Emily’s POV

The cold days in St. Petersburg are filled with endless snow, dark evenings, and the lingering scent of burning wood. It’s the kind of place that feels like a dream and a nightmare at once—beautiful, but unforgiving.

I was listening to a podcast about Russia’s winter while Alex was deep in a business meeting. I didn’t even know you could hold meetings mid-flight, but then again, nothing about him is ordinary. His jet is as dark and commanding as he is—black exterior, rich interior, and an air of quiet luxury that makes it clear he is someone you do not cross.

I didn’t know how long we would be in Russia. Not like I had a choice.

A quiet growl from my stomach betrayed me, and I quickly ducked my head. Stupid stomach.

Alex’s gaze snapped to me instantly, pinning me under his attention. His fingers reached for my chin, tilting my face up. His touch was possessive, demanding my full submission.

“What do you want to eat, kotenok?” His voice was deceptively soft, but the command was there.

I swallowed. “I—I’m not hungry.”

His fingers tightened slightly around my throat—not enough to hurt, but enough to remind me who I belonged to. His dark eyes burned into mine.

“Don’t lie to me.” His voice dropped lower. “You know what happens when you lie.”

I shivered. “Anything will do.”

Satisfied, he ordered food. I expected something simple—airplane food. But when the meal arrived, my mouth nearly fell open. Delicate ramen, golden tempura, dishes that looked like they belonged in a five-star restaurant.

I hesitated, but he just watched me. “Eat.”

So, I did. The flavors exploded on my tongue, and a small moan escaped before I could stop it.

Alex smirked, his gaze darkening. “I love watching you enjoy yourself, kotenok.”

My cheeks burned, but I didn’t stop eating. When I finished, the flight attendant took the plates away, and I found myself fidgeting, unsure of what to do while Alex worked.

But he had other plans.

Without a word, he took my hand and led me toward the private room in the back of the jet. My heart pounded when I saw the bed.

He sat on its edge, pulling me between his legs, his large hands gripping my hips. “Now, tell me, little one,” his voice was a slow, wicked drawl, “what were you reading earlier?”

Heat pooled in my stomach. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

His smirk deepened. “No need to answer, kotenok. I already know.”

Before I could react, he whispered, “Kneel.”

A dark thrill ran through me. His presence consumed me, and when I obeyed, sinking to my knees between his legs, his fingers threaded into my hair, tilting my head back so I could see the hunger in his eyes.

“Do you feel what you do to me?” His free hand guided mine to his arousal, the heat of it evident even through his slacks.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. He was massive—everything about him overwhelming, intoxicating.

“You make me lose control,” he murmured, his voice thick with need. “I want to break you… just to put you back together.”

My breath hitched. A dangerous promise lurked beneath his words, but instead of fear, I felt a deep, aching need.

What happened next was inevitable.

—

I woke up hours later, wrapped in Alex’s warmth. My body ached, a reminder of everything he’d done to me, every way he had claimed me.

The flight attendant knocked, bringing me clothes. As I stood in the shower, watching the water run pink, I realized—he had held the knife’s sharp edge. His blood had mixed with mine.

A blush crept over my cheeks. That was… dangerously hot.

When I stepped out, dressed and still slightly dazed, Alex was already waiting. He pulled me onto his lap, his touch lingering.

“We’re about to land, kotenok,” he murmured against my temple. “We’ll go to the warehouse first. I have business to take care of.”

I nodded. He kissed my temple, and soon, the jet touched down.

As we stepped outside, the cold Russian air bit at my skin, but Alex’s presence was fire beside me. The men standing there greeted him with a single word—

“Czar.”

The title sent a shiver down my spine. I had no idea what it meant, but I would soon find out.

Alex pulled me close, his lips brushing my ear. “Welcome to my land, kotenok.”

And with that, he led me toward the waiting car, placing me on his lap as we drove into the unknown.

Author’s Note:

Welcome to the dark, twisted world of Alex and Emily. This story isn’t about fairytales—it’s about obsession, power, and desire wrapped in shadows. If you love morally gray heroes, intense passion, and a love that borders on madness, you’re in the right place. Buckle up, because things are only going to get darker.

—Xoxo.