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"That can also be arranged," Adalina purrs and her skirt has hiked up even higher. "Maybe tonight."
Fucking Hell! A predatory grin spreads across my face
Reluctantly, I tear myself away from Adalina's intoxicating presence, planting a quick kiss on the top of her head before running downstairs. "Be good," I call over my shoulder, my mind already racing with thoughts of the fucking her later tonight.
A feeling of anticipation courses through me as we pile into the armored SUVs, Misha and my bodyguards riding alongside me. Tatyana and Maxim are in another SUV, flanked by their own set of bodyguards. We're on our way to Velvet Handcuffs, the club I've poured my money into renovating. Tonight's grand re-opening is final part of my plan to reestablish the power and control of the Chicago Bratva.
As we arrive, I take in the scene with a sense of accomplishment. It's clear that the money spent on the remodeling was well worth it. There is already a crowd gathering outside, eagerly anticipating the grand reopening of the club. The sound of music fills the air, pulsating in sync with my own heartbeat. Women, both scantily clad and nude, gracefully dance on poles, their bodies glistening with sweat under the vibrant lights. Customers indulge in lap dances, creating an atmosphere filled with the mingling scents of perfume and alcohol. It's the kind of ambiance that makes a man feel alive. As the owner of this establishment, I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome.
But even as I revel in the success of my club, a gnawing feeling tugs at the back of my mind. The Bratva and the Outfit may be making millions from my designer coke, but the fact remains: I have to return Adalina to the Outfit in just a few days. And that thought puts a damper on my otherwise good mood.
I navigate through the pulsing crowd of Velvet Handcuffs. My gaze sweeps over the eclectic mix of customers - businessmen, musicians, socialites, and thugs - all united in their desire to experience the infamous club's opening night. Velvet Handcuff’s re-opening is an obvious success.
As I approach the bar, the bartender greets me with a smile. "The champagne is flowing, boss," he announces, sliding a flute of bubbly my way. "The crowd is eating up the new digs and music." I take a sip, feeling the tang of cheap champagne on my tongue. "This is only the beginning," I reply, flashing a grin.
I make my way through the club and mingle with guests. Misha and I get a table in the VIP area. Tatyana joins us.
“Tatyana, where is Maxim?” I ask Tatyana who is wearing a low-cut sparkling mini dress.
"I thought he was riding with you," Tatyana replies, her tone laced with haughtiness. I sense her simmering jealousy and anger over Adalina, which I ignore.
Where the fuck is Maxim? Something feels off, and I can’t shake the feeling. "And I thought he was riding with you," I say, trying to keep my voice even.
Tatyana shrugs nonchalantly. "Oh well, he'll be here. You know he never misses a trip to a strip club," she says, her voice dripping with disdain.
Misha and Tatyana leave the table to mingle with the customers. I am alone in the club's VIP area, overlooking the dance floor.
As I take a sip of my drink, my thoughts drift to Adalina. In just a few days, I must fulfill my promise and return her to the Outfit, and the mere thought of it fills me with unease. While I have given my word to Bobby Vincenzio, I can't help but feel a sense of reluctance in hurting her. I plan to break the news to her at the very last minute, so I don’t have to deal with her reaction and pain. Adalina is not meant for this world of violence and danger; she deserves a better life, away from the darkness of the mob. I have made arrangements for her to have the option to refuse to marry Alfonso, instead she will be able to pursue a college education, have a career, and build a new life. Hopefully, when she is older, she will find a good man, settle down, and have children.
As the night wears on, the club becomes more packed, and the energy grows more intense. The music gets louder, the lights get brighter, and the people get wilder. Success feels good.
But amid the chaos and excitement of the club, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. I still haven't seen Maxim, and I can't shake the growing sense of unease. Where the fuck is he? The thought of something going wrong makes my blood run cold, and I can’t ignore the feeling of dread slowly building in my gut.
Adalina
Sitting alone in the living room, the TV blares in the background, but I can't seem to focus on anything but Nikolai. I find myself smiling whenever I think about him. I feel a fluttering in my stomach whenever he is near. My heart races whenever he touches me. It feels like a fire igniting inside my body, filling me with warmth and joy. I feel like I am floating on clouds. Every moment with Nikolai is like a dream, and I never want to wake up from it. I have found the missing piece of myself, and I never want to let it go. I am in love, and it is the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced.
Nikolai is still at the grand re-opening of Velvet Handcuffs. I can't help but feel envious of the excitement and energy of the club opening. I long to be by his side, experiencing everything firsthand. As I lay on the couch, I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy towards the customers, living it up with Nikolai at his club.
The evening drags on, and the boredom and loneliness become almost unbearable. Nona and Osip retired for the night, leaving me with nothing but the silence of the empty compound. Even the guards outside seem to have disappeared, leaving the compound eerily quiet. Just as I'm about to give up waiting for Nikolai, and go soak in a bath, a familiar figure appears in the living room. It's Maxim, decked out in a sharp suit that's a far cry from the jeans he usually wears.
"Back already, Maxim?" As soon as the words leave my lips, the power suddenly goes out, plunging the entire compound into darkness. I let out a small gasp, feeling a tingle of fear run down my spine.
But Maxim remains calm and collected. "Haven't left yet. I wanted to check on you before I head out," he explains, his voice soothing and reassuring.
I shake my head, trying to hide the sudden rush of vulnerability that I feel. "Not necessary," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
I hear Maxim walk over to the couch and I feel him sit next to me. I want to move away from him, but I am already against the armrest.
“What do you want, Maxim?” God, I hate this asshole.
“You.”
Before I can ask what he is talking about, I feel Maxim move suddenly and then something smashes over my face. It feels like a cloth. The cloth smells bad. I try not to breathe. I struggle with Maxim, but he is now on top of me holding me down.
"Take deep breaths, Adalina," Maxim says, his voice smooth and taunting. "It's only chloroform. Don't be afraid, my sweet. I would never hurt you. You are too valuable." His words are like honey, but they make my skin crawl. I struggle to resist, but my body betrays me as the fumes fill my lungs. Darkness consumes me.
Nikolai
