Emily's POV:

I think I love him.

God, I must be insane.

How can I love someone so cruel? So dangerous? So... possessive?

Yet here I am, sitting in Alex’s office, his scent lingering in the air, filling my lungs, making my heart race. He’s in a meeting, discussing things I don’t dare ask about. Things soaked in blood and power. He wanted me to join him, but I shook my head. I don’t belong in that world—at least not yet.

I should want to run. Should want to escape. But the truth is, I don’t.

Maybe I’ve been broken beyond repair.

I don’t even know what we are. Kidnapper and captive? Lovers? Obsession and possession? Whatever it is, I don’t want to lose it. Because despite everything, he cares for me. He watches me like I’m the only thing that matters in this world. And that terrifies me.

Because what happens when he doesn’t want me anymore?

I try to shake off the thought, but it lingers, clawing at the back of my mind like a whisper of doom.

The door opens, and he steps inside, his presence sucking the air out of the room.

"I’m done, kotenok. Let’s go home."

Home.

I follow him to the car. Russia is buried in snow, the streets painted white. The cold air stings my cheeks, but I don’t mind. Everything looks ethereal. Beautiful. But I know better than to think this place is innocent. Russia belongs to Alex. And Alex is anything but innocent.

When we reach his estate—no, his fortress—I realize it’s even bigger than his one in the U.S. A kingdom for a king.

Without a word, he lifts me into his arms and carries me inside. No hesitation, no struggle. Just ownership.

"From now on, you sleep with me," he murmurs, voice leaving no room for argument.

I nod, because what else can I do?

I shower, change into the pajamas left on the bed, and when I return, Alex is there, holding two mugs of hot chocolate.

"Let’s watch a movie, kotenok."

A small smile tugs at my lips. "Really? You’ll watch a movie with me?"

He smirks, his eyes dark, unreadable. "I’d do anything for you. Only you."

My heart stutters in my chest. I don’t know how he does this—how he switches between ruthless and tender like it’s nothing. But it’s dangerous. Addicting.

I choose Beauty and the Beast, and he actually watches. A monster watching a fairy tale. How ironic.

When the movie ends, I curl up in his arms, listening to the steady thump of his heart. I ask about his childhood.

His grip on me tightens. "My life wasn’t like this, kotenok. I spent weeks on the streets. My father was a sick bastard. You don’t need to know more than that."

His voice is cold, final. I don’t push. Instead, I do the only thing I can—I burrow closer, offering warmth, offering something neither of us knows how to name.

That night, I sleep better than I have in years.

The next morning, I wake to the sound of barking. When I step outside, I’m greeted by an army of massive dogs. Storm’s brothers and sisters. They love Alex. Devotion shines in their eyes.

There’s something about a man who commands even the loyalty of beasts.

I spend the day with them, losing myself in their playful energy—except for one. Ham. He watches from a distance, uninterested, living in his own world.

By evening, a maid arrives with a message.

"Get ready. The boss is waiting."

Alex left early for work. I hadn’t seen him all day. But now, anticipation coils in my stomach.

I dress in the clothes given to me and head downstairs. And there he is.

A king in the flesh.

Power drips from him like a second skin. His dark eyes scan me, slow and deliberate, like he’s memorizing every inch. When I reach him, he pulls me into his embrace, his warmth bleeding into me.

"I want to show you around," he says, his lips brushing against my temple.

He wraps a thick fur coat around my shoulders, his touch lingering. Possessive.

I shiver, but not from the cold.

"Welcome to my kingdom, kotenok."

And somehow, I know there’s no escape.

Author’s Note:

The deeper you fall, the darker it gets. And trust me, we’re just getting started.

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—Xoxo.