Emily’s POV:

The ballroom was straight out of a dream. A sea of glittering gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos moved under the golden glow of chandeliers. The air smelled of wealth—expensive perfume, aged wine, and something darker beneath it all. Power. This wasn’t just a ball; it was a gathering of the untouchable elite, where every smile hid secrets and every handshake sealed something more than just pleasantries.

I held onto Alex’s arm as we made our way to a couple standing near the grand staircase. The man greeted Alex with a firm handshake before bowing slightly toward me. The woman beside him was breathtaking—long, icy blonde hair and the kind of pale blue eyes that reminded me of frozen lakes. She looked purely Russian, like she belonged to this world in a way I never could. She didn’t say a word to me, and I didn’t mind. I was nothing more than Alex’s guest here, an outsider.

The soft hum of music shifted into something elegant and slow, signaling the first dance. Couples moved onto the floor in practiced, graceful steps, their bodies flowing like water. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over everything, making the scene look like an old painting. My fingers twitched.

I wanted to dance.

I tugged at Alex’s sleeve slightly, hesitant. His stormy gray eyes flickered down to me, his face unreadable.

“Do you need something, kotenok?” His deep voice rumbled in my chest, sending shivers down my spine.

“I-I wanted to dance,” I admitted softly. “But it’s okay if you’re busy.”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he simply took my hand and led me straight to the center of the floor. My breath hitched as his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer than what was probably appropriate in such a formal setting.

And then he moved.

His steps were fluid, precise—dangerous. He wasn’t just dancing; he was commanding every inch of space around us. I was completely in his control, and yet, for once, I didn’t mind. He spun me effortlessly, making me feel weightless.

My heart pounded as I stared up at him. His gray eyes weren’t cold now. They burned.

Before I could process what was happening, Alex leaned down and crushed his lips against mine. A soft gasp escaped me, but he didn’t give me a chance to breathe. His grip on me tightened as he tilted his head, deepening the kiss. It wasn’t sweet—it was a claim, raw and possessive.

A part of me knew people were watching. I should have been embarrassed. But I wasn’t.

Because for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged to someone.

When he finally pulled away, my face was flushed. I buried it in his chest, my fingers curling into his suit. Alex chuckled, a deep, satisfied sound, before guiding me off the dance floor.

But then I saw her.

Charlotte.

She was standing beside a man, her lips curled into a knowing smirk. My stomach twisted. What the hell was she doing here?

The man beside her stepped forward, offering a hand to me. But before he could even brush my fingers, Alex moved.

It was so fast I barely registered it. One second, the man was standing confidently, and the next, Alex had shoved him back so hard he stumbled.

His hand clamped around my waist, pulling me firmly against him. His grip was like iron—possessive, warning.

“Don’t fucking touch what’s mine,” Alex growled, his voice pure ice.

The man—Dante, I think someone called him—actually shook. Fear flickered in his eyes. I knew Alex was powerful, but seeing a grown man tremble at just his words? That was something else entirely.

Dante cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. “I was just here to remind you that the majority of the votes are on my side. You’re supposed to be married to Charlotte—”

He didn’t get to finish.

Alex took a single step forward, his presence alone enough to silence him.

“Don’t test me, Dante.” His voice was a quiet promise of violence. “I don’t give a fuck about your votes. I am your king. My word is law.”

Dante swallowed hard, his jaw locking, but he didn’t argue. He simply nodded before stepping back, pulling Charlotte with him. She didn’t look scared, though. No, she looked amused. Like she knew something I didn’t.

Alex exhaled sharply, his fingers still gripping me tightly. Without another word, he led us away, straight to a private balcony overlooking the city. The crisp night air cooled my flushed skin. Snow was beginning to fall again, the soft flakes glittering under the streetlights.

A waiter arrived, placing two plates in front of us. The rich scent of seasoned stew filled the air, making my stomach growl.

Alex watched me carefully. “So, do you like the ball so far, kotenok?”

I nodded, swallowing a bite of the delicious food. “It’s… amazing. Thank you for inviting me.”

He tilted his head slightly. “You don’t have to thank me, kotenok. You’re mine. And I take care of what’s mine.”

The way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. I should have been afraid of words like that. But instead, they made my stomach flutter.

After dinner, Alex spoke to a few more people while I stayed by his side, but exhaustion was creeping in. I leaned against his arm slightly, feeling my eyelids grow heavy.

Alex noticed instantly. Without hesitation, he picked me up as if I weighed nothing, cradling me against his chest.

I barely registered the ride home. One second, I was in his arms, and the next, we were back in his estate. He carried me through the grand halls, moving in perfect silence.

By the time we reached our room, sleep was already dragging me under. But just before I lost consciousness, I felt Alex press a kiss against my temple.

“Sleep, kotenok,” he murmured. “You’re safe with me.”

I wanted to believe that.

But deep down, something told me that nothing was ever truly safe in Alex’s world.





Author’s Note:

Hey, dark romance lovers!

Thank you for all the love and support! Alex and Emily’s story is only getting darker, more intense, and dangerously addictive. The storm is coming—are you ready?

What do you think about the ball scene and Charlotte’s sudden appearance? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Don’t forget to vote, comment, and share! More twists coming soon.

Xoxo, 🖤🔥