey on the edge, waiting for the predator to strike. The constant feeling of being was crushing me, it was feeling I couldn’t shake off. Whether I was busting my ass in the bakery, strolling the streets, or grabbing groceries, my nerves were on edge.

Every sudden move or unexpected noise had me flinching, trapped in this messed-up fight-or-flight loop. It was as if he had found me, and the sick certainty that he’d show up soon gnawed at my gut.

The maddening thought that he might be near, the idea of his watchful eyes on me, stirred an unsettling blend of fear and arousal within. My body, traitorous as it was, reacted with an unwanted surge of desire. It infuriated me.

He was a monster, a cheater, and I wouldn’t entertain the notion of letting him anywhere near me, no matter how my body seemed to betray my better judgment.

My thoughts went back to Simon. God, I wished I was attracted to him. Perhaps, just perhaps, the attraction would come after I felt his touch. I was willing to try. I refused to still be hung up over Adrik.

Suddenly, the scratching and yowls from Peanut at the front door echoed through my apartment, causing my heart to race. Annoyed and a little freaked out, I stumbled over to the door, peering through the peephole. Nothing. Nevertheless, Peanut persisted, compelling me to cautiously open the door. To my surprise, a bouquet of white peonies greeted me, carefully arranged and placed in front of my entrance.

Picking up the bouquet and closing the door, I noticed a note. I tore it open, my hands shaking uncontrollably. The words inside hit me like a punch to the gut: “All the paths you take lead to me, even the ones you take to forget me.”

Panic surged through me, and I angrily tossed the white peonies onto the nearby couch. Unable to contain my anxiety, I paced the room, my fingers clenching and unclenching in my hair. Who the hell sent these flowers? Did he find me?

Collapsing onto the floor, I battled the overwhelming fear that all the sweat and tears poured into hiding might mean absolutely nothing in the end. As Peanut approached, offering comfort with a gentle lick, I pet him, grappling with the harsh reality closing in on me.

Seated there, it felt like an eternity as I tried to process the implications of the note. Rage clawed at me; he had already consumed too much of my time. I refused to stew in thoughts of him any longer. Let him show up, witness that I wouldn’t crumble easily.

I dragged myself up, slapped water on my face, yanked my hair into a messy bun, threw on something comfortable, and stomped my way to the bakery. I wouldn’t let him drag me back into the darkness he thrived in.

Storming into the bakery, I practically yanked the door off its hinges. There was Christy, busy arranging the cookies and muffins that we baked late at night yesterday. “Whoa, feisty much? What’s got you all riled up?” she asked playfully.

I mustered a forced laugh, trying to play it cool. “Oh, you know, just a terrible night’s sleep.” She squinted at me, her lie detector working overtime.

Even though we hadn’t known each other long, it was like she had this sixth sense for detecting my bull. Deciding I wasn’t in the mood to spill, she just

nodded and muttered, “Coffee?”

“Absolutely,” I groaned, snagging her spot behind the counter while she whipped up a much-needed cup for both of us.

I made my way to switch the sign from closed to open, sipping on the coffee Christy had prepared. In that moment, the same woman who had given me the creeps at the bar walked in, as if she had been waiting for us to open for a while.

My insides churned, but she scrutinized me with those critical eyes. I froze as she stepped inside. Christy, sensing something off, approached with furrowed brows. “You don’t look so good. Are you alright?” she asked, patting my arm.

Squaring my shoulders, I refused to run any longer. “Yeah, I’m good. Don’t worry about me.” I said.

Behind the counter, I took her order in a clear voice, proud it didn’t waver. “Black coffee and a blueberry muffin, please,” she told me. I retrieved her muffin from the display, then turned to brew her coffee. Why did the machine suddenly feel slower than usual?

“It’s a nice place you got here,” the lady mumbled. “Thanks,” I responded curtly, uninterested in a conversation. “May I ask a question, Luna, I mean, Alissa?”

My breath caught, I turned towards her, anger overpowering any fear I felt. I moved from behind the counter, thankful Christy was in the back. “What do you want?” I growled in her face.

She stood her ground. “Did you really think you could take his heart and just escape? Did you really think he would just let you go?” My hand pushed her away hard on their own accord. She was taller, stronger, but I didn’t care. I’d fight tooth and nail. “Out!” I screamed, pointing to the door.

The lady’s fist clenched, her eyes briefly shifting away before fixing a piercing gaze on me. Christy rushed out from the back, positioning herself slightly in front of me with her hand raised defensively. “Leave, or we’ll call the cops,” Christy ordered.

The woman held my gaze for a few more tense seconds. “Don’t run anymore. Just hear him out,” she said before turning and exiting.

Christy turned to me, an incredulous look on her face. “What the hell is she talking about?” she demanded. I steadied myself against the counter, replying, “I have no idea. She must be some crazy person.”

Christy’s eyes scrutinized my face, clearly itching to argue, but the arrival of customers diverted our attention, and we got back to work.

The entire day unfolded as a series of screw-ups—spilled coffee, dropped pastries, and I even managed to burn a cake we were baking. By the end, I was cleaning up at double speed, attempting to rectify the messes Christy had to fix.

I felt Christy’s hand on my shoulder, and I turned to look at her. She knocked the broom from my hands, giving me a solid hug. I fought back the tears, I needed to be strong. Christy pulled back, holding my face in her hands, locking eyes with me. “What is going on with you?” she asked.

I hesitated, not because I didn’t trust her, but this wasn’t something I could share with anyone. “She scared me. Came in, talking all sorts of weird crap, and refused to leave. It stressed me out the whole day.” “That’s it?” she asked, and I nodded. Christy seemed satisfied, hugging me again like a security blanket.

She smacked a kiss on my cheek and bluntly stated, “Don’t stress over her; I’ll handle it if she shows up again.” I mumbled a quick thanks, trying to shake off the earlier tension.

A loud shout pierced through the closed glass door, “Am I interrupting something?”

We both jumped at the unexpected intrusion. Simon appeared, juggling takeout boxes from our go-to Chinese joint. After a bout of laughter, we finally pulled ourselves together enough to let him in. Simon breezed in, hauling a nearby table into place.

The scent of the food was irresistible. Grabbing chopsticks, he snatched a dumpling and stuffed it playfully into my mouth. “Christy tipped me off that you had a rough day. Figured I’d swing by and lift your spirits,” he explained.

As I bit into the dumpling, the burst of flavors made me close my eyes, relishing the taste. “You did the trick, Simon. Thanks.”

My phone pinged in my pocket, but the delicious aroma of the food was much more important. We pulled up chairs and gathered around the table, eagerly diving into the feast. Simon, every now and then, would feed me something he thought I’d enjoy. Each time, Christy wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, managing to turn both Simon and me beet red.

Simon’s attention seemed fixated on my lips, creating a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere. He reached out and wiped the corner of my lips with his finger, claiming there was something there. I nodded, feeling an odd shiver run down my spine. His touch felt off, but I brushed it aside and resumed devouring my food.

My phone erupted with a barrage of texts, and I fished it out of my pocket to scroll through the notifications, curious to see who was blowing up my phone. I nearly choked when I glimpsed my husband’s familiar number, coughing uncontrollably.

Simon patted my back, and Christy handed me a cup of water. “I’m okay, guys, just bit off more than I can chew,” I managed, though internally, I thought the situation was quite literal. I knew he was back.

Excusing myself to the bathroom, I felt their concerned stares following me, but I ignored them, wanting to read the texts in private. I locked the bathroom door, leaning against the sink as I skimmed through the texts. I didn’t even want to know how he got my new number. Fear for Simon gripped me as I read the messages.

-Do not make me hurt him, Luna.

-Why is your friend acting like that? Is there something going on between you and him?

-There better not be. I wouldn’t spare his life.

-I know you don’t want these people to know your true identity. But I won’t be able to control myself much longer if he touches you one more time.

-You are mine. Your lips are only mine to touch. Only I feed you. Only I take care of you. No other man but me has that privilege.

-So help me God if he looks at you like that one more time, Luna…I will rip his motherfucking head off.

Reading his texts ignited a fire within me. The nerve of Adrik, still thinking he could control who I’m with after everything. I needed to show him that his influence over my life was a thing of the past. Unlocking the door, I returned to the table, casually sliding my fingers along Simon’s arm.

I nonchalantly brought up a new bowling place in town and invited him to join me, asking him out on a date. Simon’s excitement was contagious, and when he inquired about the time, I settled on eight pm. His happiness over spending time with me fueled my determination to move forward with him, regardless of Adrik’s opinion.

Christy was buzzing with joy, exclaiming, “Finally!” Her infectious enthusiasm made me giggle, and we chatted for a while before deciding to call it a night.

Christy kindly offered to drive us back home, and my apartment was the nearest, so she dropped me off first. I gave Peanut a loving kiss before heading to bed. However, sleep eluded me as my mind continued to churn with a mix of emotions, lingering on the events of the day.

I knew that what I did was not healthy. I was stringing Simon along. He was an amazing man, any woman would be lucky to have him. He was funny, sweet, and handsome. But I felt nothing for him. His touch even made me uncomfortable. I was experimenting with him, and that made guilt simmer within me.

Not to mention, I was well aware that this wouldn’t end well. Adrik would surely follow me tomorrow, and seeing me with Simon would make him go crazy. He was giving me a little space and maintaining my fake identity here, but if he caught wind of my date… I could guarantee that won’t be the same.

Chapter 9 Luna

Getting ready for my date with Simon, I was a jumbled mess of nerves. It felt like Adrik was haunting me, observing every move. I applied mascara and brushed on some blush. I wanted to look like I had put effort in my appearance because Simon always did. Lastly, I sprayed perfume and threw on my sneakers.

Anxiously checking my phone, Adrik’s text hit me like a jump scare: –Blue looks good on you.

How the hell did he know I chose a blue hoodie? Frantically, I darted to the windows, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of him stalking me, but the surroundings remained eerily quiet and empty. I felt like I was going insane. If not for these infuriating texts, I might have dismissed every other sign of him as a figment of my imagination.

–Where are you headed? He had the audacity to text, and a vein practically popped out of my forehead.

–None of your damn business. I shot back, throwing my rule of not contacting him out the window. My need to put him in his place overrode any semblance of common sense.

-It is my business, Milaya. Everything concerning you is my business. I rolled my eyes so far back in my head that I was afraid they’d get stuck.

-It isn’t. Shouldn’t you be putting your nose in Elena’s business instead? I fired back.

-I don’t care about her at all. She means nothing to me.

–Shame on you! I typed with a violent tap, almost shattering my phone screen. -You already made the decision to cheat on me, with my sister nonetheless. You ruined us.

With a sigh, I continued, –So, salvage what you have left. You have a baby on the way; act like it!

As I left my apartment, my phone buzzed insistently with his call. Seriously? Did he not understand that I no longer wanted him? Fed up, I rejected his call, hoping he’d take a hint. But, oh no, Mr. Persistence dialed again. Annoyance rising, I hit the power button, shutting off my phone.

Tonight was about exploring this thing with Simon and me. Adrik’s disruptions wouldn’t spoil it. I took a cab to the bowling place, my fingers fidgeted nervously. A gut feeling told me trouble was brewing.

Adrik despised the thought of me being with other men, and this date with Simon was pushing his limits. I couldn’t shake the sense that his reaction might be explosive when he discovered I was out with someone else.

Walking up to Simon once I arrived, I tried to shake off the remnants of Adrik’s pestering texts. “Hopefully you didn’t wait for me long?” I asked, my nerves still evident.

He grinned and shook his head, “No, I’ve only been here for about five minutes.” Relief washed over me as we made our way to the bowling alley. I didn’t want to make a bad impression or show that I didn’t care much for him romantically.

As Simon playfully nudged me, I grabbed a bowling ball, set on enjoying myself. Focusing on the pins, I threw the ball, only for it to veer wildly off course, missing every pin. I stomped in frustration—losing was not my forte.

Simon chuckled at my failed attempt, and as he grabbed a ball, he effortlessly knocked down every pin on his first try. I was impressed with his skill.

“Was that just luck, or are you that good?” I asked, genuinely curious. He leaned in, whispering suggestively, “I am that good. This isn’t the only thing I’m good at.” The innuendo hung in the air, but I chose to ignore it, focusing on the game instead. “Teach me?” I requested.

“Of course,” he replied, moving behind me. His eyes bore a serious focus as he guided my hand for the throw. His body pressed close to mine, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. After a brief, intense moment, he stepped back, giving me room to throw the ball. I released it with newfound confidence, and it soared down the lane, hitting a strike.

Turning to him with a triumphant yelp, I said, “The student will outshine the master, just see.” Simon beamed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Maybe you’re a fast learner, or maybe I’m a great teacher,” he teased, the light banter calming me down.

We played a few more rounds, and it became increasingly clear that Simon was letting me win. At times, he intentionally missed the pins, and I couldn’t help but smile at the gesture. His willingness to give me a push, even at the cost of his ego, warmed my chest.

During each round, he’d throw a ball that seemed destined to knock down all the pins, only to mysteriously veer off course. I caught on to his game, “Are you sure you’re not trying to make me feel good?”

Simon laughed, a twinkle in his eyes. “Oh baby, if I were to make you feel good, you would know it with no need for questions.”

I erupted into laughter, lifting the bowling ball as if I might actually fling it at him. Simon ducked with an exaggerated motion, playing along.

“Simon, are you just trying to get in my pants?” I quipped, one eyebrow playfully arched.

He responded with a casual shrug, his shoulders shaking with his effort to control his laughter and look serious. “Can’t blame a man for trying.”

Shaking my head in mock disapproval, I pretended to be angry at him, but I was truly savoring the easy banter between us. I completely forgot about the fact that Adrik was lurking around, waiting for a chance to strike. I felt normal for a couple of hours, not like a woman on the run from her husband.

It seemed as if asking Simon out was the correct decision. It both allowed me to give myself a chance to move on and showed Adrik that he wouldn’t scare me into shutting myself off from the world.

After we played a few more rounds, we agreed to continue the night in the bar. I was craving those martinis from that night, and there was no way that women with the creepy eyes, or Adrik for that matter, were going to stop me from living how I want.

We stepped out, and Simon dialed a cab. We were just waiting for it to come pick us up. The atmosphere switched from lighthearted to charged in

an instant. From the corner of my eye, I could tell Simon was staring at me intently. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face him.

His eyes were hooded; he wanted to kiss me. My palms sweated, and I felt nauseous. My body and my heart were rejecting his touch. But my mind refused to listen to them. His face leaned in closer to mine, our breaths mingled, and his smelled minty fresh. Gosh, he was perfect, not a flaw in sight. So why did this feel so wrong?

His lips touched mine, and I closed my eyes. It was just a small peck, as if he was asking for permission for a proper kiss. I opened my lips, granting him access. With the green card to kiss me, he went all out. His tongue skimmed over my lips before they went inside, playing with mine.

Yes, I was kissing him back. But it still didn’t feel right. My heart raced, and my stomach cramped. What the hell was wrong with me?

Before I could process my thoughts more, Simon was ripped away from me. Adrik, bigger than life, was standing behind him. I almost peed my pants at the sight of him, never had he looked this furious. His hand on Simon’s shoulder was so strong that I could hear the shoulder creak under the pressure before it dislocated, making Simon scream. His shout was covered by Adrik’s hand. Simon looked at me with a combination of fear for himself and concern over me.

I was a bitch, even though I was the reason he was in this predicament, he was still concerned for me. His eyes were signaling for me to run, but I couldn’t leave him alone.

This was all my fault. My hand reached out to Adrik’s hand that was placed on Simon’s shoulder, trying to dislodge it off. It was like it was super glued to his shoulder, my effort did nothing but cause Simon more pain.

“Let him go,” I growled in his face, but there was no response. He didn’t look human; it was as if he was possessed. His usually grey eyes were now black with anger, like obsidian. His mouth was pulled back in a snarl, wrinkling his devilishly handsome face.

He pushed Simon onto the ground, before straddling him with his thick thighs made of pure muscles. His fist reigned on Simon’s face and blood splattered everywhere. Fuck, if I did not stop him, he would kill him. With

both of my arms wrapped tight around Adrik’s back, I attempted to pull him off.

“Stop it. I said fucking stop.” I yelled at the top of my lungs. He paid me no mind; his fists continued plummeting into Simon’s face. I looked over Adrik’s shoulder to see that Simon’s features were no longer distinguishable.

Blood coated his entire face, his nose was crooked beyond belief, and his lips were heavily busted. Still, Adrik kept going and going. I felt like I was going to faint.

Simon was knocked unconscious. The idea that he was dead played in my mind, making me stumble slightly. I balled my hands into fists, hurling them against Adrik’s back. When I noticed that this was not helping, I decided to change my tactic.

Putting my hand over my mouth, I sobbed loudly. Adrik finally turned to look at me, his eyes pulled together. I over-exaggerated how faint I felt, falling to the dirty ground. Laying my head on my bloodied and mud- soaked pants.

I hated acting so weak in front of him, but if that was what it took to save Simon, I would do it. He hauled himself off of Simon, who was still laying unmoving on the cold ground. Rushing over to me, he attempted to calm me down.

“Milaya, just breathe.” He begged urgently. “Take a breath. Please.” I shook my head. Collecting my courage, I spoke up to the devil, “It will feel like I can’t breathe as long as I am not sure Simon is okay.”

Fire danced in his eyes. Shit, that was the wrong thing to say. He pushed himself away from me, turning back to finish off Simon. “No, Adrik. Don’t!”

He lifted his leg to kick him before I blurted out, “His touch didn’t feel like yours.” Getting myself up from the floor, I stood in front of him. This effectively blocked him from Simon. “His kiss made me feel nauseous.” My hand moved a black lock that fell out of his gel-slicked hair away from his sculpted face.

“I didn’t feel with him what I used to feel with you.” I whispered close to his ear, eager to calm him down. Even though the words coming out of my mouth were the truth, they still tasted bitter. If not to save Simon, I would have never admitted them.

I went to hold his hands in my mine, but he pulled them back with lightning speed. He got closer to my face, his nose touching mine. With each word he spoke, his lips brushed mine, “My hands are sullied with his blood. Nothing of his will touch your skin again.”

I nodded reluctantly, biting my tongue. How did he think he was justified for his reaction when he slept with my sister?

Dismissing the thought, I softened my voice as I said, “If you love me, if you care about me, you will have someone send Simon to the hospital.” His teeth clenched, the veins on his neck becoming prominent.

“Rest assured, I have no romantic feelings for him. But he is still my friend. I would wallow in guilt if he died because of me,” I rasped. I pecked his lips that were still pressed against my own, anything to convince him.

“Don’t put this on my conscience, Adrik. You may be used to darkness, but I am not. You would kill him and feel nothing but satisfaction. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for the rest of my life.” He took a sharp inhale, tensing even more.

“I hate that. You have no idea how much I hate that,” I felt very confused. I would like to assume that most human beings didn’t want their friends to be murdered. At least I hoped so. “Hate what?” I mumbled.

“Hate the fact that you would lose sleep over this motherfucker. That he has a place in your heart, even if platonic. I want to be the only man who consumes your thoughts, the only one you worry about, and the only one you care about as well,” he told me.

“That isn’t healthy—” He cut me off in the middle of my sentence, kissing me hard. My body that felt numb for so long, woke up suddenly. Arousal coursed through my veins like a volcano that burned me from the inside out. I hated myself for missing this, for missing him.

“Love isn’t all sunshine and roses, Luna. What I feel for you is messy, maybe even fucked up. It’s not the fairytale crap people feed you. I want

you close, real close, like you’re a part of me. You get what I’m saying?” I couldn’t stop my lips for tightening at his words. Geez, you would think a man who claimed to be this obsessed with me would have the decency not to cheat.

“Sick? Maybe. But it’s real. I want you so dependent on me that you forget what it was like to breathe without me. You’ll crave it, and I’ll be the only one who can give it to you.”

I couldn’t bite my tongue anymore. “I am not your property.” He kneeled down slightly to kiss my neck, biting it harshly afterwards. Surely he left a hickey. I felt a bit dizzy after the bite, and the last thing I heard before I went out was, “”Property? No, you’re a fixation, an obsession. I don’t want you – I need you. Don’t mistake this for some sweet talk. It’s raw, primal, and I won’t let you go.”

Chapter 10 Adrik

She fell into my arms, unconscious. I had concealed the mild sedative I injected her with through my bite. Carrying her gently, I was cautious, ensuring my bloodied hands did not touch her silky skin. She needed to hear me out, to understand that I hadn’t betrayed her.

So, yeah, the methods I used weren’t your typical run-of-the-mill persuasion. I never claimed to be a saint. Hell, I did things that would make most folks cringe. It’s a part of me I can’t deny. But I couldn’t let her walk away.

I’d done my share of messed-up things, no doubt about it. But you want to know the most unholy shit in my book? Making her cry, touching anyone but her, and not treating her like the queen she is. In those aspects, call me whatever you want, but I wasn’t a sinner.

I hauled her into the car, adjusting the front seat to lay her down as comfortable as possible. She looked peaceful, and it was distracting me from focusing on the road. My hand twitched, wanting to rest on her thigh, but I held back. I didn’t want to smear her with that guy’s blood any more than necessary.

My thoughts took a dark turn as images of him touching her, kissing her, invaded my mind. Every fiber of my being was on the brink of exploding as I waited for them to step out of that damn bowling place. I wasn’t stupid; I couldn’t just go berserk on him in front of everyone.

When they finally exited and found themselves in a secluded alleyway, away from prying eyes, I didn’t waste a second. I moved like a shadow, but that guy still got a taste of what was rightfully mine. The mere thought of him kissing her made my hands clench on the steering wheel so hard it almost cracked. I forced them to relax, reminding myself of the bigger picture. He would never get to touch her again.

As much as I despised him for snagging Luna’s attention, I couldn’t leave him for dead. Yeah, it’d be satisfying as hell, but I cared too damn much about Luna to let her shoulder the blame for his death. And I sure as hell didn’t want his demise haunting her thoughts.

Grabbing my phone, I dialed one of my men, the one I had discreetly tailing me since I set foot in this town. I gave him the location and ordered him to get Simon to one of our doctors. The guy was in bad shape, but he’d live – whether he deserved it or not. It wasn’t about mercy; it was about keeping Luna’s hands clean and making sure that guy stayed alive so that she wouldn’t think about him too much.

When we arrived, I parked the car by the cabin in the middle of nowhere. It was deep in the forest and very secluded, just how I liked it. A place where we could sort our crap out. I rented it once I got more accustomed to the town; I didn’t want our first meeting in such a long time to be in a lousy hotel or a nosy apartment complex.

The air was thick with anticipation as I carried her inside, placing her gently on the couch for a brief moment while I set a fire in the bedroom’s fireplace. I wanted her to be warm.

Entering the shower to rid myself of the bloodstains, I scrubbed my body raw. The shower was quick, almost rushed, my impatience to return to Luna overwhelming me.

Dressed in just a pair of sweatpants, the warmth of the cabin negating the need for more, I scooped Luna from the couch and placed her on the bed. Stripping her of her clothes, my knuckles traced the contours of her flesh as I removed each garment. God, I missed the hell out of her.

Taking off her bra and panties was the hardest part. I would never touch her while she was unconscious, but goddamn it had been two months without her. My fingers trembled with the effort of not wandering. I quickly dressed her in one of my sweatshirts, ignoring my hard-on and my urges. I cocooned her in blankets; her susceptibility to the cold was something I’d always been attuned to.

As I lay by her side, it was as if the weight lifted from my chest. Finally, I could breathe. I toyed with her long, unruly waves, plucking a strand to my nose, inhaling the familiar scent. The mix of gardenia and her hit me hard,

making me emit a sound that was somewhere between a chuckle and a groan. It smelled like home. She was my home.

As my fingers danced through her hair, her nose scrunched. The sedative was wearing off, and she began to stir. Abruptly, she shot up from the bed, confusion etching lines on her face as she scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. It wasn’t until her gaze landed on me that recognition flickered in her eyes, quickly replaced by a glare. She was pissed, but this was exactly where I wanted her—right here with me.

“What happened to Simon? Did you leave him there?” she screeched, her tone cutting through the air and wiping the smirk clean off my face. The fact that he was the first thing on her mind, even after waking up, grated on my nerves.

“He’ll be fine,” I growled, my displeasure evident. She moved from the bed, nearly screaming, “What does that mean? Did he receive the medical help he needs?”

“He’s getting it, Luna. But I’d advise you not to dig too deep into his fate. Ask too much, and I might just change my mind,” I warned, a low rumble underlying my words. She sighed with relief before slapping a hand over her mouth in an attempt to stop her train of questions about him.

Her concern for him over her own well-being grated my nerves, a corrosive blend of jealousy and resentment coursing through my veins. She positioned herself away from me on the bed.

Her gaze shifted downward, and a perplexed frown etched across her features as she realized she was only clad in my sweatshirt. “Did you take my clothes off?” she questioned with anger.

I met her accusatory gaze with an unapologetic grin, my demeanor nonchalant. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” I retorted. My response seemed to intensify her irritation, and she shot me a glare that could have melted steel.

“What happened? Why am I here?” she demanded, trying to change the topic.

“You fainted at the sight of your beloved Simon, all bloodied up,” I replied, not disclosing my unhinged method of bringing her into my space. Her

gaze, sharp as knives, bore into me. She crawled over the bed until her face was inches from mine.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” she began, her voice tight with tension, her finger pointing wildly at me. “I wasn’t the one who cheated. I wasn’t the one who lied about my work. And I sure as hell am not the one expecting a baby from someone else.” She paused, sucking in a ragged breath before continuing. “You had no right to do what you did. I get to date other people, to move on. So, go be with your soon-to-be family. My life has no room for a mobster and a cheat.”

“I told you your sister drugged me. I told you she wanted to separate us. How can you still believe her lies?” I whispered.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she retorted with sarcasm. “Maybe because you painted yourself as an entrepreneur, only for me to find out you’re some underground king. And who opened my eyes? Sweet, loving Elena.” The bitterness in her tone was apparent.

I gripped her face with both hands, my thumbs tracing the lines of her cheeks. “Yes, I run a damn mafia. I kept it from you, and I still intend to keep you as far away from it as possible. But the only reason Elena found out is that she was sleeping with one of my men,” I confessed, my lips grazing her forehead. When she attempted to pull away, I tightened my grip, not allowing her to escape me.

“Nathan, the guy who took you to that event. Your sister is carrying his baby. She disappeared around the same time you did,” I revealed, planting kisses all over her face, trying to show her how much I loved her. “I swear by my love for you that I didn’t so much as breathe in her direction. She’s a miserable, pathetic woman hell-bent on breaking you. She just wants to hurt you.”

Her head shook back and forth, a silent plea for the nightmare to end. The confusion in her eyes cut deep into me. She didn’t know what to believe. The tears running down her cheeks were tearing me apart. I desperately wanted her to believe me.

I approached the bedside table, my movements deliberate as I opened a drawer from the nearby cabinet. I pulled out a drug report I’d had done a few days after the incident.

The sedative Elena used was so strong that traces of it were still found in my system even five days after she gave it to me. Handing it over, I watched as her eyes squinted, absorbing the damning details etched across the paper. The room felt tighter as her eyes skimmed the words, and I could sense that she was losing her grip on whatever control she had left.

“Look,” I said, urgency laced in my tone, “there was a potent drug coursing through my veins that day. It knocked me out cold.”

Her fingers clutched that piece of paper as if it could erase the ugly truth. I watched as her knuckles turned a sickly shade of white, and her chest heaved. The emotions she’d been bottling up spilled out like a busted dam. Sobs ripped through her, the kind that shakes a person to their core. Each gasp for air wrecked me.

“Even if that was the truth, it doesn’t erase that you are a criminal, Adrik,” she whimpered, her words hanging in the air like an unspoken sentence. “You know what happened to my parents and what I had to face after their death. How could you get me attached to you?” Her watery laughter echoed, devoid of humor.

“You married me fully aware that you represented everything I hate. You hid yourself from me. If you lied about this, what else have you lied about? When am I going to discover yet another lie?” She got up from the bed and moved away from me, her nostrils flaring in anger.

I knelt in front of her, desperation pushing me to clutch her knees. I didn’t care how pathetic it made me look; I was willing to pray to her and worship her if it meant she would forgive me. Kneeling at her feet was nothing compared to the void that would consume me without her. “I promise you there is no other lie. I promise you I didn’t touch her,” I begged.

She scoffed, her doubt etched on her face. “It’s not enough. Even if it was true. You and I are too different,” she declared, squatting down to meet me at eye level. It was her turn to hold my face, turning my gaze into hers. “You kill innocent people, Adrik. You delve into god knows what. Drugs? Weapons? I can’t hurt a fly. I would rather be poor than rich with blood money.” She stared into my eyes, her grip on my face tightening. “Please understand, we are not compatible.”

“I do not kill innocent people, Milaya. Never have I killed an innocent person. All the people I ended knew the consequences of playing with me and got several warnings beforehand,” I asserted.

She flinched, but I pressed on, determined to lay bare the harsh truths between us. “Yes, I sell illegal weapons and drugs. Yes, I have an underground empire. But it will never so much as touch you.”

She screeched in disbelief. “You don’t kill innocent people? And Simon? You almost mauled him to death because of a simple kiss.”

“Simon isn’t innocent, Luna,” I barked. “Anyone who tries to take my place in your life is not innocent.”

“I can’t believe you,” she yelled before stumbling back, the realization of our twisted reality hitting her like a freight train. “Luna, there is no escaping me. The faster you work on believing me, the better,” I snarled.

I saw her dart to the other side of the room, her hand grasping the gun I kept on the bedside table. She pointed it at me while commanding, “Stay back.”

But I didn’t. I moved towards her, deliberately closing the distance until the gun pressed against my head. “Shoot me, Luna. Death by your hands will be sweet.”

“Just leave me alone,” she begged..

“Never,” I growled, pressing my head deeper into the gun. “Come on. Shoot me, Luna. Do it.”

Her fingers clamped down on the gun, but her hold on it was trembling. She traced the trigger with a hesitant finger, the decision heavy in the air. Impossibly tightening her grip, she shut her eyes forcefully, shutting out the world, or perhaps preparing for what came next. Her finger pulled the trigger, and the gunshot ripped through the room.

CHAPTER 11 ADRIK

She yanked the trigger, the metallic click echoing through the room. In the last second, she diverted the gun away from my head, and the bullet grazed my arm. I’d been shot multiple times before; and this was just a graze. A familiar sting coursed through my arm. The Smell of iron lingered in the air.

She let the gun fall, the clang reverberating against the wooden floor. A guttural scream escaped her. Both hands covered her face, fingers clawing at the edges as if trying to erase the sight she had almost witnessed. Leaning down, I snatched the gun, shoving it into a random drawer. My urgency was fueled by the fear that she might hurt herself with it.

“Adrik,” she gasped, her eyes darting frantically over my form. “I’m so sorry.” She noticed that her clothes lay neatly folded on the back of a chair, and she stumbled towards them, hands trembling as she fumbled to put them on.

“I need to take you to a hospital,” she muttered over and over again. She faltered, nearly toppling over as she struggled with her pants, but quickly righted herself. “Shit, I’m not sure the hospitals here are any good. I should call Christy, see if there’s a decent one in the town over.” Her eyes darted around the room, searching for her phone with the fervor of a woman on the brink of madness.

I closed the distance, predatory instincts guiding my movements. There was no anger in me; her actions sent an unexpected thrill down my spine. As I advanced, she retreated until her back met the unforgiving wall. With both hands raised in a futile defense, she stuttered, “I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me.”

Our chests collided, and she continued her babbling, “Well, it’s kind of your fault as well. You kidnapped me.” Our faces were inches apart. Confusion furrowed her brow when she felt the undeniable hardness of my cock pressing against her. My lips brushed against her ear as I delivered a blow,

“You and I, Milaya. Turns out we aren’t so different; you have some darkness in you too.”

A sharp inhale escaped her at my words, and anger clenched her teeth. “That’s not true,” she yelled, and a dark chuckle rumbled in my chest. “Not true?” I rasped as I raised my grazed arm to her line of view, displaying the trail of blood seeping down. “You said you couldn’t hurt a fly… What’s this?”

“Stop it,” she growled, turning away from me.

“You willingly took that gun and pressed it to my head. You willingly shot me,” I prodded, and she snapped her face back towards me, her stare ablaze as she yelled “I said stop it.”

“You and I, we are more compatible than you think. Made for each other—” I couldn’t finish before she slammed her lips against mine, a fierce, demanding kiss that ignited a spark. It was our first real kiss in months, and it felt like I was on cloud nine.

She tore her lips from mine, telling me to shut up before crashing back into the kiss. Our tongues battled, and I was the clear winner. I delved into every crevice of her small mouth, tasting the heady mix of vanilla and chocolate that seemed to be her signature flavor.

My uninjured arm slithered down to her waist, and I yanked her against me. I relished the feel of every curve pressed into the hardness of my muscles. My fingers moved to trace the small wound on my arm with my thumb. I savored the warmth of the blood before dragging it across her neck, targeting the pulse point.

“What are you doing?” she asked with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

“Claiming you,” I purred, crashing my lips back onto hers. It was a brutal kiss that had our teeth clashing together. Dipping my thumb into the graze again, I smeared the crimson liquid over the pulse points on both her wrists, marking her as mine in a twisted ceremony of obsession. I was scenting her, claiming her, intoxicating her.

I tore her clothes off her in a frenzied motion. Stepping back, I took a moment to savor the sight before me- The blood was stark against her milky

white skin, a masterpiece.

Every inch of her bore the unmistakable signs of arousal, from the puckered peaks of her chest to the wetness trailing down her thighs.

In the dim light, I traced a bloodied finger across her flat stomach, spelling out the possessive words, “Adrik’s property.” Her eyes were clouded over with lust, she seemed trapped in a trance.

I trailed a path of searing kisses down her neck, my lips leaving a trail of fire until they reached the soft curve of her small breasts. Ignoring the hardened peaks, I rained open-mouthed kisses all over her tits. It was a tease that denied the release she sought, but there was no reprieve for her shaking form.

Wetting both of my thumbs with my blood, I seized her nipples, pulling and rolling them between my fingers. The scent of iron filled in the air, blending with the heady cocktail of desire and pain.

Her eyes looked above, a whimper escaping her lips. “Oh god,” she moaned.

I tutted my disapproval, my tongue dancing over her skin. “Not god, Luna. Adrik.”

With a harsh twist of her nipples, I commanded her to say my name. The sound of her obedience echoed in the night, a mantra on her lush lips. I traced a path lower and lower, caressing the contours of her abdomen.

“Crawl to the bed, Luna,” I commanded. Her pride set her eyes ablaze, and she swallowed hard, defiance etched in her gaze. “No.”

Not in the mood for games, I reached out, wrapping my hand around her neck, applying a slight pressure as I growled out “I said, crawl to the bed.”

A subtle whimper escaped her, her arousal leaving a slick trail down her thighs. She nodded, defiance meeting desire, but not without throwing me a glare.

Removing my hand, I watched as she kneeled to the ground, crawling with a deliberate quickness. “Slower,” I demanded, and her movements obeyed, a sultry submissive crawl. “Sway your hips for me while you do it, arch your back too.”

Her huff brought a smile to my lips, but she complied. She swayed her hips provocatively, arching her back to showcase her pussy for my hungry eyes. Her wetness spoke louder than words as she made it to the bed and lay on top of it.

I strode over to her, my knees hitting the bed frame with a thud. An open palm met her thigh with a sharp slap. “Spread them for me,” I commanded.

She complied, her legs hanging off the bed. “Good girl,” I rewarded her, and a smile played on her lips. Only she could melt my heart in the midst of bruising foreplay.

Slipping between her legs, I stared at her, admiring the sight of her pretty pussy. It looked delicious, tempting me to dive in. But I restrained myself; she was the love of my life, and I didn’t want my blood touching her intimate place, risking infection.

“I’ll be right back, Luna. If I come back and find you touching yourself, there will be punishment,” I ordered, and she let out a cry. “But…” I cut her off, uncompromising. “No buts. You deprived me of you for months. This should make you feel a fraction of what I felt.” I spit out before leaving her spread-eagle on the bed to go to the bathroom.

I disinfected the small wound with a clinical efficiency. A closer look revealed the need for a stitch or two. Without hesitation, I reached for the first aid kit, stitching up the wound with practiced speed. I disregarded the pain that clawed at my senses. Gunshots were no stranger to me, and self- sufficiency in treating wounds was a skill I had mastered.

Once the task was complete, I washed my hands thoroughly, red water going down the drain. As I returned to her, I found her clutching the sheets with both hands. Her hips were moving rhythmically in the air. The lack of friction seemed to frustrate her, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

She was a vision, a raw manifestation of desire that demanded exploration. I moved between her legs, savoring the slickness that coated her thighs. I had no intention of wasting a single drop.

Her hands found my hair, fingers digging into my scalp, and I let out a moan at the feeling. My tongue danced across her folds, flicking her clit with an insistent rhythm before descending to explore her opening.

As she writhed beneath me, the sounds she emitted were intoxicating. They were a raw symphony of pleasure that fueled the unbridled hunger of my cock. Its anticipation heightened with every flicker of my tongue and every moan that escaped her lips. I sealed my mouth over her pussy, a suction that showed her I wanted to devour her completely. I then focused on her clit, my fingers joined the dance, plunging into her with inhumane speed.

She came with a scream, a visceral expression of ecstasy was drawn on her beautiful face. I caressed her thighs, providing a tender touch to guide her through the aftermath of her orgasm.

I shed my sweatpants and climbed up her body, straddling her face without applying any weight. A swift slap of my cock against her face prompted her to kiss it as it touched her lips. I continued slapping her cheeks and mouth with my cock, and she continued kissing my tip every time it touched her lips.

As her attention shifted to my throbbing member, her eyes widened at the sight. Inked on the base of my cock was a tattoo that simply read “Luna’s.”

The mixture of shock and desire on her lit my body on fire. Before she could voice her surprise, I silenced her with a forceful thrust. My member found its place in her eager mouth. She began sucking on it with unabashed gusto, sending waves of pleasure surging through me, radiating all the way to my toes.

The tattoo had been a calculated move to dispel any suspicion she might harbor. In that intimate moment, I wanted her to understand that my cock belonged to her, and I was unequivocally hers.

I withdrew from her mouth, offering my balls for her to suck on. After a few seconds of her slobbering over them, I transitioned down her body. I plunged into her, relishing the crossed eyes and the raw pleasure etched across her face as I bounced her on my throbbing cock.

“You like that? You like me fucking you while you’re covered in my blood?” I purred in her ear and she nodded hurriedly, knowing that I wouldn’t let it go. “You appear to be such a good girl to the world… but only I know that you like to be fucked like a slut.” I told her as my thrusts only got harder and harder, showing her no mercy.

Our faces pressed together, breaths and moans mingling in a volatile dance of passion. It had been a while, but I was dead set on not cumming first.

My hand stealthily found its way to her clit, fingers rubbing against the sensitive flesh. In an instant, she convulsed around me. Her pussy had my cock in a pulsating grip that milked every ounce of pleasure from me, triggering my own explosive release.

I pulled out, and she pouted, disappointed at the sudden emptiness. I playfully bit her lip before crawling back down her thighs. Hoisting her legs onto my shoulders, I zeroed in on her cum-filled pussy. It was leaking with our shared passion. I pushed the cum back inside, keeping a couple of fingers placed to prevent any spillage.

“Only you get this load inside you,” I asserted, pausing to peck the top of her mound. Simultaneously, my other hand groped her stomach, tracing the dried blood that marked her as “Adrik’s property.”

“Only you get to carry my babies.” Her gaze met mine for a heated minute before she uttered, “I believe you,” and a surge of relief ripped through my veins. I was elated, fucking finally. Deep down, I knew that she always believed me, she was just scared to admit it to herself.

Withdrawing my fingers, I smeared the remaining cum on her lips. Eagerly, she licked them clean. I sprawled on the bed, pulling her snugly against my body, enveloping her in a protective embrace.

Despite the plethora of things we still needed to talk about, they could wait until the morning. My body, however, yearned for her touch, and my arousal resurged. I gently positioned my semi-hard cock at her entrance. “It’s been a while and I am sore” she whimpered, her body still recovering from our rough sex.

“I know, my love,” I reassured her, my fingers tracing comforting patterns on her skin. “I’ll just slide it in, warm it with your pussy. Is that okay with you?” I asked, sensing how emotionally tender she was and not wanting to push her past her limits.

She deliberated for a moment before nodding in consent. Carefully, I eased into her, both of us moaning as the velvety warmth of her walls enveloped me. That was how we drifted into sleep, entangled in each.

Chapter 12 Luna

I woke up finding myself nestled deep into his arms. His legs were wrapped around me, pulling me hard against him, as if he wanted me to be a part of him. His cock had slipped out of during the night, leaving an ache. The urgent need to pee hit me. Gently, I started to untangle myself from his arms, cautious not to wake him. Dark under eyes indicated his desperate need for sleep. Placing my feet on the floor, I moved towards the bathroom.

In a lightning-fast move, his arm shot out, throwing me back onto the bed. He let out a reluctant groan, conveying he didn’t want me to move from beside him.

“Adrik, I really need to pee,” I whispered, avoiding disrupting his slumber. After a minute, he released me. “Be quick,” he said, and I hummed a yes.

I put on the sweatshirt that was on the floor and located the bathroom. I took care of my business, ensuring to wash my hands afterward. Glancing back at the bedroom, I observed that Adrik had fallen back into a deep sleep, holding onto my pillow with his nose pressed against it.

Walking into the kitchen in search of a much-needed cup of coffee, I navigated the unfamiliar space. A smile spread on my face as I finally spotted the coffee. My head was pounding. As the coffee brewed, I wandered over to the glass window, pressing my head against it. The view in this town was already stunning, but there was something truly extraordinary about it here. The scent of pine trees and wood permeated the air, and the gentle trickling of rain added to the ambiance.

With my freshly brewed coffee in hand, I settled onto the couch. As I took slow sips, my thoughts naturally drifted to my current situation.

I believed him. It was tough to admit that I did, but it was the truth. Before everything soured, I never had a reason to doubt him. Honestly, I loathed acknowledging it, but it was clear that Elena had it out for me. The way she

kissed Adrik while he slept, right in front of me, and the audacity to rip my wedding ring off my finger— I couldn’t fathom why. I still get chills remembering that moment I shot him. I became this person I couldn’t recognize. Thankfully, he came out unscathed, but I couldn’t ignore the reckless side of me that surfaced.

I never thought, not even in my wildest dreams, that I could do something like this. Adrik might have been onto something when he said we were similar. What still nagged at me were his ties to the mafia. Choosing to stay with him would feel like a middle finger to my parents, and it scared me, even though they’re gone.

I sensed his presence approaching from behind even before his words reached my ears. “Good morning, Milaya,” he greeted in that seductive morning tone of his.

My response was a mumbled acknowledgment as I tried to conceal the involuntary reaction his voice stirred within me, his voice alone made me crave him. The atmosphere was slightly awkward, with lingering tension still palpable between us.

Shifting on the couch, I gestured to the space beside me, inviting him to sit. As he settled down, one of his hands found its way onto my thigh. Swiftly, I removed his hand, mustering the courage to address the impending conversation.

“We need to talk,” I declared, reclaiming a sense of assertiveness. His eyebrows furrowed as he asked, “Can’t we have a conversation while I touch you?” A teasing pout accompanied his words. Although my lip twitched at the sight, I shook my head. “No, we need to stay focused.”

His eyes scanned my face, and a smile crept onto his lips. “Are you suggesting that my touch distracts you?” he teased. Rolling my eyes, I playfully slapped his arm. He recoiled, groaning in pain. It was then that I remembered his injury, and I cursed myself for the oversight.

“I’m really sorry,” I apologized, a rush assaulting my senses. “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Should we go to the hospital?” The questions spilled out of me, my heart racing with guilt. The whole situation had me on edge.

In response, he laughed heartily, and my forehead furrowed in confusion. What was so amusing about this? “Only you, baby, can shoot me and still be worried about me,” he quipped.

I knew he was joking, but his words triggered a cascade of tears down my cheeks. His eyes widened, and he quickly pulled me into a comforting embrace, soothing me.

“Please don’t cry, my love,” he reassured me. “I was just teasing you.” His hand patted my back as he continued, “You can shoot me a million times, and I’d thank you each time if the night ends like yesterday did.” Despite the ridiculousness of his words, they managed to elicit a chuckle from me.

I distanced myself from him. He sensed my need for clear communication, and he respected my need by allowing the space. Seated on the sofa, his hands clenched into fists as he refrained from reaching out to touch me.

Inhaling deeply, I began, “Firstly, I want to apologize once again. I genuinely don’t know what came over me. My actions were reckless and wrong, and I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me.”

I noticed his mouth opening to interject, but I raised my hand, signaling him to let me finish. “I am also very remorseful for not helping you when I discovered you drugged,” the difficulty of my words was increasing. I reached for my mug, taking a sip to moisten my dry mouth. “I wasn’t aware of your condition at the time. I witnessed her assaulting you and didn’t intervene. For that, I apologize.”

He attempted to speak once more, but I urgently exclaimed, “Please! Let me get all of this off my chest.” The veins on his neck and forehead protruded, but he nodded, biting his tongue in restraint.

“But even with all that said, I don’t regret running away, Adrik. There’s a significant part of yourself that you were planning not to disclose to me.” Drumming my fingers against the mug, I gazed out the window to compose myself before continuing.

“I understand the depth of your love for me, and I feel the same way about you. It’s undeniable that I’ve missed you during this time, just as you’ve missed me,” I acknowledged. His eyes softened at my words because it was the first time he’d heard me express my love in months. He closed his eyes, seemingly allowing the warm rush of those words to wash over him.

Placing the mug on the coffee table, I clenched my hands into fists, feeling my fingernails digging into my palms.

“But despite our love, we can’t be together. You need an heir for the underground, someone to take your place. I can’t provide that. I refuse to bring any child of mine into a world where they’d be groomed for this life,” I explained, the weight of my words evident in my tightened lips and the cramping in my stomach.

“I can’t take the risk of our future child walking in on their father, mother, or both, mutilated,” I added with panic as flashbacks oh what my family experienced filled my mind.

As the words spilled from my mouth, his eyes took on an unsettling darkness. “Nobody’s going to lay a finger on you. I’d put them six feet under before they knew what hit them,” he growled, spitting out the threat. His eyes were crazed, a glimpse into the brutality he was willing to unleash.

I shook my head, frustration welling up inside me. It was like he couldn’t grasp what I was laying out. The atmosphere became suffocating, and I absentmindedly played with the hem of my sweatshirt, feeling the situation bearing down on me.

“I appreciate your resolve, Adrik, but there are no guarantees,” I stated with a heavy sigh, the raw truth hanging in the air. “I can’t handle the stress, and I damn sure won’t pass it on to my future kids.”

The silence that followed seemed to stretch into an eternity. Finally, he broke it, offering, “For you, I’d pass it on to someone else.”

The shock that hit me was visceral, my eyebrows shooting up in disbelief. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, my voice shaky.

He ran his hands over his face, a gesture of weariness. “I’m willing to cut ties with it for your sake.” My thoughts were a jumbled mess. I couldn’t predict if this choice would breed resentment in him. My gaze fell to my fingers, nervously fidgeting as I absorbed his offer. Fear gnawed at me— fear of leaving him, fear of staying.

“Luna,” he breathed, “I won’t sugarcoat it; it won’t be an easy feat. But I promise, for you, I’ll make it happen.”

It struck me then, a chilling realization akin to a recurring nightmare. The déjà vu chilled my bones. “No!” I exclaimed, closing the gap on the couch, hands on his shoulders, mindful of his injury.

“Wouldn’t it hurt you too? Wouldn’t they come after you?” I asked. His eyes mirrored the trauma I felt, and his body stiffened. What if he faced the same tragic fate as my parents?

For a moment, I read in his eyes more than just sympathy for me. There was so much hurt in there, and I couldn’t figure out why. Was it for my state?

“Milaya, your parents were pawns in the mafia, relegated to the lower rungs. That’s why they suffered so much,” he explained, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his words sending shivers down my spine.

“But I’m not a pawn in this game. I control it.” My hands trembled as I withdrew them from his shoulders, and he clasped them in his own. “Nothing will happen to me if I distance myself. I might lose some money, but I’m not dependent on the mafia.”

“What if you end up resenting me?” I voiced my paranoia, my eyes reflecting the vulnerability I felt. Gently, he planted a kiss on my forehead, a gesture both reassuring and tender.

“I could never resent you. How can someone resent their life force?” His words, accompanied by the warmth of the kiss made the grip on my heart ease.

Reservation still lingered as I sought confirmation, “Are you absolutely sure?”

With a conviction that resonated in his gaze, he asserted, “More certain than I’ve ever been in my life.”

Money had never been my priority, and I wanted him to understand. “Money means nothing to me, Adrik. I don’t care if we can’t indulge in extravagant vacations or getting expensive gifts.” His chuckled, a blend of amusement and affection, it weirdly added a lightness to the conversation. I tilted my head, curious about his reaction.

“My love, you don’t have to worry about that. I run multiple businesses; my wealth isn’t solely tied to the mafia.” He said, planting the seeds of hope in my chest.

He leaned in, his face close to mine, inviting an unspoken agreement. “Do we have a deal?” he asked, the intensity in his eyes was intoxicating. Before I could give my promise, another concern surfaced.

“No more secrets?” I needed assurance, searching his eyes for sincerity. He nodded against my face, the tendrils of his hair lightly tickling my skin. “No more secrets.” A sense of relief washed over me as I agreed, “Then you’ve got yourself a deal.”

He hoisted me up, spinning me around until laughter bubbled out uncontrollably. “Stop, you’re making me dizzy,” I managed to say amid snorts, prompting him to set me down gently.

He guided me to sit, letting me collect myself after the whirlwind motion. A memory from the previous night sparked a fit of laughter in me.

“Adrik, I’ve got another question,” I said through giggles.

“Shoot,” he responded, ready for whatever I had in mind. “How about we ditch that word forever?” I suggested. His lips curled up in a half-smile, and he nodded in agreement.

I broached the subject of the tattoo from the night before. “Last night,” I began, stumbling a bit as I tried to find the right words. Fighting a blush, I continued, “The tattoo…” His face lit up with a beaming smile, as if it were a run-of-the-mill piece of art. “You like it?” he asked.

I nodded, deciding to keep any reservations to myself. It was endearing that he found such joy in the tattoo. “Who tattooed it?” I questioned, injecting a casual tone to mask any hint of jealousy.

“Don’t worry, Luna, I did it. No one gets to look or touch me there but you,” he stated, his words carrying warmth. He seemed to enjoy my jealousy over him, it was adorable.

The fact that he tattooed himself explained the slight messiness to it. Don’t get me wrong, it was very nice, just not the neatest. I personally thought that it added to its charm. In that moment, I melted, loving the tangible claim I had over his skin. He truly belonged to me, and the rawness of the fact excited me beyond words.

Chapter 13 LUNA

On a stormy day, the wind’s force matched the early snowfall. This is my kind of weather. Adrik, against my desire for a simple walk, insisted on driving me to the bakery. I craved the snowy stroll, feeling the chill on my skin, embracing the winter vibes. But he worried, fearing I’d catch a cold.

It had been a week since we committed to mending our relationship. It was surprisingly good. He imposed no pressure on me to ditch the town I’ve grown fond of. We were just living day by day, not burdened by thoughts of what comes next. A welcomed break from the stress of the past months.

I had been staying in his cabin for the past week, and I loved it. I was much fonder of it than our city apartment, it felt like a home. Peanut was obsessed with it as well, he would round the place, tail held high, purring twenty four seven. Maybe it was the cozy warmth of the fireplace or the sun streaming through the windows. Whatever it was, peanut was enamored with it.

I couldn’t wait to head back, and luckily the bakery wasn’t crowded today; the harsh weather kept people away. I had expected it and told Christy to take the day off. As I sat by the window, topping my hot chocolate with marshmallows, the view was serene, the mountains quietly accumulating snow.

Despite the apparent calm that’s settled into my life, there was a dark tug at my heart – Simon. There was no word from him since the incident. I’ve tried calling, texting, even approaching him in person, but he evaded me. He hadn’t returned to the bakery since that cursed date. Guilt weighed on me; if I hadn’t strung him along, this mess wouldn’t be haunting me.

He was someone I genuinely cared about, a damn good friend. And he’s kept his silence about what unfolded. I appreciated that more than words can express. Christy’s sensed the unease, and when she asked, I simply told her the date went south.

The door’s bells jingled, announcing an entrance. Glancing over, I spotted a woman sauntering into the bakery. I approached the counter, clutching my mug. She sported ski gear, wrapped up in a massive scarf that concealed a huge portion of her face and a pair of sunglasses. Odd – the snow outside wasn’t enough for any skiing. Maybe she came from a town where winter hit harder.

“What can I get you?” I asked, warm smile in place.

“Listen up,” she mumbled, her voice swallowed by the scarf covering her mouth. She advanced until her gut met the cold granite of the counter. With a swift move, she pulled a gun from her bag, laying it on the counter.

My scream caught in my throat as she pressed a finger against her concealed mouth, warning me to keep silent. What chilled me to the bone was the glint of a wedding ring on her finger – my ring. Elena…

“There’s a guard outside. Come with me, quiet and willing, or else you won’t like the consequences,” she spat. My breaths were jagged, a sense of panic gripping me. I considered outsmarting her, my hand darting to grab the gun, but she swiftly pulled it back, concealing it beneath her coat.

“Don’t play games, Luna. Out. Now. Or I’ll off you and him right here,” she hissed, her threat hanging heavy in the air. She was a menace to society, a danger lingering in my bakery. The verge of insanity was evident, and I couldn’t bear more guilt and harm spawned from my existence. I nodded, moving from behind the counter. She allowed me to lead the way, the cold barrel of the gun discreetly pressed against my back.

As we exited the cafe, heading towards a nearby car, a man emerged from behind some bushes, startling me.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Petrov, but I’m under strict orders that you shall not leave

—” Before he could finish, Elena frantically surveyed the surroundings, ensuring no witnesses, before coldly shooting him in the head. He wasn’t in a defensive state, not expecting a thing. My scream tore through the air, birds scattering in response. Gory splatter coated me, and I gagged – she was unhinged.

Grabbing me by the hair, she yanked me toward the car, but I resisted. I landed a punch on her face, causing the scarf to slip, revealing a bleeding lip. Seizing the opportunity, I ran, her shot narrowly missing me. The

bullet’s whizzing by my ear made time stop for me. I didn’t relent, but she was close behind. She caught up, clutching the back of my jacket, sending me tumbling. My knees scraped against the ground, pain surged through me. Still, I kicked her feet, making her stumble beside me.

“Bitch,” she snarled, slamming the back of the gun into my head. I tried to stay conscious as she dragged me across the cold ground towards the car, but I couldn’t. So, I started praying – praying for someone to intervene, hoping it was a nightmare, wishing for the strength to fight back. No response came. She propped me into the car, groaning at my weight, before everything faded to black.

I came to in what seemed like a descent into hell. My skin felt ablaze, and as I cracked my eyes open with a scream of agony, she was the first hellish sight. Tossing a bucket aside, she made me grasp the gruesome reality – She poured scalding water on every damn inch me, drenching me. The sensation was brutal, as if every nerve ending in my body was getting fried; the pain was excruciating.

Struggling to sit up, I surveyed my surroundings. A basement, no windows, and dim light casting eerie shadows. It was bone-chilling, and I huddled into a corner, yearning to be as far away from her as possible.

She perched on a chair, legs spread wide. I couldn’t recognize her. Her hair was falling out, huge bald patches marring her head. A front tooth was missing, and judging by the way she glared at me, my punch was the culprit. Her face, once radiant, now pallid, cheekbones protruding sharply. Unhealthy. Where the hell did the beautiful Elena disappear to?

My gaze shifted to her stomach, seemingly flat. Wasn’t she claiming to be pregnant? Her eyes honed in on mine, catching my fixation on her midsection. She rocketed out of the chair so damn fast it toppled backward. Advancing towards me with wide, predatory strides, she exuded an aura on the brink of murder

. As she reached me, a swift slap across my face sent me reeling. I didn’t know if I could retaliate; she had the upper hand. Armed with a gun and not in any compromised position.

She squatted in front of me, screeching “Are you happy that your niece died?” I had no clue what she meant – maybe a miscarriage? That was all I

could fathom. I shook my head, adamant that no matter how much she hurt me, I wouldn’t rejoice in a baby’s death.

“Liar,” she spat, squeezing my face hard. Her usually perfectly manicured fingernails were dirty, and they were digging into my cheeks.

“You’re happy. Why wouldn’t you be? Your husband’s affair baby is dead,” she barked. Unable to keep silent any longer, I ripped her hand off, and she crashed straight onto her ass.

“It wasn’t his baby, Elena.”

“How dare you?! It damn well was. Don’t delude yourself into thinking otherwise,” she yelled. I wasn’t buying her lies anymore. Anyone who behaves like her – kidnapping, killing – can’t be trusted.

“The baby is Nathan’s. I know everything; there’s no need to lie to me anymore,” I told her. Her expression crumbled, a mix of shock and despair washing over her.

She paced, tearing at her hair, carving fresh bald patches into her scalp. “That isn’t true. Adrik is lying to you, Elena. The baby was his. I’m not the one spinning tales,” she insisted, but her words fell on deaf ears. I wasn’t buying into her bullshit. Silent, I endured her nonsensical rambling.

“You just don’t want to believe it because the idea that I was able to get pregnant by him, and you couldn’t, grates on your nerves,” she sneered.

Her words sliced through me like a knife, but that wasn’t why I dismissed her. It was because I chose to trust Adrik. He showed willingness to change for me, provided evidence of his innocence. On the flip side, all she did was try to obliterate me.

“I mean, you can’t blame him. He tried for a year with you, and nothing happened. You’re lacking; I’m not. It’s only natural he cheated,” she persisted, but I remained unswayed.

“Oh, fuck it,” she growled, charging at me with a vengeance. Swiftly, I dodged to the other side of the cold wall, and she collided hard with the unforgiving bricks. Her face flushed with rage, the cartoonish image of steam seemed fitting. Undeterred, she lunged again, landing a brutal punch on my face. My ears rang, a likely broken nose throbbing in pain. Unable to

restrain myself, I thrust my foot deep into her stomach, eliciting a gagging, blood-coughing response.

“Where’s the damn gun?” she muttered, struggling to get up, patting herself down to locate it. Seizing the opportunity to distract her, I murmured, “Were you stalking me? Is that why you struck when Adrik and I reconciled?” She erupted into maniacal laughter, hand slapping her thigh.

“Of course, silly. I didn’t want all my hard work to go to waste,” she coughed up more blood before continuing, “I didn’t think you would forgive him. You ruined my fucking plan.” Shaking her head, she regarded me as if I were the villain. “And what plan was that?” I inquired.

Closing in, she sat facing me. For a fleeting moment, it felt like old times when we’d sit and play Uno in foster care. I couldn’t fathom how she morphed into this monster. “Well, if you hadn’t forgiven him, he would have sought me out instead. I would have been all that’s left of you. All he could salvage of your essence.”

“I was this damn close,” she hissed, her fingers indicating a minuscule gap. “And you had to ruin it.”

Blood infiltrated my mouth as it dripped from my nose, no matter my attempts to wipe it away with the sleeves of my shirt. “Why would you want to do this to me? I never once hurt you,” I questioned, my insides feeling like they are corroding.

“Never hurt me?” she scoffed incredulously. “I was always the damn villain. Me.” She screamed, pounding at her chest. “People would look at you with love and adoration. They couldn’t get over how heroic you are, taking care of your little sister like that.” Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “But when they looked at me, their demeanor changed. They saw me as a burden dragging you down. A hurdle in your bright future.”

I shook my head fervently, insisting, “You were never a burden to me—”

She cut me off before I could continue, “There you go, acting high and mighty again. I thought that as we got older, God would repay me for the patience of living in your shadow. But it was always you thriving, finding love.” She wiped her tears harshly. “And just like that, throughout our lives, you were the hero who got everything she wanted, and I was the damn villain who got shunned, never good enough for anything you have.”

“Why shouldn’t I embrace being the real villain then? People always assumed I was, why not validate their thoughts?” she muttered, averting her gaze from me. Summoning my courage, I scooted towards her. Grasping her hands in mine, I felt compelled to offer solace. Goddamn my heart.

“I’m so sorry for not noticing that you felt this way, Elena. I never considered taking care of you a burden. You’re the only connection left from our parents, and I found joy in looking after you. You’re more than deserving of everything you want. You can find love without overshadowing mine. You can thrive; you have all the capabilities,” I assured her.

She rolled her eyes, yanking her hands away, sending a cold chill through me. With a look of disgust, she spat out, “Would you just stop? You might have people convinced you’re good, but not me. I see right through you.” A creepy smile twisted her lips as she revealed the gun concealed within her coat, raising it to my head. “Any last words, dear sister? I can whisper them into Adrik’s ear when he’s inside me after you’re gone.”

“It doesn’t have to spiral into this, Elena. You can seek help; you don’t have to plummet off the deep end,” I uttered. She remained unresponsive, that twisted smile lingering on her lips.

Looking at her felt like staring into the eyes of a demon, her anger at the world showing on her face. It was tough to believe she’d ever been a sane person, looking at her now. But who knew if she ever was?

My gut told me to freeze, so I stood still, watching without moving as she came closer. A creepy smile took over her face, some nasty expression.

Shifting my gaze from her sunken-in face to the small pistol in her hand, my heart felt it was about to come out of my chest. She laughed, a dry cackle, and cold shivers spread through me.

“You just had to forgive him, huh? Threw all my hard work in the trash. I have no choice but to kill you. It’s the only way Adrik and I can be together.”

I whimpered, a sound I couldn’t control. She’d kill me without a second thought. My eyes stayed glued to that gun in her hand. I thought about Adrik; I would miss him so much. My biggest regret is believing her lies over him.

She stuck the gun right in my face, grinning grimly, her bloodshot, crazy eyes fixed on mine, their manic gleam piercing me. I never looked away from her eyes. I couldn’t remember hating her before, but hatred coursed through me now. I had no words for her. Nothing would make her understand or care. My words meant nothing to her.

She grabbed my hair, pulling my head back, holding it still. I tried to struggle, but it was useless.

She shoved that gun to the middle of my head. She was pushing it so hard into my head it felt like it would penetrate into my brain. I tried jerking my head away, but she held the back of my head tight. I was shaking my head frantically when a bang rang in the basement.

Chapter 14 Luna

The basement door swung open with a thunderous metallic crash, and a pack of burly men spilled into the dimly-lit space. The air grew colder, the shadows darker, and a sense of menace crept over the room. Her grip on the gun tightened, the steel pressing against my skin with a brutality that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The stress in the room thickened as the men leveled their weapons at us, threatening to plunge us into a nightmare. What the hell was happening?

My vision was blurry, and I couldn’t focus on the features of the men. It took my eyes a while to focus in my disoriented state, and when my bleary vision finally sharpened enough for recognition to dawn on me, I saw Adrik’s commanding presence in the center of the chaos. His face, as pale as death, gazed in our direction. The guns weren’t aimed at me, but at my sister. A flicker of relief tried to surface, but it drowned in the realization that Elena was a ticking time bomb, her judgment clouded by something sinister.

Elena’s finger trembled on the trigger, a reckless hazard to us all. The panic in me surged as I envisioned the catastrophic outcome if she fired at Adrik. My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. With hands quivering, I seized her gunned hand, sandwiching it between mine and keeping it pressed against my forehead. I couldn’t afford to gamble on my sister’s sanity risking the life of the man I loved.

Adrik’s scream tore through the air like a primal roar, raw and guttural, reverberating with a darkness that seemed more demonic than human. His entire being vibrated with a visceral anger that sent shivers down my spine.

“Don’t you dare,” he rasped, his eyes darting between my sister and me. I didn’t know which one of us he was addressing, but it felt like the warning was directed at us both. “Drop the gun, Elena,” he growled, and her scowl only deepened.

My mind spiraled, conjuring twisted scenarios of what might unfold when she released the grip on her gun. The unpredictability of her actions scared me. She was unhinged, a live wire ready to snap. Maybe she clung to the twisted belief that if she couldn’t possess him, nobody could. The thought of her turning the gun on Adrik clawed at my insides, a corrosive mix of acid and bile rising in my throat.

Against the cold steel pressed against my forehead, I shook my head in defiance. My hands stayed clamped down on hers, keeping the gun anchored in its place. She was my sister, my blood, my responsibility. I couldn’t let her harm the one person who meant everything to me.

His eyes bore into me like hot coals, a promise etched in the lines of his narrowed gaze, a silent promise that if I made it out alive, there was a punishment awaiting me. In this twisted ordeal, Elena’s eyes clung to Adrik, consuming him with a hunger that fueled a gut-churning jealousy. Even with the threat of death looming, I had an urge to put an end to her sick fixation.

“Your problem’s with me, Elena,” I snarled, aiming to redirect her attention. She tore her gaze from Adrik, fixing me with a look that could curdle blood. Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of one of the men closing in on her. I turned my gaze away, not wanting her to catch wind of him. He was near, just a few steps from ending it all. I needed to stall her.

“We can sort this out. It doesn’t have to be like this,” I whispered, desperate for a lifeline. But she shut me down cold, “Just shut the hell up already.” Adrik, already wound tighter than a spring, exploded, “Watch your damn mouth talking to my wife.”

Her eyes welled up at his words, the hurt unmistakable as she looked at him. In a voice devoid of any emotion, she uttered, “What does she have that I don’t?” Adrik approached, his gun poised dangerously close to her, but it was his words that cut deeper than any potential bullet.

“Everything, Elena. Luna is the epitome of perfection, a woman unmatched in charm, beauty, and softness,” he declared with brutal honesty. Inhaling a shaky breath, he continued, “Even if she never forgave me, I’d rather kneel at her feet than be a god to any other woman. I would’ve worshipped her

every moment, kneeled and prayed to her until she realized that no one on this earth or in the skies could love her more than I do.”

With the final, crushing step that brought the gun to press against her chest, he delivered the devastating blow, “There’s no universe, no dimension, where I don’t belong to her. Not being hers would be like tearing my own soul apart. There is no room for you or anyone else to fill the void she occupies.” Her chest heaved as she processed the words. My cheeks burned with his confession, which wasn’t new to me; he tells me such things all the time. I tried to convey how much I loved him with my eyes, not wanting to say the words and trigger Elena into further madness.

His words seemed to cast a spell, plunging her into a trance-like, catatonic state. The gun slipped from her grasp, finding refuge in my hands. Respite flooded over me, prompting a hasty retreat into Adrik’s embrace, seeking solace. Yet, the returned hug carried an unexpected chill. Stepping back, I shifted uneasily, acutely aware of the man positioned behind my sister, fingers digging into her shoulders to ensure compliance.

Adrik’s gaze bore into her with a dangerous intensity, an unspoken threat hanging between them. Instinctively, I positioned myself before her, an unstable shield in the face of imminent danger.

I hated her at that moment, I truly did. But despite myself, she still arose protective instincts in me. Force a habit, I guess. It felt wrong not to protect her when it was all I ever did for such a long period of my life. So, I pushed my anger at her to the side, and allowed myself to succumb to my instincts.

“Adrik, she’s not well. She needs help. Please, don’t do anything on her,” I murmured, his raging glare shifting from her to me. Pleadingly, I locked eyes with him. “I know what she did was despicable. I know she’s not a good human being. I know she caused us immense pain,” I gulped down my anger at her before continuing, “You have every right to be furious, but find it in yourself to spare her. She’s not in her right mind.”

I gauged my husband’s reaction, fully aware of the tempest brewing within him. His teeth ground together, an aura of lethal energy enveloping him.

“How can you say that with blood running down your face from her, wife?” His breath heavy on my face as he spoke. His hand reached to gently caress my bloody cheek, his touch offering an odd respite amid the charged

atmosphere. “She separated us for months,” he growled, his fingers tracing the marks of her violence. “She hurt you, damaged the skin that I fear simple air touching.”

“I could’ve lost you because of her,” he gritted out, the words dripping with raw pain. I shut my eyes for a minute, not wanting to witness the torment etched onto his face. As I pulled him into a tight embrace, something felt amiss – a subtle restraint in his reciprocation.

“I love you so damn much, and I’m here. Alive and well. Please, Adrik, please. Let’s get her the help she needs and cut ties. Never see or talk to her again,” I begged.

His ruggedly handsome face contorted with a struggle, an unspoken tension emanating from the depths of his being. “Milaya, I’d hand over whatever the hell you want, no questions, and no hesitations. Even if it goes against my better judgment,” he gruffly declared.

His words sparked an elated grin on my face, stretching so wide that it bordered on pain. My bloodied lips planted kisses on his face, a feral display of affection, uncaring to the audience of his men, who watched us with a mesmerized fixation. The sheer joy of him openly showing and accepting affection, regardless of the onlookers, fueled my happiness.

His hand casually patted my back, and he inclined his head toward the man holding my sister, conveying a message known only to them. The man nodded and led my unresponsive sister out of the basement. In the background, the hum of an engine roared to life, accompanied by the screech of tires against the concrete floor.

“Where is he taking her?” I demanded with a hint of desperation. I tried pushing my fears down, fully aware that he never broke his vows to me.

“Somewhere she can get the help she needs,” he growled out, his response carrying his disapproval. He guided my trembling form to sit on the chair in the dimly lit basement. With a crook of his fingers, one of the men carrying a briefcase moved closer, crouching in front of me.

“Too close,” Adrik barked, his possessiveness flaring up, the air felt zapping. The man shot Adrik a glance tinged with slight fear. “I have to get close to her to check her state, sir,” he explained, his voice shaky.

With a reluctant nod, Adrik agreed but not without asserting his ownership. He lifted me off the chair, settled down, and then placed me on his lap.

“Out,” he commanded. The rest of the men in the room filed out, leaving us alone.

Who I assumed was a doctor started his examination, his clinical demeanor failing to conceal a flicker of unease. His hands probed my head, delving too deep, seeking signs of a concussion. Adrik’s eyes, bore into the examination, his jaw clenching subtly as he focused on the movements of his hands.

Redirecting his attention to my battered nose, the doctor inquired about pain. I winced, my gaze going to Adrik as I told the doctor that it hurt a lot. His posture stiffened at my words and he became even more agitated as the doctor asked me to take off my coat, noticing me holding my arm in pain.

The doctor was visibly on edge. His hands trembled imperceptibly, and his gaze darted nervously between Adrik and me, fear etched in the subtlest of movements.

I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater so the doctor could see my arm. Adrik’s fingers, though not gripping, traced a subtle rhythm on my shoulder

—a pattern only I could feel. It was comforting having him so near, especially after thinking I was going to lose him or never see him again.

With a measured tone, the doctor delivered his diagnosis, “There seems to be nothing serious. Your arm and nose, are just bruised up. They should heal in a week.”

The doctor, still uneasy under Adrik’s watchful eyes, took cautious steps backward away from me. He cleared his throat, attempting to maintain composure as he addressed Adrik.

“Sir,” he began, choosing his words carefully, “She needs rest, both physically and mentally. If any unusual symptom arises, like dizziness or drowsiness, call me so we can take her to a hospital.”

Adrik nodded in gratitude, and the doctor hastily made his exit, leaving an awkward silence in his wake. Despite the gravity of the situation, a spontaneous burst of laughter escaped me. “You scared the poor doctor away,” I quipped to Adrik, trying to introduce a moment of lightness.

He responded with a hum, not engaging in my playful banter. He carried me out of the basement into the welcome embrace of fresh air. Placed gently in the car, Adrik helped me sip water as we drove away, the rearview mirror revealing a couple of his men trailing us.

In the quiet of the car, I couldn’t ignore the noticeable shift in Adrik’s demeanor. His usually intense gaze appeared distant, as if lost in his thoughts. It unsettled me, prompting a need for connection. I was going to get my Adrik back, I won’t let anything, even his own thoughts, pull him away from me.

Chapter 15 Adrik

During the entire car ride, Luna tried to get me to talk. She’d touch my arm, make comments about random crap on the road, and even try to comfort me. But I couldn’t bring myself to look at her, let alone touch her. After what went down, I felt like if I so much as breathed in her direction, she’d vanish. Maybe we didn’t come out of this without scars; maybe she was just a figment of my imagination, waiting to disappear if I dared to reach out to her.

My hands were shaking, and my heart was racing like it had a mind of its own. The silence between us was heavy, suffocating. Luna’s attempts at conversation felt like pathetic attempts to bridge a gap that had opened up between us by the shit we’d just been through.

I couldn’t shake the image of Elena’s twisted face, the gun in her hand, the crazy look in her eyes. It was burned into my mind like a brand, refusing to fade. And Luna, sitting next to me, oblivious to the storm inside me, was making me pissed.

Furious. That’s what coursed through my veins like molten lava. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of my rage—whether it was the godforsaken situation we found ourselves in or her actions. She stood there, defiantly, with the barrel of that damned gun pressed against her own skull, shielding me from Elena.

You’d think I’d see it as some noble sacrifice, some act of heroism, but I couldn’t muster an ounce of admiration. There was nothing noble about it, nothing heroic. If so much as a single goddamn hair on her head was harmed, I swear I’d have crumbled into oblivion. She is my everything—my pulse, my soul, the very essence of my existence.

And yet, she doubted that. She doubted that I’d be utterly lost without her. Darkness surged within me, a tempest threatening to consume everything in its wake. How dare she entertain the thought that I could carry on living with her gone?

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed her shifting uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers fidgeting together anxiously. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, before finally uttering, “I’m sorry.”

That was the moment I snapped. I couldn’t hold back any longer. “You should be,” I spat out, my voice dripping with bitterness.

She rushed over her words, “I know I’ve dragged nothing but trouble into your life. There are countless things I need to apologize for, and—”

If I thought I was furious before, it was nothing compared to the rage that consumed me at her words. A dark, humorless laugh escaped me. “Luna, you’re apologizing for being in my life right now, when I’m furious at you for even considering I could exist without you in it. Do you have any idea how deeply I feel for you?” My anger crackled in the air, filling the car with its electric intensity.

. Her furrowed brows and twisted lips betrayed her struggle to comprehend my anger, my frustration. This woman, so delicate yet so reckless, threatened to unravel me completely.

With a sharp turn of the wheel, I veered off the road, parking the car. These streets were empty anyway, not a car in sight since we set off. I turned to face her, my gaze piercing, unyielding.

“What the hell were you thinking, standing in front of that gun?” The words clawed their way out of my throat, sounding more of an animalistic hiss than human.

She flinched at the intensity of my tone, her eyes wide with fear. “I… I couldn’t bear to see you hurt,” she murmured.

Her admission only licked at the flames in my chest. “Hurt?” I scoffed. “You think I am not hurt right now? You think I can live with that image haunting me for the rest of my life?”

My fists clenched at my pant suit as I continued, my breaths ragged “You’ve condemned me to a lifetime of nightmares, Luna. Every time I close my eyes, I see you with that damned gun against your head and I just about lose my fucking mind.”

She wouldn’t back down. “Do you think you’re the only one in love?” she shot back with defiance. “I would do anything to protect you, Adrik.”

In a fit of agitation, I struck the seat beside me, digging my fingers into the leather so hard that it ripped. “You’re not my protector, Luna. You are my obsession, my addiction, my reason for living,” I declared.

“Leave the worry of protecting us for me,” I insisted, my words carrying a weight of command. “It shouldn’t be something you worry about. I protect us.”

“And don’t ever think to sacrifice yourself for me,” I warned, my voice cracking with emotion. “”If something were to happen to you… I wouldn’t survive. I’d follow right after you.”

As my words lingered, I sensed her resistance wane, her posture softening ever so slightly. Her shoulders relaxed, and the tension in her jaw eased as she processed the intensity of my confession. There was a flicker of understanding in her eyes, mingled with a hint of fear.

Turning away from her, I shifted the car into drive and headed back toward the cabin. With every passing mile, I couldn’t shake the feeling of her precariousness, of the danger she willingly faced for me.

Glancing at her, I noticed her head against the window, lost in her own thoughts. The dim moonlight cast shadows across her face, accentuating the delicate curve of her cheek. In that moment, she looked fragile, a stark contrast to her earlier determination.

Dark thoughts consumed me as I grappled with the realization of just how close I had come to losing her. The idea of her life hanging in the balance, of the possibility of her being torn from me, sent a chill down my spine. I found myself obsessively checking on her, my eyes darting to her every few seconds to ensure she was still there, still safe.

As we reached the cabin, I wasted no time. Without a word, I pulled up to the cabin’s entrance and put the car in park. Opening the car door for Luna, I scooped her up in my arms, carrying her inside with care.

Laying her down gently on the bed, I watched as she rested her head on my chest, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. I couldn’t help but notice the way she analyzed me, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. I knew I was being colder than usual, but I couldn’t help it. My chest felt hollow, like a vice was squeezing the life out of me.

Before heading to the bathroom, I grabbed a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers from the kitchen, knowing she’d need them. Back in the bedroom, I handed them to her, ensuring she had what she needed before I left.

“I’m taking a shower,” I muttered softly, already beginning to strip off my clothes before disappearing into the bathroom. I turned the water on, adjusting the temperature until it was scalding hot. Stepping under the jets, I let the water cascade over me, hoping it would warm me up. But as the steam filled the air and the water beat down on my skin, I realized that no amount of heat could chase away the coldness that had taken root inside me. No matter how hot I made it, the coldness in my bones refused to dissipate.

The bathroom door creaked open, and the soft sound of her footsteps echoed against the tiled floor. I could feel her presence before I saw her, the air thick with anticipation. The rustle of fabric hinted at her intentions, and I braced myself for her approach.

As she stepped under the scalding hot water, her sharp intake of breath assaulted my senses. The heat was unbearable, but I welcomed it, relishing in the pain as it seared through my skin. But then, she reached down and adjusted the temperature, and a part of me wanted to protest. I wanted to beg her to leave it, to let the water scald me raw, to match the fire burning inside me.

But she didn’t listen to my silent pleas. Instead, she closed the distance between us, her naked body pressing against mine. Her arms wrapped around me, holding me in a tight embrace that threatened to suffocate me. And then her lips, soft and warm, began to pepper kisses all over my skin, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

It was in those moments, with her lips on mine and her body pressed against mine, that I began to thaw. The coldness that had gripped me from the inside out started to recede, replaced by the warmth of her touch, the heat of her kisses. She was here, with me, alive and whole, and for that brief moment, everything else faded away.

“Adrik, look at me, look into my eyes,” she demanded. I could sense the desperation in her tone, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet her gaze. What

if was just an illusion, a cruel trick of my fractured mind? What if I looked, she would vanish into thin air, leaving me alone in the darkness?

I pushed her away, creating a small distance between us in a feeble attempt to shield myself and her from whatever the fuck was happening to me. Her reaction was immediate, her hands reaching out to grasp my face. “Please, my love, look at me,” she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of my chaotic thoughts. I could feel the urgency in her words, and it only served to tighten the knot of dread that had taken root in the pit of my stomach.

I clenched my eyes shut, my jaw locked as I wrestled with the conflicting emotions raging inside me. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to turn away, to shield myself from the unbearable truth that lay in her gaze. But I knew I could never deny her anything, not when she pleaded with me like that.

With a curse escaping my lips, I reluctantly forced my eyes open, meeting her gaze with a mixture of trepidation and longing. Her features, so achingly beautiful, seemed to glow in the dim light, her smile a beacon of hope in the darkness that threatened to engulf us both. As I stared into her eyes, I counted the seconds, each passing moment a testament to her presence.

One… two… three…

With each count, my uncertainty lifted slightly, replaced by a growing sense of relief. When I reached ten, and she was still there, standing before me, a wave of emotion crashed over me, threatening to drown me in its intensity. It was as if a dam had burst within me, releasing a flood of pent-up fear and anguish.

In that moment, I didn’t know what I needed, but she did. She pressed herself even closer, her lips crashing against mine. The kiss was hard, almost bruising, but it was exactly what I needed. As our lips met, all the ice that had encased me melted away, leaving behind a raw, burning passion.

With trembling hands, I reached out to touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin against mine. My fingers traced the curve of her cheek, the softness of her lips, the contours of her body. In that moment, there was no room for

doubt or fear, only the overwhelming sensation of her presence, tangible and real.

“There’s my Adrik,” she rasped. With a final press of her lips against mine, she held my hand, leading me out of the steam of the shower and into the chill of the room.

Balancing on her toes, she got our robes, draping one over me. It should have been me caring for her, comforting her, but instead, she was the one holding me together.

Guiding me to the bed, she put the bottle of water I had fetched for her to my lips. With a tilt of the cup, she compelled me to drink, the cool liquid going down my throat. I hadn’t realized how parched I was until then.

My angel, my savior, my everything. She always knew what I needed, even when I didn’t know it myself. As I lay down beside her, she opened her arms, inviting me into her embrace, and without hesitation, I surrendered myself to her warmth, seeking solace in the shelter of her love.

Chapter 16 Adrik

In the suffocating darkness, I stumbled blindly, my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing in the oppressive silence. Panic clawed at my throat, threatening to choke me as I groped through the void, searching for any sign of light, any shred of hope.

My name means darkness, I never once was scared of it, and I embody it. But in that moment? I just wanted the light. I reached out, my fingers brushing against nothing but empty air, the darkness swallowing my touch.

In the distance, a faint glimmer caught my eye, a feeble flicker of light in the gloom. With a surge of desperate hope, I stumbled towards it, each step heavier than the last as if the darkness itself sought to drag me down.

But as I drew closer, the light seemed to recede, slipping through my fingers like smoke. I called out, my voice a hoarse whisper in the void, but there was no answer, only the hollow echo of my own fear.

And then, just as I thought all was lost, I saw her. Luna, standing before me, her form bathed in an ethereal glow that seemed to push back the darkness. But as I reached out to her, she began to fade, her image flickering like a dying flame.

I screamed her name, a desperate sound that echoed through the void, but she continued to slip away, swallowed by the encroaching darkness. And then I saw her, a twisted figure emerging from the shadows, Elena. Her eyes were burning with malice as she reached out for Luna, dragging her into the abyss.

I lurched forward, my hands grasping at empty air as I watched helplessly, my heart breaking with every passing moment. And as Luna disappeared into the darkness, I knew that I was truly alone.

My eyes snapped open, my blood rushing with fear. Gasping for breath, I lurched upright in bed, my hands trembling as they clutched the sheets.

The remnants of the nightmare still clung to the edges of my consciousness. I could feel the darkness pressing in around me, threatening to engulf me once more.

“Luna!” My voice cracked with desperation as I called out her name, the sound echoing through the silent room like a plea for salvation. I needed her, needed the warmth of her touch, the reassurance of her presence.

Frantically, I reached for the bedside lamp, fingers fumbling over the switch in my haste. With a flicker of light, the room was bathed in a soft glow, casting long shadows across the walls.

But even as the darkness receded, the terror remained, a gnawing fear that clawed at my insides. I had knocked over the bottle of water and painkillers on the bedside table in my frantic search for the light.

“Luna…” My voice was barely a whisper now, choked with emotion. And then she was there, sitting beside me on the bed, her presence a soothing balm.

“I turned on the lights, even the ones in the hallway,” she comforted. Her hand found my back, fingers tracing soothing circles in an attempt to quell the storm raging within me. The brightness assaults my senses, but in its harsh glow, I find a fleeting semblance of calm.

The look on Luna’s face gutted me. She appeared as broken as I felt, her anguish a mirror of my own. “Let’s go to the kitchen,” she urged. I didn’t question her motives; I’d follow her anywhere, even into the depths of hell.

We made our way to the kitchen, where she seated me next to the fireplace. Luna hurried to switch on every light, her movements frantic yet purposeful. She rummaged through the cabinets, her hands trembling as she gathered an assortment of herbs.

“What are you doing?” I croaked.

“It’s a calming tea,” Luna replied, her tone steady despite the stifled energy in the room. “Good for anxiety.”

I watched her move with a fluid grace as she brewed the tea, the rhythmic sound of her humming relaxing me. With practiced ease, she poured the

steaming liquid into our favorite mugs, the warmth radiating from them was enticing.

Taking the cup she offered, I took a hesitant sip, the taste not quite to my liking. But I would drink anything she brewed, even if it tasted like shit.

As she settled on the couch beside me, taking a sip from her mug, her eyes fixed on mine with a steady intensity. “Talk to me,” she urged.

I swallowed hard, the memories of the nightmare still fresh in my mind. “I was lost in the darkness,” I began, my words halting as I struggled to articulate the dream. “I couldn’t find you, and when I finally did… I couldn’t reach you. Panic gripped me, and then… Elena took you away from me. I was left all alone.”

With a gentle touch, she took our cups, placing them on the coffee table before settling into my lap, her warmth a comforting presence against the chill of the night. “My love,” she murmured, “I promise you, you won’t ever be alone again.” Her eyes met mine with so much affection, that it was my undoing. “For as long as I breathe, Adrik, I will never leave your side again,” she vowed.

My arms tightened around her instinctively, as if trying to anchor her to me, to ensure that she would never slip away again. “And for as long as you breathe, Luna, I live,” I confessed, my voice hoarse with emotion.

She shook her head with a soft chuckle, her fingers tracing patterns against my chest, her laughter a welcome respite from the weight of the events that affected us.

After a moment of quiet, she shifted in my embrace, her gaze thoughtful. “How did you find me?” she asked, curiosity lacing her words.

I hesitated, the memory of those frantic hours still vivid in my mind. “Your phone was with you,” I explained “I was able to track you.”

Her expression softened, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured, her fingers intertwining with mine. “Thank you for finding me.”

“I will always find you,” I grunted. She giggled, a sound that grated against the shadows lurking in the corners of my mind. “Are you sure?” she teased.

I pulled her tighter towards me with a force that threatened to consume us both, the hunger for her presence consuming every fiber of my being. “Always,” I reiterated.

Her hand danced through the tangle of my hair, a gentle touch that I enjoyed. “What would you do if I ran again?” she asked.

She understood the game we played, the primal dance between predator and prey. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of defiance and anticipation, daring me to pursue her. “Would you like to try, Milaya?” I whispered, the challenge hanging heavy in the air between us.

A flush crept across her skin, a telltale sign of her arousal, igniting a fire within me. Without hesitation, she sprang from my grasp, flinging the door wide open to the stormy night. The rain cascaded down, drenching her flimsy robe, clinging to her curves in a tantalizing display.

I followed her, my senses heightened by the thrill of the chase. In that moment, there was no one else in the world but us, no rules but our own twisted desires. I was a predator, hunting in the darkness, and there was no escape for her, my little prey.

We raced through the woods, the air was thick with anticipation, charged with the energy of the hunt. Each step sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through my veins, my senses heightened to the max. The sound of her laughter echoed through the trees, a tantalizing melody that fueled my pursuit.

Beneath our feet, the forest floor was a chaotic mess of leaves, mud, and twigs, but I paid it no mind. All that mattered was catching her, claiming her as my own. With every stride, I could feel her close, just beyond reach but always within sight.

Then, in a sudden burst of speed, she veered off, disappearing into the darkness. Alarm surged within me for a moment, but I trusted my instincts, following the faint echo of her footsteps through the underbrush.

And there she was, bathed in moonlight, a vision of wild beauty that aroused me greatly. Without hesitation, I lunged forward, closing the distance between us in an instant. Our bodies collided with a force that knocked the wind out of me, but I didn’t care.

As we tumbled to the ground together, I made sure to shield her from the impact, absorbing the shock with my own body. My fingers trailed along the curve of her thigh, slipping beneath the fabric of her robe, seeking the heat of her skin. As my fingers explored, I found her drenched, slick with desire, and a low, guttural sound escaped me.

“Does my animalism turn you on?” I asked, but my hand remained covering her mouth. “Does it excite you to see how wild I become when it comes to you?”

Her response was a silent nod, her eyes dark with longing as she surrendered to me. With my hunger driving me, I thrust my fingers inside her, prepping her for my dick.

I teased her clit, tracing circles that sent shivers of pleasure through her body. With her restrained beneath me, I leaned in close and whispered words laced with dark desire.

“Do you feel how much I crave you?” I murmured, my voice husky with need. “You bring out the beast in me, Milaya.”

“You can’t run from me,” I breathed, my hand still pressing firmly over her mouth to stifle her moans. “You’re tethered to me for life, mine to claim and devour.”

I positioned myself at her entrance after removing my fingers, the rain pounding down around us, I thrust into her with primal force, claiming her as my own in an act of raw dominance. With each savage thrust, I growled dark promises of possession and desire, my words turning us on even more.

“You’re mine,” I hissed with lust. “No one else will ever touch you like this, no one else will ever make you scream with pleasure like I do.” Each word was a declaration of ownership, a testament to bond that bound us together.

I thrust into her with a ferocity that bordered on savage, driving myself deep inside her until she felt every inch of me, splitting her open with each powerful thrust. With a rough grip on her abdomen, I growled, “Can you feel me here? Can you feel me in your womb?”

Removing my hand on her mouth just to hear her desperate affirmation, I reveled in the way her scream reverberated through the forest. With each forceful thrust, she shook like a ragdoll in my grasp, her nails digging into

my hand as I expertly manipulated her clit, coaxing her to the brink of ecstasy.

As she reached the pinnacle of pleasure, her orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave, tears streamed down her cheeks, her cries of pleasure mingling with the sounds of our bodies colliding in the woods.

Feeling her convulse around me, I knew I was on the brink of release, my own climax building with each stroke. With a feral groan, I spilled myself deep inside her, my hot seed flooding her depths as I claimed her as my own.

Leaning close to her ear, I whispered, “I’m going to fill you so deep, Milaya. You’ll feel me inside you for days.” And as I emptied myself into her, I knew that our connection was more than just physical—it was unbreakable, and utterly intoxicating.

Chapter 17 LUNA

The next morning, we woke to a mess of mud and twigs in some pretty private places. It took a solid hour under the shower to scrub ourselves clean, but it was worth every second. Yesterday was wild, not your everyday experience, but man, did I enjoy every bit of it. Despite the soreness in my muscles, I couldn’t help but smile at the memories we made.

I would never forget the thrill of Adrik chasing me like an animal in the woods. It was like tapping into something I never knew I wanted. I might be unhinged for enjoying such a thing, but I was damn unapologetic about it.

After our shower, I sat in the kitchen by the fireplace. I focused on knitting a pair of baby socks, a hobby I’d taken up not too long ago. The rhythmic motion of the needles was soothing, but there was a heaviness in my chest that refused to lift.

Adrik bustled around the kitchen, flipping pancakes on the stove. The scent of the cooking breakfast filled the air, making my mouth water. It was all so cozy, yet beneath the surface, an ache lingered.

I glanced down at the half-finished green baby socks in my hands, a pang of longing tightening my chest. Adrik’s words from yesterday echoed in my mind, reminding me how he filled me up. If my calculations were correct, yesterday was my most fertile day, and the thought excited me just as much as it scared me.

The yearning for a child tugged at my chest, a deep-seated longing that seemed to grow with each passing day. I knew Adrik felt it too, the unspoken desire for a family of our own.

He approached me with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a plate piled high with pancakes. His gaze lingered on the baby socks I’d set aside on the coffee table, and I saw a softness wash over his features. As I tucked

into the pancakes, savoring their taste, I couldn’t help but be absorbed in my own thoughts.

Sensing my distraction, Adrik gently broached the subject. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, his tone cautious, as though afraid I might crumble.

I shrugged, not quite ready to reveal the turmoil swirling inside me. But Adrik wouldn’t let it go, his grip firm yet tender as he took hold of my free hand, the one not busy devouring fluffy pancakes. “What’s going on in my wife’s head?” he pressed, his eyes searching mine.

Before I could stop myself, the words spilled from my lips. “Would you still want me even if I couldn’t get pregnant?”

His eyes clouded over with a simmering rage, and I instantly regretted the words that had slipped from my lips. The air between us grew heavy with tension, and I braced myself for his reaction. Adrik wouldn’t abandon me over something like that, but the fear still gnawed at me.

I hastily gulped down the pancakes, my emotions making it difficult to swallow. With a nervous glance in his direction, I attempted to clarify my intention. “Elena said some things,” I began, my voice wavering slightly. “I know they’re not true. I trust you completely. But maybe, deep down, it’s still lingering in my mind, you know?”

“You’re my priority, Luna,” he stated firmly, his jaw clenched. “Whatever garbage Elena spewed, don’t let it get under your skin.”

I struggled to be comforted by his reassurance, Elena’s words still paining me. My mind battled against the poison she had injected into my thoughts, poisoning the well of my confidence.

He edged closer, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead, his touch grounding me in the present moment. “And about children,” he spoke, his voice sincere, “I want them, Luna. I want to see little versions of you running around, filling our home with laughter and chaos.”

Before I could voice my fears, he quickly continued, “But remember, Milaya, my desire for children will never outweigh my love for you. You’re everything to me, and that will never change.”

He clasped my hands tightly, his lips pressing against them in a tender gesture before he spoke. “We’ve got all the time in the world,” he

murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear as he said, “Whether we have children or not, you’re everything I could ever want.”

His words were a balm to my worried mind, easing the uncertainty that had settled there. I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “I love you,” I gushed.

. His smile widened at my words, but there was an intensity in his gaze that sent a shiver down my spine. “I love you more than anything,” he replied with a possessive fervor that I have grown to love.

We resumed eating, but my thoughts strayed to visions of a little boy with Adrik’s piercing grey eyes, or a little girl with adorable pigtails. The desire for a family consumed me, the need burning deep within my chest. Adrik paused mid-bite, his gaze meeting mine as he spoke, “I charged your phone for you. It’s a bit banged up, but it still works. We can head into town later if you’re feeling up to it, get you a new one.”

His words snapped me back to reality, reminding me of the world beyond our little bubble of intimacy. I nodded in response, excusing myself from the table to retrieve my phone. The phone’s screen was a spider web of cracks, but miraculously, it still worked. Flicking it on, I was greeted by a barrage of notifications: missed calls, texts, and messages, all clamoring for attention. Christy and Simon had left a deluge of messages, and even some customers of the bakery had reached out repeatedly.

I dialed Christy’s number without hesitation, a sense of urgency propelling my fingers as I wanted to reassure her of my safety. Immediately, Christy’s worried voice sounded on the other end of the line. I felt a lump form in her throat as I heard Christy’s tears, her desperation seeping through the phone lines.

“What happened? Where are you?” She interrogated.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself to recount the harrowing events. “My sister kidnapped me,” I said bluntly. “She’s not well, Christy. I sort of moved to this town to escape her.”

Christy’s outrage was swift and fierce, colorful curses flying out of her mouth. “That damn bitch!” she spat, “I can’t believe anyone would do something like that to a person, never mind it being your sister!”

I swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in my stomach as Christy’s words sank in. “I know, Christy. I know,” I murmured. “But… I’m safe now.”

“But Alissa, everyone in town is freaking out,” She continued, her concern for me palpable. “They’ve all been leaving flowers at the bakery. People are scared for you. We all combed this town street for street searching for you when we caught wind of what happened.”

I choked with emotion at the community’s support, and I whispered, “I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Where are you now?” Christy urged, and I could sense her anxiety growing.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “I’m… I’m okay, don’t worry about me.” I replied evasively, not wanting to reveal to her my story or my real identity over the phone.

“How can I not worry?” Christy’s voice cracked. “Your sister killed someone. We all thought you were murdered in a ditch.”

My blood ran cold at Christy’s words, my brain had blocked the memory of the guard. Now that she mentioned it, immense guilt plagued me. “I’ll explain everything when I see you,” I promised her shakingly, still battling the chill of the guilt.

“Then I’ll see you today,” She rushed to say.

As I started to offer an excuse, unsure if it was a good idea, Christy cut me off abruptly. “No excuses, Luna. We’re meeting tonight,” she insisted firmly, leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, knowing that Christy wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Alright,” I relented, resigning myself to the inevitable meeting.

“Good. Send me the location of where you’re staying,” She instructed. I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “I will,” I said.

“Take care of yourself, Alissa,” She told me before hanging up.

I closed my eyes, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. I knew I had to meet with Christy, but I dreaded telling her my secrets, not because I didn’t trust her, just because it still felt too raw. With a heavy heart, I sent the location and whispered, “I’ll see you,” to no one in particular. I also shot

Simon a text telling him that I was safe, I knew Adrik wouldn’t stomach the idea of me calling him right now.

In the hours leading up to Christy’s arrival, I ended up spending a lot of time in the kitchen, baking cakes. It wasn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth or killing time; truth is, I was a bundle of nerves after that phone call. Baking seemed like the only thing I could do to keep my mind off things.

As I watched the fifth cake bake in the oven. Adrik stood beside me, a silent pillar of support, his presence helping calm me down. With each passing minute, my fear of confessing to Christy grew heavier. I was so scared that she would hate me after she finds out my truth, that almost everything she knew about me was a lie, right down to my name.

As I reached to pull out the last cake from the oven, the sudden ring of the doorbell startled me, causing me to nearly burn my fingers on the hot tray. Wiping the sweat off my palms on my pants, I hurriedly made my way to the door, jitters fluttering in my midsection. I swung open the door to let Christy in.

Christy’s face lit up with relief, and before I could utter a word, she flung herself into my arms, enveloping me in a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re really okay,” she whispered, burying her face in my hair. Feeling the warmth of her embrace, I prayed that she would still love me after I lay down all my cards.

I felt the atmosphere shift, awkwardness settling over us like a heavy blanket when she noticed Adrik. I caught her glancing at him wearily, the subtle fidgeting of her hands, the hitching of her breath, all signs of her discomfort in his presence. I understood her trepidation, Adrik isn’t a small man, he’s six foot four and burly, he got that reaction from strangers all the time.

“Come on in, Christy,” I invited, despite the nervous fluttering in my chest. “Would you like some coffee? I baked a cake too. Well, lots of them.”

Christy’s eyes darted to Adrik, her gaze lingering on his imposing stature for a moment too long. She was intimidated, but walked in and sat down on the couch nevertheless. I poured her a cup of coffee and sliced a piece of chocolate cake, her favorite.

As we settle around the table, the conversation flowed hesitantly at first. Christy’s curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t help but ask the question burning in her mind once Adrik left, giving us some privacy.

“Who’s the man?” she asked, gesturing towards Adrik’s retreating back.

“He’s… my husband,” I said, faltering slightly as I met Christy’s gaze. “Adrik.”

The silence that follows was deafening, but I gathered my courage to continue. “I’m not Alissa,” I admitted. “My real name is Luna Petrov.”

I watched Christy’s expression morph from confusion to shock. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for words that refuse to come.

“Luna?” she stuttered. “But… but why? How?”

“I ran away after I found my husband and sister together, I thought she was pregnant with his child.” I paused for her to process my trauma, and her eyebrows raised to her hairline.

“I changed my identity and moved far away from them. Adrik followed me to tell me the truth, turns out my sister drugged him. When she found out we were back together, she kidnapped me.” I went on to say, bracing myself for Christy’s reaction, my heart pounding in my chest as I waited for her response, the fear of judgment and rejection threatening to overwhelm me.

Closing my eyes, I prepared myself to face whatever anger or disappointment Christy may throw my way. But to my surprise, when I finally gathered the courage to open my eyes again, I found her looking at me with an expression that I can only describe as empathetic.

“I understand,” she said softly, filled with compassion. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. But I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

Her words soothed the frayed edges of my nerves and eased the tension that had been coiled tightly within me. It’s as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, the burden of my secrets finally shared with someone I trust.

But beneath Christy’s words, there was something cryptic, a hint of sadness lurking behind her eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if she was running from something too, hiding her own pain behind a mask of understanding and empathy.

For a moment, I was tempted to press her for answers. But then she smiled at me, her expression bright and reassuring, and I pushed aside my doubts, choosing instead to focus on the comfort she offered in this moment of vulnerability.

“Thank you,” I said, “For being here for me.”

And as Christy reached out to squeeze my hand, I knew that no matter what lied ahead, I wouldn’t have to face it alone.

As the night unfolded, I watched as Christy interacted with Adrik, her initial apprehension melting away. She asked him about his life, his interests, his dreams, and he answered her with a genuine openness that drew her in, erasing any lingering reservations she might have had.

My thoughts drifted to the guard who had died protecting me, his sacrifice a weight I couldn’t shake off. I couldn’t hold it in any longer, so I asked Adrik about him, souring the mood slightly. His response was sharp, almost cutting through the air. “The police are after your sister,” he said firmly, his words carrying the promise of justice. I understood what he meant, though he didn’t say it outright: he’d take care of things without hurting my sister. Bringing up the police was his way of avoiding the topic in front of Christy, who didn’t know about his influence

And with his promise, for the first time in what felt like forever, I could relax, knowing that I was surrounded by people who cared about me and that everything was going to be okay.

Chapter 18 Luna

About a month later, Adrik and I made a big decision to permanently settle in the town. Now, every morning, we woke up to fresh air, stunning views, and a sense of peace that I never thought possible. I was still running the bakery, and to my surprise, it had become even more popular than before.

The townspeople had been incredibly kind to us, especially after everything that happened. They believed that the culprit behind my kidnapping and the guard’s murder simply couldn’t be caught by the police. But the truth was that Adrik had taken matters into his own hands. He arranged for Elena to be sent to a strict convent in Russia. She was safe there, but she was definitely facing her punishment.

It was a relief to know that she was no longer a threat to us or anyone else for that matter.

I harbored no hard feelings for Elena. Despite everything she put me through, I moved on. I wished that she would find peace, even though I knew the conditions in the convent were harsh.

Adrik told me that she was receiving mental health care there, which was something. But still, it wasn’t easy. Maybe one day, I would muster the strength to face her again. But at that moment, it wasn’t something I wanted to think about. For now, I was focusing on my own healing and my happily ever after.

It’s true, what we went through was awful. But strangely enough, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. Those events brought Adrik and me closer together in a way I never could have imagined.

Adrik always had this part of him that he kept hidden from me, his dark and twisted side. The events forced us to confront those sides of him, and in doing so, we became more open and honest with each other. It was

something I never knew I craved, but now that it’s here, I can’t imagine life without it.

And as strange as it sounds, all those misfortunes led us to this town. Here, we’ve developed a great group of friends and found a sense of community that we never had before. I didn’t realize how incredibly lonely I felt in the city until I came here. But now, I feel like I have a purpose. And for that, I’ll always be grateful, no matter how difficult the journey was to get here.

About a week ago, Adrik officially cut all ties with the mafia. He sold off his underground empire piece by piece. He was out. He was done. He sold it to men who had nothing to lose, no people to miss them.

It was a relief to know that he was finally free from that life, even though it meant letting go of something that had been a part of him for so long.

This was the final piece of the puzzle for our perfect life. Finally, I felt safe, knowing that Adrik was no longer associated in the underground. It was a huge weight off our shoulders, and it came at the perfect time. My period was a week late. It was like everything was falling into place, and I couldn’t have been happier.

I sat on the edge of the bathtub, clutching the pregnancy test in my hand. Beside me, Christy was practically vibrating with excitement. Though I felt a surge of anticipation, there was also a twinge of nervousness.

What if it came back negative? But then, I remembered Adrik’s constant reassurance. He always made it clear that I was enough for him, no matter what. And that thought brought me a sense of comfort amidst the nerves.

Christy’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile despite my apprehensions. Deep down, I knew that whatever the result, we would face it together, Adrik and I.

I fidgeted with the pregnancy test, my palms slick with sweat. The silence in the room felt heavy, the tension palpable as we waited for the test result. My breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps, and my stomach churned.

As the test displayed a positive result, a rush of disbelief washed over me. I blinked, struggling to comprehend the news. Christy’s face lit up with a radiant smile as she exclaimed, “I’m going to be an aunt!”

My mouth fell open in astonishment, my mind reeling with the realization. “I’m going to be a mom,” I whispered, my voice tinged with awe.

As Christy leaned in to press a kiss to my belly, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the gesture. It felt surreal, knowing that a little life was growing inside me.

Already, my mind was racing with thoughts of names for the baby. “All those baby clothes you knitted are going to look adorable!” Christy exclaimed.

I couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across my face. Imagining my little one dressed in the tiny knitted garments was already making me impatient for their arrival. I waited so long for to conceive, that this felt like a dream.

“So, any ideas on how you’re going to surprise Adrik with the news?” Christy asked, her eyes sparkling.

I chewed on my bottom lip, contemplating the possibilities. “I was thinking I could go for something romantic,” I suggested tentatively. “Maybe a candlelit dinner?”

Christy’s face lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect! I can help you set the table and even cook dinner if you want.”

Relief washed over me at her offer. “That would be amazing, thank you,” I said gratefully.

We spent the next hour bustling around the kitchen, setting the table with care and preparing a delicious meal. Christy’s presence made the day much more memorable, her infectious energy helping to distract me from the anxiety gnawing at the edges of my mind. Once everything was ready, Christy flashed me a wink before slipping out of the door, congratulating me again.

As I waited for Adrik to return home, my head spun with anticipation. Would he be surprised? Excited? Overwhelmed? We wanted this for so long, and it was finally happening.

I heard the familiar creak of the front door opening, signaling Adrik’s arrival home. My heart skipped a beat as I rushed to greet him, a smile already forming on my lips.

“Hey there,” I said softly, planting a kiss on his cheek as he stepped inside. “Welcome home.”

He looked around the room, a curious expression on his face. “What’s all this, my love?” he asked, his voice laced with intrigue.

“I have a surprise,” I replied, trying to keep my excitement in check. “But first, let’s eat.”

Sitting down at the table, it was hard for both of us to focus on the meal in front of us. Adrik’s eyes were filled with expectation, eager to hear what I had to say, while I struggled to keep myself from blurting out the news right then and there.

“You outdid yourself with this dinner, Luna,” Adrik said between bites, offering me a warm smile. “Thank you.”

I couldn’t help but blush at his compliment, feeling a rush of warmth spreading through me. “You’re welcome,” I replied softly, my heart swelling with love for this man.

Once we finished eating, I couldn’t wait any longer. I reached under the table and handed him a small gift bag, a nervous knot forming in my stomach.

“What’s the occasion?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. “Just open it,” I urged.

He untied the ribbon and carefully opened the bag, his eyes widening in surprise as he pulled out the pregnancy test. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction.

“Milaya?” he questioned, his eyes glossy.

“We’re pregnant,” I replied, unable to contain the excitement in my voice any longer.

He moved from his chair and knelt before me, his hands gently cradling my stomach. It felt like a sacred moment, his head resting against me as if he were seeking solace in the promise of new life.

“Thank you so much,” he murmured. “Thank you for giving me this, for granting me a family.”

I shook my head, “No, thank you, my love,” I told him, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Thank you for being my family.”

“Picture this,” he began, “a little girl with your stubborn streak, tearing through the woods around our cabin. She’d give us both gray hairs before our time.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image he painted, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. There was something undeniably appealing about the thought of a mini-me wreaking havoc in our lives.

“Or maybe,” I countered, my voice laced with amusement, “a boy with your enchanting smile, standing tall by your side, ready to take on the world.”

Adrik’s lips twitched into a smirk, his eyes alight with a mischievous glint. “He’d be a handful, that’s for sure,” he agreed, his tone tinged with a hint of pride. “But he’d also be fiercely protective, just like his old man.”

There was softness in his words, a tenderness that belied the rough exterior he often projected. In that moment, as we shared our dreams for the future.

“And what if,” I said, trailing off as I searched for the right words, “we’re blessed with both?”

Adrik’s gaze softened, his hand finding mine and squeezing it gently, playing with my wedding ring that made it back on my finger. Adrik had retrieved it from Elena, and I was ecstatic to have it back. It meant the world to me.

“Then we’ll raise them together,” he replied, his voice filled with a quiet certainty. “We’ll teach them to be strong, to be brave, and to be everything we could ever hope for.”

The future stretched out before us, filled with endless possibilities and unknown adventures. But with Adrik by my side, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, hand in hand. I made a silent vow to stay by his side until the end of time, ready to brave whatever the world had in store for us. In his arms, I had found my home, my sanctuary, my everything. With him, I was ready to take on whatever life threw our way, one step at a time.