Emily’s POV:

Warmth. Comfort. Safety. For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel all of it. Tucked in a bed that isn’t mine, wrapped in sheets that smell of cedar and something darker—something him.

I stretch, my muscles sore, a dull ache reminding me of last night. My body feels exhausted yet alive. Then it hits me. The memories slam into me like a wrecking ball, and my breath catches. My heart pounds as I sit up straight, my eyes darting around the dimly lit room.

Where’s Alex?

I push the covers off, but before I can stand, the door creaks open. My body tenses. A stranger walks in.

Tall. Lean. Familiar, yet unknown.

My pulse skyrockets. What if he’s one of Niko’s men? Here to finish what Niko started? My hands tremble as I scan the room for something—anything—to defend myself with. He must have noticed because he steps back, hands raised slightly.

“Hey, hey. Relax, muffins. I’m not here to hurt you.” His voice is smooth, casual, almost amused. “I’m Alex’s brother. Xavier.”

Brother?

I don’t respond. I just watch him, waiting.

“I just came to see if you needed anything,” he says, stepping closer. I step back.

“W-where’s Alex?” My voice barely comes out.

“Downstairs. He’ll be waiting for us. You wanna take a minute, or should we go now?” His lips twitch, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You don’t need to be scared of me, muffins. Do I look like someone who would hurt you?”

He doesn’t. That’s the thing. He’s nothing like Alex—his presence isn’t suffocating, his eyes aren’t filled with the same untamed madness. He’s…lighter. Charming, in a way that makes me drop my guard for a split second.

“No, let’s go.”

I move toward him, hesitating before offering my hand. “I’m Emily.”

He doesn’t shake it. Instead, he pulls me into a hug.

What?

“I know, muffins. Let’s go,” he says, grinning. “And this is how we greet family. No formality, okay?”

Family.

That word. That damn word. It’s foreign, distant—something I’ve never truly had. A lump rises in my throat, but I swallow it down. He doesn’t give me time to dwell. He takes my hand and leads me downstairs.

Alex is already waiting. He looks up the second I step into the room, his eyes locking onto me with a sharp possessiveness. Within moments, I’m pulled onto his lap, his arms coiling around me. He inhales deeply, his nose pressed into my hair.

“Good morning, kotenok,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. “Did you meet my brother?”

I nod, my voice barely above a whisper. “He’s… nice. Sweet.”

“I’m flattered, muffins. I think you’re sweet too,” Xavier grins from across the table. He’s like sunshine—warm and welcoming, a complete contrast to Alex’s storm.

But Alex isn’t amused. His grip tightens slightly. Possessive. Dangerous.

“Open your mouth, little one,” he orders, holding a fork to my lips. “Let me feed you.”

I obey. I don’t know why. Maybe because it’s easier. Maybe because his control over me is terrifyingly addictive. He watches me as I chew, his eyes never leaving mine. When I finish, he hands me a cup of hot chocolate.

My favorite.

My heart clenches. How does he know?

I sip it in silence while Alex and Xavier discuss something I don’t care to understand. But then—

“I wanted to tell you something, kotenok,” Alex says, his tone low. “We’re leaving for Russia tomorrow.”

My breath hitches.

Russia.

I should be afraid. But instead, I smile.

For the first time in my life, I’ll be going somewhere new. Somewhere unknown.

And I should know better—because the unknown is where the monsters hide.

After breakfast, I shower, letting the heat wash away the remnants of last night. I don’t let my mind linger. I can’t. If I think about it, it’ll consume me. So I don’t. I shove it down, like I always do.

I step out, wrapping a towel around myself. A set of clothes is already laid out on the bed—a black crop top and a short skirt.

I don’t remember choosing them.

I put them on anyway.

Then I leave, searching for Storm.

I look everywhere. He’s nowhere. My chest tightens. Where is he? Did Alex do something to him?

Panic grips me. A thousand thoughts race through my mind.

Then I see Xavier.

“Umm… Xavier. Have you seen Storm?” My voice is tight, desperate.

He thinks for a moment. “Check Alex’s office.”

Alex’s office?

I hesitate. But I have no choice. I need to find Storm.

I knock softly.

“Come in.”

His voice sends a shiver down my spine.

I step inside.

And I see him.

Sitting in a massive chair, his presence dominating the dimly lit room. His eyes flick up to mine.

“Umm… Alex… have you seen a little white dog?”

His lips curl into a smirk. “You mean Storm, baby girl?”

I nod quickly.

He leans back, pushing his chair slightly. And there—on his lap—Storm lies curled up, sleeping.

I stare.

What the hell?

Alex strokes his fur lazily, his sharp gaze never leaving mine.

“He came to me, kotenok,” he says, voice dark, smug. “What can I say? Dogs love me.”

Then he leans forward slightly, his smirk widening. “But I’m a cat person.”

He winks.

My breath hitches. My thighs clench involuntarily.

His smirk deepens.

In a blink, he’s up. Moving toward me. I step back instinctively, but there’s nowhere to go. My back hits the door.

He cages me in.

A breath away.

His lips hover over mine, teasing. His scent invades my senses—dark, intoxicating.

I try to hide my face, but he grabs my wrists, pinning them above my head with one hand.

“Don’t hide from me, kotenok.” His voice is a whisper, but it drips with command.

His other hand trails down my waist, slow, deliberate. I tremble.

“You seem nervous,” he muses. “And why are you clenching your thighs? Do they ache, little one?”

His fingers skim the hem of my skirt. Higher. Higher.

A gasp leaves my lips.

He chuckles, low and dark. “So sensitive,” he murmurs. “Look at you… dripping for me.”

His fingers slip beneath my panties, brushing against my heat.

A moan escapes before I can stop it.

He groans, a deep, primal sound.

“You drive me fucking crazy,” he growls. “I’ve killed for you, kotenok. And yet, here you are, trembling under me like you want to be ruined.”

His fingers slide in, and I arch against him.

“Tell me what you want,” he commands. “Say it.”

Rationality is a distant memory. I should stop him. I should.

But instead—

“Touch me, ”

His eyes go black.

And then—

He devours me.

When it’s over, when I’m boneless in his arms, he carries me somewhere new. A dark room.

Then—light.

Books. Everywhere.

A library. Massive. Stunning.

I stare in disbelief.

He watches me, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“You’ve been good,” he murmurs. “And good girls get surprises.”

I swallow hard, my throat tight. No one has ever done something like this for me.

Tears burn my eyes as I bury my face in his neck.

“Thank you, Alex.”

His arms tighten around me.

“You don’t have to thank me, kotenok,” he whispers. “You’re mine.”



Emily's clothes

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