AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Adalina's lips press against my chest, and I close my eyes, trying to push the memories away.
“As a teenager, I was lost and alone, searching for a place to belong in a city that could be chaotic and dangerous. The Bratva provided that sense of family and belonging that I craved. But as I climbed the ranks, I also began to see the darker side of their operations.”
I confess to Adalina the grim reality of my past actions, “I became an enforcer, carrying out torture and killing orders for the Bratva. It wasn't easy, but I was good at it. I found satisfaction in the power and control it gave me. It's a part of me I cannot deny. I rose in in the ranks, eventually becoming the Vor of the London Bratva before coming to Chicago. I am not a good man, Adalina."
Adalina looks at me with a mixture of concern and disbelief. "I don't believe that," she says.
I let out a bitter laugh. "You'd better, because it's the truth. I am a heartless bastard and a killer, and you deserve better than me."
Adalina reaches out and touches my hand. Her touch evokes a fleeting and unfamiliar sense of closeness, one that I have never experienced with anyone else before.
Adalina
Nikolai's words hit me like a ton of bricks. Moscow, a newborn, a prostitute mother. No wonder he is so guarded, so distant. But I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to grow up in an orphanage, without the love and support of a family. I had always known that he was different, but I never imagined his past was so tragic.
As he spoke, memories of my own childhood flooded back. I was lucky enough to have a sister who loved me, but I still remember feeling lonely and isolated at times. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Nikolai, growing up without anyone to turn to.
Chapter 25
Nikolai
Adrenaline is coursing through my veins, as I prepare for the grand opening of Velvet Handcuffs. Adalina is lounging on my bed, her floral mini dress revealing her toned thighs. As I slip into my sleek black Brioni suit, she playfully rolls around, perhaps trying to distract me. Her seductive gaze follows my every move, and I can't help but wonder what lies beneath that dress. But I can't afford to lose focus tonight. The club's debut is the last piece of my plan to revitalize the Chicago Bratva, and I won't let anything stand in my way.
Adalina rolls over onto her stomach, crossing her legs at the ankles. She props her chin up on her hands and flashes me a dazzling smile. Damn, those lips. I force myself to stay focused on getting ready for the club opening.
"Nikolai, why don't you take me with you to your club opening?" Adalina pouts, her eyes pleading. My resolve wavers for a moment.
"It's too dangerous," I reply trying to ignore the blood rushing to my cock. "I don't know if the Outfit has anything planned tonight. Besides, you're still my prisoner. You'll be safer here." I reach for my silk tie, willing myself not to give in to the temptation of Adalina's seductive gaze.
“C’mon. I will be good, you know I won’t try and run away. Please?”
"Adalina, nice girls don't go to strip clubs," I scold, trying to sound stern despite the way my heart races at the thought of her in that kind of environment.
"Tatyana is going," Adalina retorts, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"She's not a nice girl," I reply, half-joking. The truth is, I don't want Adalina anywhere near a strip club.
"I'll only be gone for a couple of hours, and when I get back, we can crack open a bottle of expensive champagne and celebrate... all night long."
Adalina slowly licks her pink pouty lips, and I can feel my resolve weakening.
"What am I supposed to do while you're gone?" Adalina asks, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"There are plenty of things to keep you busy," I reply calmly, suppressing a smile. "You can go for a swim, catch up on your favorite TV shows, read a book, or work out. And if you're really bored, you can bother Osip and Nona. I'm leaving some extra bodyguards here just in case, but I don't anticipate any problems."
Adalina's expression softens as she looks me up and down, taking in my black suit. "Nikolai, you look really hot in that suit," she purrs, a sly smile spreading across her lips.
“Thank you," I reply, my eyes flickering with interest as Adalina's voice drops to a sultry tone.
"You know what my fantasy is?" she purrs, her gaze smoldering. "To see you in a black tuxedo."
"That can be arranged," I reply smoothly, my mind already working out the logistics.
Adalina's eyes light up with anticipation.
"And do you know what my fantasy is?" I ask, not waiting for her to answer. "You, naked, wearing only red stilettos."
I can feel a low growl building in my chest at the thought of my dirty suggestion.
