AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He sits up and pulls me with him, his eyes searching mine. “Did you have a nightmare?”
“I did,” I admit. “But a memory too. My sister was in my dream, and I was back at Club Luxe, but she helped me remember something important.”
“What did you remember?”
“Viktor was there. He saw me get taken, and he didn't stop the men. He was in the corridor when they threw me in the van.”
“What? Are you sure? You're just saying this now?”
“It was a flash. I wasn't even sure that it was him. At first, I thought the men were participants in a scene you were setting up for us. Only in my dream, I can see Viktor as clear as day. That short glimpse before is engrained into my memory now. It was him, Kai.”
Kai’s jaw twitches, and I know he’s trying to keep his composure. “I’ll take care of it,” he says, voice low and dangerous. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
“Kai,” I say softly, catching his attention. “What are you going to do?”
“First, I'm going to verify, for your peace of mind, that he was actually at the club. And when I do, I’m going to find him,” he says firmly. “If he was in on your abduction, that means he's also working with your father's men who have gone rogue.”
“Wait. My father's men participated in this?”
“Yes. They wanted to ensure that your father didn't form an alliance with us. They were trying to prevent us from getting married.”
“This was some simple abduction mission,” I tell him. “The woman there was told she could kill me after they got their money from my father. That means that Viktor would have been okay with that plan.”
“I will get to the bottom of this,” he promises. “Just know that you're safe. Try to go back to sleep. I have lots planned for you later this morning.”
“Plans?”
“You’ll see. Get some rest.”
He places the cover back over me before exiting the room. I wasn't sure that I could go back to sleep after that discovery, but I feel my eyes begin to grow heavy. I don't fight it. I let the sleep take me under.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Kai
Ispend the first part of the morning filling in Lennon and the guys of what Vasilisa revealed to me. I need to be sure that Viktor was actually there to tie in his involvement with Vladimir’s men, but his fate remains the same. He spoke of harming Persephone, so the plan was always to kill him, just now with even more justification. I doubt the manager of Club Luxe would voluntarily give me access to anymore footage, so we’ll just have to take it. Seamus knows a guy who is an expert at hacking, so I’ve given him the task of getting me that footage. I also need whatever info I can get on the death of Vasilisa’s twin, so I call Jacob. Not all of his means are above board, but if I can start a side investigation of who killed her sister, that may give her some closure. It would be the final piece to put her acts against Persephone behind us. While Jacob and Seamus work to do what they do best, I head out to meet Vasilisa in the gardens of my estate. It’s not as vast as the grounds of her father’s estate, but it’s plenty big for this lesson.
As I stand before Vasilisa, her eyes fill with determination and a hint of trepidation. Real or not, as my future wife, it is my duty to teach her the skills necessary to protect herself, even against the most formidable opponents. She will never be someone’s easy target again. I need to know that she could hold her own in my absence. We stand in the center of my estate grounds, surrounded by tall trees and the soft whisper of the wind. The sun casts dappled shadows upon the ground, as if nature itself is eager to witness this pivotal turn in our lives of me actually helping her. I walk her through some defensive stances before expecting a return demonstration in a minute.
“Are you ready?” I ask, my voice steady but firm. She nods, her hands fidgeting with nervous anticipation. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of ambivalent emotions within me. She tried to hurt someone I care about, yet I’ve finally been able to move past that. I vowed to give her a second chance, so this is our new start. I want her to be prepared. I can't shield her from the harsh realities of the underworld— the risks that come with being married to a man like me.
I walk toward her, our eyes lock in an unspoken understanding. I raise my arm, signaling her to take the defensive stance I just demonstrated. “Remember, the key to self-defense is confidence and awareness,” I say, my voice resonating with conviction. “You must be aware of your surroundings and trust in your abilities.”
I begin by teaching her the basic footwork, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and staying light on her feet. We move in synchrony, our steps echoing each other's as if we were destined to dance this deadly waltz together. With each passing moment, her confidence grows, her movements becoming more fluid and purposeful.
Next, I introduce her to the concept of blocking and parrying. I show her how to position her arms and hands to deflect incoming strikes, explaining the importance of timing and precision. She mimics my actions, her determination shining through her focused gaze. She is a quick learner, absorbing every technique like a parched desert absorbing the rain.
Then comes the time to teach her offensive maneuvers. I demonstrate a series of strikes—punches, kicks, and elbow strikes—and explain the vulnerable areas of the human body. Her eyes widen with realization as she comprehends the impact of a well-placed blow. She practices relentlessly, her fists hitting the air with a newfound strength.
Brute force alone is not enough to ensure her safety. I guide her toward understanding the power of her voice, teaching her how to project authority and instill fear in potential attackers. We practice shouting commands and rehearse scenarios where she must assert herself against an aggressive opponent.
As the training session progresses, I introduce weapons into the equation. I show her how to handle a knife, emphasizing the importance of control and accuracy. She listens attentively, her eyes fixed on my every move. Together, we engage in simulated combat.
Throughout the lesson, I constantly remind her of the importance of mental fortitude and staying calm under pressure. I want her to understand that strength comes not just from physical prowess but also from the depths of her determination.
Finally, as the sun begins its descent, we reach the culmination of our training. Vasilisa stands before me, sweat trickling down her brow, her chest heaving with exertion. But there is something else in her eyes, a glimmer I have not seen before. It’s a sense of pride, a newfound confidence that comes from knowing she is capable of being more than just a princess.
“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice hoarse from the training. “I have to admit that I wouldn’t have guessed that this is what you meant when you said you had plans for me, but I’m glad we spent the day doing this. It helps to know that I can rely on myself too. I don’t have to be a victim, so again … thank you.”
