DESCRIPTION
Mybrother'sbestfriendisanundergroundBratvafighter... AndI'mhisnewunderstudy.
Inthedarkworldofundergroundfights, Womenlikemearerarevictoriouswarriors.
SamuilNicolaevichhauntedmyfantasiesasateen. Andbasedonthewayhisgazelingersonmylushcurves HeclearlyappreciateshowmuchI'veblossomed.
Yetwhenhestepsinasmycoach MyfocusbeginstoblurandIfindmyselfwantingmorethanjustvictory.
Theintensityofoursessionsstirsupsuppresseddesire. Hiseverycommand,everygruffword,drivesmemad. Theunspokentensionthatsimmersbetweenushasmeyearningformorethanjustvictory.
Butinaworldwhereeverymovecanbelifeordeath... Mygreatestbattleissurrenderingtothepassionthatthreatenstooverpowerusboth.
This is Samuil Nicolaevich's story and a fully standalone romance Enter the gripping realm of the Nicolaevich Bratva Brothers, where power and passion rule. In this Amazon Top 100 dark romance suspense series, four billionaire brothers dominate both their empire and the hearts of their women The Nicolaevich and Antonov brothers share the same world
ANASTASIA
herethehellishe?”
Rainpeltsthetinroofofthedecrepitwarehouselikeabarrageofbullets Eachdropsoundslikeanaccusation,a reminderofthepathwe'reforcedtowalk.Ihatetherain.Inthisworldofundergroundfighting,thenoiseitbringsis justanotherlayerofdistractionontopofanalreadytensesituation.
AsIpacethedimlylitroom,shadowscastbytheflickeringlightsoverheadplayacrossthewalls Everynowandthen,a roar erupts fromthe crowd, punctuating the atmosphere with its raw energy. Somewhere close by, bones crunch and flesh impactsflesh,thesymphonyofafightreachingitsclimax Theroomisheavywiththescentofsweat,blood,andanticipation
Beside me, Samuil Nicolaevich’s massive frame looms like an anchor in a tempest. The tattoos covering his arms tell stories of battles fought, allegiances made, and pain endured Every now and then, he shoots me a glance, his green eyes searchingmineforanswers.Iavoidhisgaze,knowinghe’sequallyworriedaboutmybrother’sabsence.
"Where the hell is he?" I mutter once again, more to myself thanto Samuil. Viktor should've beenhere bynow. Every minutehe'slateisaminuteclosertoforfeitingourchanceattheDeathMatch Samuil’svoiceisagravellyrumble."Heknowsthestakes,Anastasia.Viktorwouldn'tletusdown."
I clench my fists, trying to swallow down the rising panic "We need that money, Samuil We can't afford to lose this chance."
Heshootsmeanotheroneofhissearchinglooks "There'smoreridingonthisthanjustthemillion-dollarprize,isn'tthere?"
Myeyesdartaway,unwillingtodivulgemydeepestconcerns.TherearethingsevenSamuil,ascloseasheistoourfamily, doesn'tneed to know. "It's just... Viktor has beenactingstrange lately. Ever since the rumors aboutthe DeathMatchstarted circulating,he’sbeendistant"
"I'venoticed,"Samuil admits.Herunsatattooedhandthroughhisbeard."ButI’vealsonoticedhe'sbeentrainingharder thanever"
Inod,takingadeepbreathtocalmmynerves."Hementionedsomethingaboutthisbeingourticketout,ourwaytofinally breakfreefromallofthis,"Igesturevaguelyaroundus,tothegrimywallsandtheraucouscrowdbeyond.
The weight of responsibility presses down on me. As much as I want to break away from the dark clutches of the undergroundworld,there'ssomethingkeepingmehere.Thethrillofthefight,therushofadrenaline,thelureoftheprizemoney it'sallaheadycocktailthat'shardtoresist
Samuil moves closer, his voice softening. "Look, whatever's going on with Viktor, whatever reasons you two have for needingthemoney,I'mwithyou We'llfindaway"
BeforeIcanrespond,theannouncer'svoiceboomsthroughthehall,echoingover therelentlessassaultoftherain."Next up,thequalifierfortheDeathMatch!ViktorZaitsev,pleasemakeyourwaytothering!"
My heart leaps into my throat. Every second feels like an eternity. He has to show up. He just has to. The crowd's restlessnessisintense,theirhungerforviolencegrowingwitheverypassingmoment.
IgrabSamuil’sarm,mynailsdiggingintohisskin "Whatifhedoesn'tshow?Whatifsomething'shappenedtohim?"I’m notthepanickingsort,neverhavebeen.However,whenitcomestomybrother,thingsaredifferent.
"We'llfigureitout,"hepromises,hisvoicethickwithdetermination Butashespeaks,Icanseetheworryetchingdeeper linesintohisalreadyruggedface.
Ishakemyhead,fightingbacktearsoffrustrationandfear."Ifwedon'tcompete,ifwedon'twin...Idon'tknowwhatwe'll do"
Therhythmicpoundingoftheraingrowsfiercer,mirroringthetumultuouswhirlwindofemotionsinsideme.Thecoldseeps into mybones, and Ifind myselfshiveringdespite the warmthofthe crowded room As the minutes tickbywithno signof Viktor,asenseofdreadtightensitsgriparoundmyheart.
Samuil leansin,concernevidentinhisdeepgreeneyes."Ana,"hebegins,usingtheaffectionatenicknamehe'scalledme sincewewerekids,"ifit'saboutthemoney "
Iimmediatelycuthimoff,alreadyknowingwhereheisheaded "Samuil,don’t"
Heholdsuphishand,signalingmetolethimfinish."Icanhelp.IcangiveyouandViktorthemoney.YouknowIcan."
Ilookupathim,searchinghisface Iseegenuineconcern,thewarmthofsomeonewhohasalwaysbeenthere,watching overme,evenwhenIpretendnottonotice."Ican'tacceptthat,"Iwhisper.
Hemovescloser,hisvoicesoftandurgent "Whynot?IfithelpsyouandViktorstartanew,then " "It's notaboutthe money,"Ireply,feelingthe weightofmypride pushingdownonme."Iwon’ttake handouts.Notfrom you,notfromanyone."
Samuilsighs,rakinghisfingersthroughhishair,frustrationevidentinhismovements "It'snotahandout,Ana It'smetrying tohelp.You'relikefamily."
Iblinkbacktears,feelingasurgeofwarmthathiswords Butthatwarmthisalsotaintedwithapangofguilt "Iknowyou meanwell,butIcan't.It’snotthewayIwasraised.Zaitsev’searnourkeep,nomatterhowhardthepath."
The atmosphere betweenus grows thick, bothofus lostinour ownthoughts, the silence onlybrokenbythe storm's fury outsidewhichseemstomirrorthechaosinsideme.Thundergrowlsinthedistance,punctuatingtheheavinessintheair.
Samuilstepscloser,hisproximitycomforting."Look,allIwantisforyoutobesafe,tobehappy.Ifthere'sanythingIcan do "
Iraiseahand,stoppinghim."You'realreadydoingit.Justbeinghere,offeringtohelp…itmeanseverything."
Westandthere,lostinthemoment,theconnectionbetweenusevident Samuilhasalwaysbeenmyrock,evenwhenI’mtoo stubborntoadmitit.Ifeelanoverwhelmingurgetoleanintohisembrace,tolethimshieldmefromtheworldoutside.
Instead,Iforceasmile,tryingtolightenthemood."I'msoworriedaboutViktor.Ican'tshakethefeelingthatsomething's wrong."
Samuil'sgazehardens,determinationreplacingconcern."We'llfindhim.Ipromise."
Despitemyworry,asmiletugsatmylips "Youalwaysknowjustwhattosay,don’tyou?"
Heshrugs,asmirkplayingonhismouth."WhatcanIsay?I'vehadyearsofpracticedealingwithastubbornZaitsev." Ilaugh,thesoundbreakingthetension Itfeels good,abriefmomentoflevityinanotherwisedarknight Butas therain continuestopourandtheminutestickby,therealityofoursituationsettlesbackin.
The muffled sounds of shouting and pandemonium reaches our ears, drawing attention away from our conversation. I exchangeaworriedlookwithSamuil,andtogetherwerushtowardthenoise.Myheartraces,eachstepfilledwithasenseof impendingdread.
Turningacorner,asickeningsightmeetsoureyes:mybrother,crumpledinaheap,hisfaceaswollenmessofbloodand bruises.Hisclothesaretorn,hisbreathingragged.Bloodpoolsaroundhim,glisteningeerilyinthedimlightofthecorridor. "Viktor!"Iscream,droppingtomykneesbesidehim Ifeelforapulse,reliefwashingovermeasIsensethesteadybeat beneathmyfingers.He’sinbadshape,buthe’sstillalive.
Samuilswearsunderhisbreathashepullsouthisphone."I'mcallingforhelp."
Butashespeaks,anannouncementboomsovertheloudspeakers,echoingthroughthehall "Nextup,ViktorZaitsev!" Panic seizes me. We need the moneyfromthis fight, now more thanever. The thoughtofbackingoutis inconceivable. I makeasnapdecision
"I'llfightinhisplace,"Ideclare,risingtomyfeet.
Samuil'seyeswidenindisbelief "Ana,no!It'stoodangerous" Imeethisgaze,determinationsteelingmyresolve."I'vetrainedforthisasmuchashehas.Icandoit."
Samuilshakeshishead,hisvoicefilledwithdesperation."Youdon’tunderstand,it'snotjustaboutrules.Thefightershere arebrutal,unyielding Theywon'tcarethatyou'reawoman"
ButI’malreadywalkingaway,strippingoffmyouterlayersrevealingtheathleticwearbeneath.IcanhearSamuilshouting afterme,buthiswordsareadistantblur Myfocusisonthering,onthefightahead IhearViktor'svoice,weakbuturgent."Samuil..."
I turnto see him, his eyes flutteringopen, strugglingto focus onhis friend Samuil rushes to his side, crouchingdown besidehim.Ihesitate,tornbetweenmybrotherandthefightahead.
"Getmeacab,"Viktor rasps,his voicefilledwithpain."Ineedtogettothehospital.Butyou...youhavetowatchover Ana"
Samuil'seyesmeetmine,filledwithconflict."Viktor,Ican'tletherdothis."
IwatchasViktor'sgriponSamuil'sarmtightens,theurgencyclearinhisgaze "She'sgoingtogetherselfkilled,Samuil Youhavetobethereforher.Promiseme."
Samuilnods,hisvoicechokedwithemotion."Ipromise."
Viktor gives a weaksmile, thenslumps back, unconscious once more. I take a deep breath, pushingawaythe fear that threatenstooverwhelmme.Icandothis.Ihaveto.
Withonefinal,steelingbreath,Istepthroughthearenadoors.
Theatmosphereiselectric,apulsatingenergyIcanfeelinmybonesasIstridethroughthecrowd,theirjeersandwhistles creatingacacophonyofdisbeliefandmockery Theverywallsofthewarehousevibratewiththeroaroftheeageraudience,a mixofcontemptandexcitementflashingintheireyes.
EverywhereIlook,facescontortinsurpriseanddisbeliefthatawomanwoulddarestepintothering Thescentofsweat, stalebeer,andbloodfilltheair.Butnomatterthetauntsandjeersthrownmyway,myeyesstayfixedontheplatformahead, myheartracingwithdetermination Theyhavenoideawhatthey'reabouttowitness
Istep into the ring, hearingthe gasps ofthe crowd as theyrealize I’mtakingViktor's place. Some lookskeptical, others amused,butIpaythemnomind.Myfocusisontheopponentbeforeme,atoweringbruteofamanwhosneersdownatmewith undisguisedcontempt
As the bell rings,signalingthe startofthe match,Isteel myselffor the fightofmylife.Samuil's worriedface is the last thingIseebeforetheworldnarrowsdowntothemanbeforeme,andthebattlethatlayahead
ove!"Ibark,elbowingpastacoupleofmenlaughingabouttheupcoming“slaughter.”
Theroar ofthecrowdisdeafening,amixtureofbloodlustandanticipation Myheartpoundsviolentlyagainstmy ribs,eachbeatmatchingmydesperatestepsasIforcemywaytothefrontofthecrowd.Myeyesneverleavethering, fixatedonAnastasia,standingsosmallyetsodefiantagainsthermonstrousopponent.
The juxtapositionofher petite formagainstthe hulkingmenace she's aboutto fightis jarring He's a behemoth;muscles ripplingunderhistattedskin.Evenfromadistance,Icanmakeoutthesnarlofawolfinkedacrosshischest,itseyesglinting malevolently,mirroringtheman'sowngaze
Ana, what are you doing? Thesilentscreamechoesinmymind.
It’snotherbraveryIquestion;it’sthesheerbrutalityofwhat’sabouttohappen Theundergroundfightingpitsarenoplace forhonor.They’reallaboutsurvival,andwiththewaythatmanissizingherup,Ifearshewon'tlasttensecondsagainsthim.
“Stopthefight!”Myvoiceisraw,desperatelyrippingfrommythroatasIneartheedgeofthering.Butit'sswallowedby theravenouscheersoftheonlookers,thirstyforabrutalexhibition
You’re almost there, Itellmyself. Just a few more steps and I can pull her out,consequencesbedamned.
Butas fate would have it, the universe had other plans The harshringofthe bell slices throughthe air, its shrill sound signifyingthebeginningoftheend.
Everything seemed to slow down, the world morphing into a perverse dance I watch in a mix of awe and horror as Anastasia assumes her stance, everymuscle inher bodycoiled, readyto spring. The giantbefore her grins a sadistic smile, revealingarowofstainedteeth.Hebelievesthefightwillbeeasy,thatshe'sjustanotherlambfortheslaughter.
Butastheirdancebegins,I'mquicklyremindedofwhyI'vealwaysbeendrawntoher It'snotjustherbeautyorherfiery spirit it'stheraw,untamedpowershepossesses,aforcetobereckonedwith.
She moves withexpert skill, dartinginand out of his reach, usingher smaller stature to her advantage Everytime he lunges,she'salreadytwostepsahead,dodgingandweavinglikeashadow.Thecrowd'sjeersturntogaspsofastonishment.
Iknowshecan'tkeepthisupforever.He'sjustbidinghistime,waitingforthatoneslip,thatonefatalmistake.
Igriptheedgeofthering,knuckleswhite,prayingtoanygodlisteningthatshefindsawayoutofthisalive.Becausethe alternativeistoopainfultoevenconsider.
Thesecondsfeellikehours,eachmomentatightlycoiledspringoftension Anastasia'stechniquecontrastssharplywiththe substantialforceofheropponent.Whilehe'sallaboutpowerandintimidation,she'sprecisionandstrategy.Ifindmyselfbarely breathing,hangingontoeachfeint,eachcalculatedmoveshemakes
She dodges a blow that would have surely cracked a rib, swiftly pivoting on her heel and delivering a low kick that buckleshisknee.Thecrowderupts,theirloyaltyshiftingastheyrecognizetherawtalentondisplay.Theboosdirectedather earlierbegintotransformintocheersofadmiration.
Thegiantsnarlsinfrustration,hiseyesburningwithablendofrageandsurprise.He'snotusedtothis.Mostofhisfights endinmeremoments,butAnaisgivinghimarunforhismoney
Everytime he tries tocorner her,she slips away,frustratinghimfurther.She's usinghis ownaggressionandsize against him,tiringhimout,makinghimwastehisenergyonwildswingsthatconnectwithnothingbutair It'saclassictactic,oneI've usedcountlesstimes,butwatchingherexecuteitwithsuchfinesseistrulybreathtaking.
Thenextfewminutesareablurofmovement.Theintensityratchetsupasthetideofthefightstartstoturn.Aswiftjabhere, a sharp kickthere, Anastasia's strikes startto find their markmore frequently Everyblow she lands sends a shockwave of excitementthroughthecrowd.
Ina brilliantmove, she sidesteps a lunge, grabbingthe backofhis head and pullinghimdowninto her risingknee The impactreverberatesthroughthewarehouse,andforasplitsecond,everythingfallssilent.
He staggers back, dazed,blood tricklingfromhis nose.Anastasia,sensingher moment,doesn'trelent. She leaps into the air,deliveringaspinningkickthatconnectssquarelywithhisjaw.Hecrashestotheground,unconscious.
Foraheartbeat,theentirecrowdcollectivelyholdsitsbreathbeforeexplodinginachorusofcheersandshouts Againstall odds,AnastasiaZaitsevhasnotonlysurvivedbuttriumphed.
Herchestheavesasshestandstall,absorbingtheadulation Evenwiththebruisesformingonherfaceandarms,there'san undeniableglowofvictoryabouther.Ifeelasurgeofpride,coupledwithaheadyrushofrelief.
Withoutwastinganothermoment,Ipushmywayintothering,wrappingherinaprotectiveembrace "You'reinsane,"Imutteragainstherhair,tryingtoconveyahundredemotionsinthosetwowords. Shepullsback,asmirkplayingonherlips."ButIwon,didn'tI?"
Itakeonemorelookather,barelyabletowrapmyheadaroundwhatI’vejustwitnessed “Comeon,let’sgetoutofhere.”
Withthat,Iusherherawayfromtheringandthroughthecrowd,whichisnotaneasyfeat Everyonetherewantstoknow whothiswomanis,thefighterwhodeftlytookdownamanthreetimeshersize.Wemakeourwaythroughthecorridorsandto theofficeI’dbeenusing
Inthe dimlylitspace, the low humofthe crowd outside filters inthroughthe thickwalls. Ana lies stretched outonmy officecouch,stillbuzzingfromtheadrenaline,hersleekformstillgleamingwiththesweatofthefight.Everybreathshetakes causesthecurvesofhermusclestoflexsubtly,atantalizingdisplayofstrengthandresilience
Sheundoesherhairtie,herlong,blackhairspillingaroundherlikeadarkhalo,contrastingstarklywiththepalenessofthe couch Thoselushlips,slightlyparted,hintatexhaustionbutalsoanunderlyingfiercenessthatdrawsmein
Hertonedarms,legs,everyinchofher,screamspoweryetremainsundeniablyfeminine.Ifindmyselfstrugglingtotearmy eyesaway,eachsecondincreasingtheriskofhercatchingmeinthisindiscreetmomentofadmiration.
Iforcemyselftolookelsewhere,everyounceofmyself-controltested.
"Why the hell are you doing this?" I ask, my voice hushed, attempting to keep the mix of anger and concern from overwhelmingme
Sheshrugs,wincingslightlyasIstartwrappingabandagearoundherankle."Viktorcan't.Someonehasto."
"Notlikethis,Ana Notthis"
Her greeneyesmeetmine,defiantbutalsosearchingfor something.Ican'thelpbutgetlostinthemeverytimeour gazes lock.It'sasecretI'veharboredfortoolong,alwayscarefullytuckedawaybehindamaskofcasualcamaraderie.
"Ihavetoproveapoint,Samuil.Proveittoeveryoneandmaybetomyselfaswell." Isigh."You'rereckless."
Shechucklessoftly "Saysthemanwhohasbeeninmorefightsthanhecancount" "That'sdifferent."
"Why?BecauseI'mawoman?"
Ishakemyhead."No.Becauseyou'reyou.Andyoumeanalotto...people." Hereyesglitterwithamusementandsomethingdeeper,somethingIcan'tquiteplace."Just'people'?"
Swallowinghard,Inod "Yeah Justpeople"
There's an intimacy in the silence that ensues. The smallness of the room, combined with the intensity of the moment, suddenlyfeelssuffocating Foryears,I'vekeptmydistance,honoringtheunwrittencodethatshe'soff-limits Butnow,withher insuchcloseproximity,withherlifepotentiallyontheline,thosebarriersseeminconsequential.
Finishingwiththebandage,Isitback,andtakeadeepbreath "Youcan'tgothroughwiththeDeathMatch" Shefrowns,drawingherkneestoherchest."IcanandIwill." "Youcoulddie,Ana."
Hergazesoftens "Socouldyou AnytimeyoustepintothatringorgoononeofyourmissionsfortheBratva" "It'snotthesame."
Shetiltsherhead,herlongblackhaircascadingdownoneshoulder "Isn'tit?We'rebothfighters,Samuil Thisiswhowe are."
Ilookaway,mythoughtschaotic,thefeelingsI'vekeptburiedforsolongthreateningtospillout "Ijust,Ican'tloseyou Notlikethis."
Herfingersbrushagainstmychin,gentlyturningmyfacetomeethereyes."Youwon't.Ipromise." Despiteherassurances,feargnawsatme "I'veseenwhathappensinthosematches,Ana It'sbrutal" Shepullsheranklecloser,testingitsflexibility."I'vetrainedforthis.Icanhandleit." "Idon'tdoubtyourskill Butonemisstep,onemomentofhesitation " Theintensityinhereyesisunwavering."Iknowtherisks.AndI'mwillingtotakethem." It's maddening. I want to shake some sense into her and hold her close all at once. But I can't do either. Not without revealingjusthowdeeplyIfeelforher.Theweightofmyemotions,theresponsibilitytoViktor,andtheloomingdangerofthe DeathMatchsettleheavilyonme.
Thestarkoverheadlightcastsunevenshadowsontheroom'sgrimywalls,andthefaintsmellofsweatandbloodlingersin theair.Ishiftuneasily,feelingtheweightoftheunspokenwordsbetweenAnastasiaandme.
"Whyareyoubeingsodamnprotective,Samuil?"Hervoicebreaksthesilence,anoteofexasperationlacedwithgenuine curiosity.
It'sasimplequestion,onethatshouldn'tbesohardtoanswer Andyet,withtheemotionsswirlinginsideme,puttingitinto wordsfeelslikenavigatingaminefield.
"Look, Ana," I begin, choosing my words carefully, "I've seen too many good fighters get hurt or worse in these undergroundmatches.Ijustdon'twantanythingtohappentoyou."
Shenarrowshereyes,hersharpintellectalwaysquicktoreadbetweenthelines."Isthattheonlyreason?" Iclearmythroat,theweightofourpastandmylong-suppressedfeelingspressingdownonme "It's complicated" Hergazesoftens."Thenmakeitsimpleforme."
Drawingadeepbreath,Idecidetotakeasaferpath "You'reViktor'ssister,andhe'smybestfriend I'vealwayslookedout forbothofyou.It'sjustwhatIdo."
She studies me for a moment, seeminglyconsideringmywords Then, witha determined glintinher eyes, she says, "If you'resoworriedaboutme,thencoachme.TrainmefortheDeathMatch."
Mybrowsknitinsurprise."Youwantmetocoachyou?"
Shenodsfirmly "Ifyou'retherewithme,guidingme,maybeyouwon'tworrysomuch Besides,"sheaddswithasmirk, "thinkofthewinningswecouldsplit."
Thethoughtofitistempting Tobethereeverystepoftheway,ensuringshe'spreparedandprotected Andyet,therisk "I don'tneedthemoney,"Icounter.
Anastasiarollshereyes."It'snotaboutthemoney,Samuil.It'saboutkeepingmesafe,right?Besides,withyourexpertise andmyskill,we'dbeunstoppable."
Ican'thelpbutchuckleatherconfidence,evenasmyconcernslinger."YoureallythinkIcanhelpyou?"
Shegivesmeaknowingsmile "Iwouldn'thaveaskedotherwise"
Aheavysilencefallsbetweenus,butit'snotuncomfortable.It'sfilledwithunspokenunderstanding,asilentagreementthat we're inthis together, for better or worse Finally, witha resigned sigh, Iextend myhand "Alright, deal Butremember, if thingsgettoodangerous,I’mpullingtheplug.Agreed?"
Shegraspsmyhandfirmly,sealingourpact."Agreed."
As we shake onit, the weight onmyshoulders feels a little lighter, thoughthe road ahead remains uncertain. Withour arrangementsettled,urgencyreturnstoAnastasia'sexpression."Weshouldgettothehospital.CheckonViktor."
Inod,rememberingthestateherbrotherwasin "Yes,weshould"
We leave the grimyroomandmake our waytomycar.The rainhas subsided,leavingbehinda cool,crispnight.As the engineofmyG-Wagonroarstolife,Ican'thelpbutthinkthatdespitethechallengesthatlieahead,withAnastasiabymyside, we'llconquereachandeveryoneofthem.
ANASTASIA
reyouinsane?YouletmysistersignupfortheDeathMatch?I’mgoingtoshovemyfootupyourasswhenIgetoutof here”
Viktor'seyesblazewithcontainedinfernos,sparkingacontrastagainstthepallidhospitalwalls.Myhands,steady untilnow,trembleslightlyattheintensityinhisgaze.
Hiswords,thoughweaklyspoken,slashthroughthesterileair ofthehospital room,landingheavilybetweenSamuil and me.
Samuil,unwaveringbeside me,responds witha calmness thatonlyslightlyappeases the anger inViktor’s eyes “What’s doneisdone.Hernameisalreadyontheboard,andshefought…well,shefoughtlikeademon.”
Mybrother'sstareturnstowardme,amixtureoffrustrationandreluctantadmirationswirlingwithin “Stasya,youcouldbe killed.”
Viktor,alwaysapillarofstrengthandunyieldingdetermination,laysbeforeme,astarkcontrasttothefighterI'vealways known His face is puffy, both eyes blackened, one still swollen shut His nose is broken and there is a gash across his forehead.Anyvisibleskinismarredbysicklyhuesofpurpleandyellow,evidenceofthebrutalityheendured.Afew ofhis ribsarebrokenandhishandsarebruisedandtorn,telltalesignsofdefensivewoundsfromtryingtofightback
Hisbroadshoulders,oftenheldhighwiththeconfidentpoiseofaseasonedwarrior,nowseemtosagintothesterilewhite sheets,burdenedbyahelplessnessI'veneverseeninhimbefore
It'snoteasytoseehimlikethis.And,knowingmybrother,thislevelofvulnerabilityisn’teasyforhim,either.
Imeethisconcernwithatight-lippednod,offeringanunspokenacknowledgmentofthedangerI’msteppinginto.“Iknow, Vitya Butweneedthis I needthis”
“Dammit, Anastasia…” he mutters, his voice trailinginto a resigned sigh. Ahand lifts weaklyto rub athis temple, skin pallidandeyesmarkedwithlingeringpain “You'vealwaysbeenheadstrong Toodamnmuchforyourowngood”
Iclose the distance betweenus,myhandreachingouttoencase his,a silentvow wrappedwithinmyfingers.“We're all we'vegot,Viktor.AndIcan’t Iwon’t standbywhileyoufightourbattlesalone.”
Hishandtwitchesinmine,asubtle,vulnerableconcessionthatspeakslouderthanwords.“Whodidthistoyou?”Iask,my voiceunwavering,eyesscanninghisbatteredform.
Viktor's eyes cloud withfrustration “Don’tknow Sixofthem, atleast Hitme frombehind like the damncowards they are.”
"Cowards,"Iecho,feelingasimmeringangerbubblingwithin,threateningtospillover Samuil,hisbroadformleaningagainstthehospitalwall,rumblesinagreement.“Wehandlethisourselves.Nopolice.” I nod, my resolve hardening. We are Bratva law and retribution are ours to mete out, a brutal justice carved from necessityandsurvival.
Mybrother,eveninhisbatteredstate,recognizesthevengeanceinmygaze.“Stasya,promisemeyou’llbecareful.These bastardsplaydirty”
“LikeSamuilsaid,what’sdoneisdone,”Ireply,parrotingthestoicreassuranceofferedtousmomentsago.
A heavy silence settles over the room, each of us bound by unspoken understanding and unvoiced fears Viktor says somethingunintelligibleashiseyesdriftshut,asoft,wearysurrendertothepainkillerscoursingthroughhisveins.
Iwatchhim,everybreathasilentprayer,eachexhaleanunvoicedpleaforstrengthandretribution.
“Wefindthem,”Samuil speaks,hisvoiceagravellypromiseinthequietoftheroom “Wefindthem,andwemakethem pay.”
Inod,tearingmygazefromViktortomeetSamuil’seyes,findingwithinthemamirroredferocity,asharedunderstandingof therevengewenowseek.
“Theywon’tseeuscoming,”Iwhisper,myvoiceashadowyvowthatslipsthroughtheroom,entwiningwiththebeeping ofmachinesandthedistantdinofthehospitalbeyond.
MyfingersgentlyencaseViktor’s,theslowandrhythmicbeepoftheheartmonitorweavingamelancholymelodythrough thesterileair.Shadows,longandforlorn,stretchacrossthepalewalls,wrappingusinamutedcocoonawayfromthebustling worldbeyondthedoor
Viktor'seyesflicker,theorbsofhazeldancingwithreflectionsfromthefluorescentlightsabove.Heswallows,theaction pullingawincethroughhisruggedfeatures “Theywereprobablygamblers,bigbettors ”Hisvoiceisaraspywhisper,the wordstumblingthroughcrackedlips.
Samuil’ssolidandimposingframemovescloser,hiseyesnarrowingattentivelyonmybrother’sface.“Explain.”
Viktor’sgazedartsbetweenus,aflashoftheoldfighter’sspiritsparkinginthedepths “Orfightersthemselves”Acough rattlesthroughhim,buthepersists.“TheyknowwhatI’mcapableofinthering.I’mathreattotheirbets,totheirchances.It's allafilthygametothem”
My grip on his hand tightens, a silent pledge threading through my veins as my eyes linger on the violet and crimson blossomingacrosshisskin “We’llfindthem,Viktor,”Ipromise,myvoicesteadydespitethetempestwithin “We’llfindthem andmakethemanswerforthis.”
Hisgazelatchesontomine,aflickerofrelief,perhaps,ortrust,ghostingthroughhisexpression.“Youneedtobecareful, Stasya Theyplaydirty,andtheywon’thesitatetocomeafteryou,too”
Samuilstepsforward,aquietstrengthemanatingfromhiseverypore.“Shewon’tbealoneinthis,Viktor.Iswearit.” Viktor’seyes,cloudedwithpainandfatigue,flickertowardSamuil Thetwoofthem,boundbyyearsofcamaraderieand battleswagedbothwithinandbeyondthering,communicateinsilentunderstandingandunspokenallegiance.“Lookafterher, Samuil.Keephersafe.”
ThedeclarationfallsfromSamuil’slipswithanunshakableresolve.“Withmylife.”
Inthe dimlightofthe room,withthe echoes ofanguishandimpendingretributionwindingaroundus,the pactis forged. Unseen,itbindsuswithchordsofloyalty,resilience,andashared,unyieldingdetermination
Samuil’s gaze meets mine, and for a moment, vulnerabilityflickers throughthe stoic mask. “Meetme atdawn,” he says, “Westarttrainingfirstthing”
Inod,readyfortheworkahead.
Samuilturnstowardthedoor,hisframesilhouettedagainstthemutedlightsofthecorridorbeyond.Beforehestepsintothe shadows, he pauses, lookingbackat us over his shoulder. “I’ll contact mybrothers. This affront won’t go unanswered. An attackagainstfamily,againstourown,isanattackagainsttheBratvaitself.Theywillregretevercrossingus.”
Andwiththat,heslipsaway
Viktorspeaks,hisenergyvisiblywaning.“Youshouldleanonhimmore,youknow.He'salwayshadyourback.” Ishoothimaquick,questioningglance “Viktor,whatareyoumutteringabout?” Heoffersaweaksmirk.“Justsaying,Stasya.Life’sshort,andyou'vegotstrongallies.Iknow it’syour waytothinkyou cantakeontheworldallbyyourself.It’sanadmirablequality,evenifitgetsyouintotroublehalfthetime.”
“But ”
“Butyoudon’tneedtobeartheweightoftheworldonyourshoulders.Samuilisthereforyou,forus.Andshoulderslike hisaremadeforbearingweight Workwithhim,beallies Please”
Ibitebackareply,theheavinessofthesituationpressinginonme.
“Fine I’ll try nottobesoheadstrongandstubbornthistime”
“Good.AllIwantedtohear.”Heopenshismouthtosaysomethingelse,butwincesinpaininstead.Afterafewmoments ofcomposinghimself,hetriesagain.“God,thisisirritating.”
“Rest I’llbecloseathand,Vitya”
“Youalwaysare.”
Exitingtheroomintothestarkhallway,mymindraces,thinkingaboutwhat'snext Samuilissoonbesideme,movingwith thatusualfocusedintent,everystepcalculatedandsure.
Thehospital’s maze-likecorridors seemendless Outsidethreats andchallenges await,castingshadows onour path But onethingremainsclear ourcollectivepurpose.There’sasolidfoundationoftrustbetweenusbuiltfromyearsofnavigating thislifetogetherandfacingoffagainstcommonenemies.
Sturdyandstrong,itwillcarryusintobattle
Pungent, earthy aromas of borscht mingle with the savory scent of pirozhki, filling the expansive dining roomwith the warmthonlyawell-cookedRussianmealcanbring Therich,crimsonsoup,ladenwithbeetsandtenderchunksofbeef, steamsinornateporcelainbowlssetbeforeeachofus.
Besidetheborscht,pirozhki withvariedfillings cabbage,mincedmeat,andapples layonthefinestChina,theirflaky crustsperfectlygolden Despitetheinvitingspread,atensionblanketstheroom
Mybrothers,Andrei,Leo,andRoman,settleintotheirrespectiveseats,whiletheirwives,Sandra,Nikita,andValentina, gracefullyjoin,exchangingtight-lippedsmilesthatfailtohideunderlyingconcerns Damien,alwaystheobserver,lingersatthe periphery,hiskeeneyesabsorbingmorethanheletson,waitingfortheopportunemomenttoinserthimself.
SandraandAndrei'syoungtwinschatterinhushedwhispersatthefarend,momentarilyoblivioustothestrainenveloping theadults,theiryouthfulinnocenceastarkcontrasttoourgrimdemeanor.
Mygazeintermittentlymovesbetweenthemeal andthepeoplearoundthetable.Myfamily,boundbyblood,loyalty,and darksecretsthathaveseepedintoourverybeing,intertwiningourfatesinextricably Irestrainasigh,leaningbackinmysturdy oakchair,fingersgentlydrummingagainstthecool,polishedwoodofthetable.
"Noshoptalk,"Andrei theBoss remindssternly,hisintensegazesweepingacrossus,hisusualfirmnesswiltingunder theweightofhisworry.
AfragilesilencefollowsuntilNikita,thegentleballerinawitheyesreflectingyearsofdisciplineandsoftstrength,quietly asserts,"Somematterscannotwait,Andrei."
MychesttightensasIbreakmysilence.Notimelikethepresenttobringitup.
"ViktorZaitsevwasattacked"
Thenamefallslikeastoneintoastillpond,ripplesofconcernemanatingthroughouttheroom.Leo,alsoknownas"OneEye",levelsasharpglanceatme,whileRoman’ssteadygazebetraysaflickerofalarm
Valentina, once known as "The Ghost," exudes an eerie calm, her eyes flashing with a glint of dormant danger while Sandra's spine stiffens noticeably. Her alliance with our family is more than marital, it’s a strategic union of powerful bloodlines.Anythreattoourstabilityisaninsulttoherlegacy.
"TheyintendedtoeliminatehimfromtheDeathMatch,"Icontinue,voicingtheuglytruth.“Atleast,that’smytheory.”
"AndAnastasia?"Romanprobes,hismeasuredtonethreadingathinlinebetweenconcernandstrategy
Myjawclenchesatthementionofhername,emotionssurginglikeastormbeneathmycomposedexterior."She'senteredin hisstead"
Achorusofexasperatedsighsandgroansintertwine,whileSandra'seyes,fierceandmaternal,lockontomine."Thisisnot herfight,Samuil.Shedoesn’tbelonginthatunderworld."
"Shebelievesit'stheonlywaytogettheprizemoneytheyneed,"Iconfess,everywordheavywithamixofadmirationand trepidationforAnastasia'saudaciousmove.
Myeyes linger onDamien, his observant silence finallybreaking "The attackers, theyweren’t professionals, or Viktor wouldnotbebreathing."
MynodconcedestoDamien’sbittertruth Hispresence,thoughstemmingfromapainfulbetrayalinourfamily,oftenbrings valuableinsights.Perhapsthat’swhy despitetheunderlyinganimosity hisplaceatourtableremainsunchallenged.
Islowlystand, the chair scrapingsoftlyagainstthe floor. "I’ll coachher, keep her as safe as possible," Ivow, more to myselfthantothosearoundme "Andconcurrently,wefindanddealwiththosewhodaredlayhandsonourfriend" Silent nods of approval encircle the table, the unspoken pact lingering, embedding itself into the very bindings of our familialtiesofretaliationandprotection Whiletheworldoutsideremainsblissfullyignorant,wecontinueonwithourdinner Mymind,however,remainspartiallyelsewhere,tetheredtoabravewomanwithdeterminationinhereyesandafighter’s
spirit,abouttoimmerseherselfintoaworldwhereeventhefiercestwarriorsfeartotread. Weeat,butit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforethetopicisbroachedoncemore.
Andrei,hiseyesdarkwellsreflectingtheburdensheshoulders,initiatesourforbiddendialogue,hisvoiceaquietrumble “Samuil,whathappenedtoViktorisnotisolated,Icanfeelit.”
Inod,aunionofagreementcomingfromeverysoulintheroom "It'sVan” Andrei’seyebrowraises.“Van?”
“VanBabanin Alocalbookiewhosegothisgreedyfingersineverydamnpie”
Sandra leans forward, her intellect and shrewdness ever sharp despite the softness in her eyes. “I’ve heard of him. Parasiticscum,thetypeofmanwhowilldoanythingforaruble.Butthisisadirectassaultonourfamily.”
Leointerjectsthoughtfully,hiseyesflickeringwithanastutecalculativeglint “It’smorethanthat It’sastatement,adisplay designedtorattleourcomposureandundermineourstanding.”
Everywordhangsintheair
“Hereismytheory.Vanwantstomanipulatetheodds,increasethebets,andindoingso,increasinghiscut,”Iadd.
Withherusualcalm,NikitatakesLeo'shand "We'veseenworse Westandfirm"
Hergroundedvoicebringsacollectivenodofagreement.
Roman,alwaysthestrategist,bringsupapoint.“He’snorookie,andhe’sgotbackup.Whatevermovewemakeneedstobe sharp”
MythoughtssnaptoAnastasia,headstronganddivingintounknowndanger.
IcatchValentina'ssharpeyesonme HerhistoryasTheGhostsilentlywarnsofthedangersinoursurreptitiousworld “Anastasia,”Isay,theworryclearinmyvoice,“She’srightinthemiddleofthismessnow.”
Myrawconcernismetwithagreement,notpity.
Damien,alwaystryingtoprovehisplaceinthefamily,speaksup."Soweprepher.Givehereverythingwe'vegot." Hisstraightforwardwordsunderlinewhatwe'reallthinking.Bloodtiesornot,we'vegoteachother'sbacks. Andreiscansusallbeforedeclaring,“WefacethisVanissuetogether,makesurehedoesn'tcausemoredamage"
Thesmellofsweatandtheunmistakablemetallichintofthegym’sequipmentfilltheairasIpushopenthedoor Morninglight sneaks inthroughthe cracks inthe blinds, partiallyilluminatingthe darkroom. Anastasia’s alreadythere, muscles glistening withsweat,hairpulledbackinafighter’sponytail She’savision adeadlyone It'stoodamnearlytobethisonedge
She doesn't flinch, continuing her high kicks, each snap of her leg sharp and deliberate. Her focus is laser-tight, but it doesn’tstopherfromspeakingwithoutlookinginmydirection “Tookyoulongenough.”
Gritanddeterminationlinehervoice,anddespitethecasualjest,Icansensethewarriorbeneath,preparingforthebattle ahead
Igruntanoncommittalreply,saunteringovertowhereshe'smethodicallyworkingthroughherroutine.Theairischarged, andit'sgotnothingtodowiththeimpendingtrainingsession
Myhands,experiencedintheartofbothviolenceandrestraint,twitchatmysidesasshebendsforward,wordlesslyasking forassistancewithherstretches.There’snomistakingtheintentioninhereyes bold,unshielded.She’salwaysbeenunafraid, almosttoafault.
“Helpmestretch?”shefinallyspeaks,eyesnotleavingmine.
It'sasimpleask Innocenteven,ifitwereanyonebuther Mynodiscurt,betrayingnoneoftheturmoilragingbeneathmy sternexterior.
I approach, hands steadyingher, guidingher into the stretch Everypoint of contact is fire and ice, anexhilaratingand terrifyingblendofemotionsthatI’veforciblyburiedforfartoolong.
Her muscles tense and release under my palms, each exhale she takes singeing my nerves. This isn’t just training or stretching.It'sanunspokencommunication,adanceofconcealeddesiresandforbiddenlinesintentativemotion.Herbodyis lean,toned,andpowerful.Allthesame,it’simpossibletonotnoticehercurves,hershape.
Anastasialeansintothestretch,aslightgrimaceonherface "Samuil,"shegrunts,"thishurtsmorethanIexpected"
"Thenyouhaven'tbeenstretchingproperly,"Isay,gentlypushingherfurtherintothestretch."Flexibilityiskey.Youcan't expecttododgeorlandahitifyou'retoostiff"
Sheexhalesslowly,eyeslockingontomine."Sowhat'sthegameplan?"
"First,youragility.We’llfocusondrillstoboostyourreactiontime."Iadjustherposition,andshewincesbutnodsforme to continue "Second, your endurance I've seenhow youfight You've gotspeed and skill, butyouneed to lastlonger inthe
ring"
Shesmirks,thatcockygrinI’vegrownsofondof."YouthinkIcan'thandleanextensivefight?"
Iraiseaneyebrow,onecornerofmymouthtuggingupward "Provemewrong" Shechuckles."Alright,coach.What'snext?"
"Strengthtraining,butnotjustliftingweights Functionalstrength We'llintegratemovementsthatmirrorthedynamicsofan actualfight."
Shenods,eyesseriousanddetermined "Okay Anythingelse?"
"Weworkonyourstrategy,"Isay,myhandsguidingherintothenextstretch."Knowingwhentostrike,whentopullback. It'snotjustaboutlandingapunchbutlandingitattherightmoment."
Shetakesadeepbreath,absorbingeverythingI'vesaid "Gotit Let'sdothis"
Withthat,sheleansintomytouch,anactoftrustandsubtleinvitation,andit'salmosttoomuch.
“Thisisn’tagame,Anastasia,”Ifindmyselfgrowling,myvoicelowandedgedwithawarning Darkeyesfilledwithunspokensecrets,meetmine,“WhosaidI’mplaying?”
The close proximitybetweenus is suffocating Everyflex,everycurve ofher bodyunder myhands has mymindracing There'safamiliarityintouchingher,andyettoday,everythingfeelsamplified.Everytimeshegroans asoft,unintentionally seductive sound heat surges through me. It's a sound I've never heard fromher before, and it undoes me in ways I can't articulate
Itrytofocusonthestretch,ontheintentbehindthetrainingsession,butit'sbecomingincreasinglydifficult.Her scent,a mixofsweatandsomethinguniquetoAnastasia,wrapsaroundme MyfingersbrushthewarmskinofherthighsasIadjusther position,andthetautmusclesbeneathher athleticwear betrayjusthow fitandreadysheis.Thesightofher,glisteningwith sweat,herchestheavingasshebreathes,thecontoursofherbodyemphasizedbyherfittedoutfit,makesmythroatdry.
"Samuil?"sheasks,noticingmyhesitation,hergazequestioning,piercing.
Dammit this is all sorts of wrong. Myhand lingers onher back, inadvertentlytracingthe line of her spine, a boundary unmistakablycrossed
Ipullawayabruptly,myownlimitsclashingviolentlywiththeyearningpulsatingthrougheveryfiberofmybeing.
"Ineedtograbsomewaterbeforewebegin,"Imutter,retreatinghastilybeforethingsgoasteptoofar
AsIheadtowardthedoor,Icanfeelhereyesboringintome,amixoffrustrationandlingeringdesirelikelymirroringmy own.Myskinisablaze,handstremblingslightlyasIfumblewiththedoorhandle.
The hallwaybeyond is cool, a starkcontrast to the heated intensityof the roomI just vacated. I leanagainst the wall, strugglingto regaincontrol over the chaos eruptingwithinme. Butmymind is awashwithimages ofher strong, resilient, tempting
Shoving away from the wall, I stride toward the small kitchenette, the cold water doing little to quench the fire that Anastasia’signited
Myreflectioninthesmallmirrorabovethesinkrevealsthevisiblebattlebeingwagedinternally darkeyesfilledwith discord;jaw tightlyclenched.I'mtheenforcer,thetoughwallthatstandsunyieldingagainstchaos,butwithher,it’sdifferent. It’salwaysbeendifferent
Gulpingdownanothermouthfulofwater,Idragahanddownmyface,steelingmyselfforwhatImustdo.Protecther,train her,andkeepmydamnhands andheart offher
WhenIreenter the trainingroom, she’s backto her routine, a maskofconcentrationadorningher features, but there's a fragilitytherethatwasn'tvisiblebefore Oureyeslock,themomentstretches,andunspokenwordshangheavybetweenus
She’s too damn smart to not have clocked my reaction. Her eyes, probing, maddening, hint at a understanding that I'm neitherreadytofacenorcapableofacknowledging.
“Let’sgettowork,”Ibark,moreharshlythanintended Boundariesneedtobereestablishedifwe’regoingtogetthrough thisunscathed.
Butaswefallintoarhythm,herbodymovingfluidlythrougheachstrikeandblock,Ican'tshakethehauntingthoughtthat we'realreadyfarbeyondanysafeline,andretreatingisnolongeranoption.
Thenoiseoftheundergroundisasymphonyofchaosandanticipation,soundsboundingoffthedamp,mold-stainedwalls ofanabandonedwarehouse Anatmosphereofanarchyprevailsasmoneychangeshands,andbetsareplacedinhurried whispers.
Thering moreamakeshiftspacedemarcatedwithbatteredropes issetaglow bytheharshlightfromrigged-upbulbs, creatingan island of focus amid the commotion of the crowd Shadows dance on the worn, blood-stained wooden planks, tellingtalesofpreviousviolence.
Mybreathisasteadystreamofcontrolledinhalesandexhales,yetbeneathmysternexterior,astormrages,tornbetween dutyandfear.Anastasia,handswrapped,andeyesablazewithexcitement,turnstowardme,herlipspartingtospeak.
"Icanhandlethis,Samuil"
Myjawclenches,eyesscanningoverthebeastofamanshe’sabouttoface.He’samountain musclesbloatedwiththeaid of steroids, tattoos snaking over his limbs, each one likely marking victories of carnage. He grins, a grotesque display of overconfidence anddisregardfor the womanbefore him Arevulsionsimmers withinme,yetAna,ever the warrior,doesn’t waver.
Ileancloser,voicelowandrough "Ana,letmetakethefirstround,testhisweaknesses Youdon’tneedtoproveanything here."
Hergazeisunyielding "ButIdo,Samuil Tomyself,ifnooneelse"
Withahuff,Ifallback,eyesscanningthechaosaroundus.Theairisthickwiththescentofsweat,blood,anddesperation, thelattermosttangibleinthehungryeyesoftheaudience,awaitingviciousbrutalityasentertainment.
Anastasia’s hand lands onmyarm, a quietreassurance, yetbeneathher calmdemeanor, Isee a flicker ofapprehension She’sbrave,notfearless,andthedistinctionbecomesclear.
Wewalktowardtheringtogether,anunspokenpacttetheringusamidstthebedlam Thecrowd,amassofimpatienceand exhilaration,callsoutforviolence,theircheerswildasthefightersareannounced.
“Samuil,”shespeaks,barelyaudibleoverthedin.
Ilookdown,metwitheyestoasoulthathasseentoomuchyetremainsunbroken.“Staysafe,”mywordsareterse,emotion restrained,butsheunderstands,noddingoncebeforesteppingintothering.
As the lights dim, the announcer's voice booms throughthe echoingspace "Ladies and gentlemen, are youreadyfor the maineventoftheevening?"Thecrowdroarsinapproval,thesounddeafening."Inthiscorner,weighinginattwohundredand seventy-fivepounds,undefeatedinthelasttenfights,is Breaker!"
Thecrowderuptsagain.
Theannouncercontinues,hisvoicechargedwithexcitement,"Facinghim,themysteriouscontender…Tsarina!"
Ican'thelpbutsmileatthat. Tsarina,anamebefittingtheconfidentwomanI'vealwaysknownAnastasiatobe.I'mnotsure whogaveherthenickname,butit’sperfect.Regal,powerful,yetunmistakablyfeminine.It'satitleshe'sdamnwellearned.
Asheropponentleers,amaliciousintentgleaminginhiseyes,Anastasiaholdsherground,defianceetchingeverylineof herframe.
Thebellsounds,adullclangsignalingthecommencementofbrutality
Myhandscurlintofistsashelunges,asnarleruptingfromhistwistedexpression.Anaquicklysidesteps,buthe’satorrent ofraw,drug-fueledpowerandlandsagrazingblowtoherside.Thecrowdroars,asoundoffervorandcollectivebloodlust. Sheregainsherfooting,dartinginwithaswiftjab,thenoutagainbeforehecancounter Thisdanceofviolencecontinues, andwitheveryevadedstrike,everycountershelands,theknotinmychesttightens.
It’snotenoughtoavoidhisblows shehastodominate,tosubdueandoutwitthebehemothbeforeher She'scapableand skilled,buthe'sawallofunfeelingmuscle,andeveryhitshetakesisasearingpaininmyowngut.
Theroundprogresses,ablur ofmovementandaggression,eachfighter landingblows,theoutcometeeteringonarazor's edge. Ana's footworkis precise, her strikes, deliberate. She moves witha grace bornofstrictdiscipline, and it’s working. He’sslowing,buthe'snotdefeated
The bell tolls again, signaling a pause, and as she retreats to the corner where I stand, our eyes lock, an exchange of unspokenwords Ipassherabottleofwater,musclescoiled,readytoleapintothefrayifneedbe
Shewipesbloodfromherlip,ascarletstreakagainstherpaleskin,andsays,“I'vegothim.”
Icanseetheblazeofdeterminationinhereyes,theunrelentingfirethatisAnastasia Shehashim,yes,butatwhatcost?
“Keep moving, Ana!” myroughvoice echoes inthe dingy, harshlylitunderground space as the round resumes. Breaker growls,lungingtowardherwithabarbaricsnarl.
"Get'er,Breaker!"Shoutsricochetoffthewalls,blendingwiththethuddingoffleshagainstflesh Bettorsjeer,sippingon cheapvodkaandplacingtheirmoneywithcockysmirks.
Anastasia lithe and hardened steel beneathsoftness dodges eachblow Breaker attempts, her everymove a dance of survivalanddefiance.Myinsidescoilwitheachnearmiss,everyhuffofherbreathechoinginthechamberofmyskull.
"Righthookcoming!”Mywarningslicesthroughtheshoutingoftheblood-hungrycrowd Herbodyswaysgracefullyunder themammothfistofthethugaptlynamedBreaker.Hercounterattack aswift,punishingjabtohiskidneys drawsasatisfying groanfromhisbrawnyframe.
Thecrowdisroaring,theirlustforviolenceheavyintheair “Killher,endit!”Someoneshoutsinvehementeagerness The restofthehordefeedsoffthis,frenzied,thoughafewsporadicvoicescutin,surprisinglyonherside.“Give‘imhell,girl!” He’s winded, the colossal fighter Ana's resilience and unexpected prowess are like fine cracks spreading through his resolve.He’soff-kilter,staggeringeversoslightly,andthetiniestofsmirksplaysacrossherlips.
Myheart’sadamndrum,eachthudinmychestsyncingwithhercalculatedstrikes.
“Usehisweight,Ana!"Ihollerthestrategytoher.Shehearsme,herbodyswaying,reacting,theunderdoginadancewith death.
Thecritical blow comes unexpectedly,aswiftuppercutthatconnects withavicious crunch,Breaker’s bulkcrumblingto thefilthyfloor,adefeatedgoliathatthemercyofaferocious,unyieldingsquall.
Ablanketing,oppressivesilencedescendsupontheroom Then,fromsomewhereamidsttheshock-stiffenedbodies,aslow clapstarts,followedbyanother,thenanother,untiltheroomreverberateswithreluctantadmirationanddisbelief.
“Thewinner Tsarina!"Theannouncer,aslimy-lookingman,conceals his astonishmentpoorly,his voicequiveringover theloudspeaker.
Whispersweavethroughthespace.
“Thehelljusthappened?”
“ThatgirltookdownBreaker?”
Shestandstall,breathscominginharshpants,gazemeetingminefromacrossthering Anod,imperceptibletomost,passes betweenus. Pride, starkand unyielding, alights inher eyes, and a formidable decisionroots itselfinto the verycore ofmy being.
Asolitarymomentfreezes intime as Ana’s gaze becomes fixated onmine, her lips curlinginto a triumphant, yettender, smile.Victoryandanundercurrentofaffectionflickersinhereyes,asubtleshimmerjustbeneaththesurface.Shetakesastep, thenanother,towardme
Inthe abyss ofthatnearingembrace, the world shifts off-kilter, the shimmer oftriumphshattered bya visceral roar that tears throughthe space betweenus Breaker, monstrous and enraged, heaves himselffromthe canvas, muscles ripplingwith unbridledfury.
"Cheater!" His voice is a roar, mangled between pain and unyielding rage as he surges forward, a mass of vengeful brutality
Ana’s lithe frame doesn’t stand a chance against the tidal wave of his anger. His punch connects, and the sight of her crumplingtothegrounddetonatessomethingprimal,somethingrawandunbridledwithinme
Nothought.Justreaction.
Ilunge into the ring, muscles coilingand releasingwitha single-minded purpose Adeep-seated, roaringrage lacerates througheveryfiberofmybeingasIslamintohim,acannonofunrestrainedfury.
“Youpieceofshit!”
My punch connects with his jaw, bone meeting knuckle in a jarring, satisfying crunch He stumbles, his massive frame unsteady, but my onslaught is relentless, every hit an outpour of pent-up anger, a tangible, physical manifestation of every suppressedemotionthat’sbeenfesteringwithinme
Myvoice,scrapedraw,tearsthroughmythroat,“Touchheragain,andI’llendyou.”
Everyblowisapunctuatedpromise,anoathinkedinpainandpassionateanger.Hisretaliationsareclumsy,weakenedby thebatteringfromAnaandmyownunbridledassault.
Breaker collapses, the grimycanvas welcominghis bulkyformonce more, butthere's no satisfaction, no triumphinthe
hollownessofmyvictory.MygazesnapsbacktoAna,amotionlessheapontheoppositesideofthering.
Mylimbsmoveoninstinct,gatheringherintomyarmswithastarkgentlenessagainstthebrutalitythat’sjustunfolded.Her breaths are shallow, her frame unsettlinglylimp against myown, and somethingconstricts, binds, and suffocates withinthe cavityofmychest.
She’soutcold,eyelashesadelicatefanagainstherbruisedcheek Thesightcausesasilent,torturousscreaminsidemethat echoesendlessly.
Theworldoutsidetheringisablur,soundsandsightsblendingintoanindistinctsmudge Theonlyreality,theonlything anchoringme is the unconscious womaninmyarms, and a smolderingvow thatsimmers ineveryhollow and alcove ofmy existence.
Hername,asoft,raggedwhisper,teetersontheedgeofmylips,myvoicehoarse “Ana ”
Icarryherthroughthedimtunnels,awayfromtheviolenceandvengeance,myheartswathedinrageandunspokenanguish. Hersafetyandrecoveryistheonlythingthatmattersamidstthesweepinggaleofemotionsthatthreatentodismantleme
ANASTASIA
hatthehellhappened?”Mythroatfeelslikeit’smadeofsandpaper.
Consciousnessgratesagainstmyeyelids,roughanddisorienting AsIstruggletowakeup,itfeelslikeI'mclawing mywayoutfromunderapileofrubble.Adistantachepulsesthroughmyskull,mybraininsistentthatIrememberthe causeofit.
Ipeelmyeyesopen,theworldswayingslightlyinanuneasydance Thisisn’tmybed,thesearen’tmysheets,andthescent is all wrong, or rather, all too familiar. Cedar and something distinctly... Samuil. It fills my senses, comforting and disconcertingallatonce
Iliethereforamoment,soakinginthequietcalmbeforemymemory,fracturedandjagged,beginstoreassembleitself.The ring Thefight Thesurgingcrowd TheangeretchedineveryhardlineofSamuil'sfaceashedoveheadfirstintoviolencefor me.
Myheartlurchesinmychest,wildanderratic,asmyfeettouchthecoldfloor,astartlingconfirmationthatI’malive,thatI survived
Myankle protests,butit's notthe unbearable screamofsomethingbroken.More the dull,insistentthrobbingofa sprain. Ignoringit, I edge myself upright, myhand instinctivelysliding to my tender jaw There's no mirror, but I can imagine the mosaicofbruisespaintingmyskin.
Thedistantmurmur ofaTV,dialoguelow andindistinct,sparksmyattention,andIhobbletowardit,thescentofSamuil growingstrongerwitheachstep.
Thesightthatgreetsmeinthefaintglowofthelivingspacesendsashiver unexpectedandcomplex throughme.
Samuil is sprawled onthe couch, unconscious ina waythatonlytotal exhaustionallows, the steadyrise and fall ofhis chest the only indication of life. He’s half-naked, sweatpants slung low on his hips, every hard, muscular line of him on display And there, amidst the raw, unguarded vulnerabilityof his rest, I see the aftermathof battle his knuckles, a brutal displayofpurplesandreds,andthedarkeningbruisethatswellsnearhiseye.
He's beautiful and dangerous, a lethal combination that I've always been drawn to, even as I recognize the danger it presents.
Mybreathcatches,lodgedsomewherebetweenreliefandanemotiontooterrifyingtoname.He'sokay.No,notokay,far fromit,butalive We'rebothalive,andthatfactloomslarge,fillingeverycorneroftheroom
My limbs pull me forward, a gravitation that’s more emotional than physical, until I'm hovering over him, my fingers twitchingwiththeurgetosoothe,tocaress,toconfirmtherealityofhispresence
Myheart'satraitor,rebellingwithaflutterthatfeelsentirelyoutofplace.There'satornadoofbutterflies,churning,wild anduntamed,inmystomachasmyeyestracethecontoursofSamuil'speacefulface.
I’ve knownthis manfor whatfeels like a lifetime,his presence a constant,unyieldingfixture ina worldthathas always seemed to be swaying on the edge of chaos. I feel something shift as I gaze down upon him, something undefinable yet impossiblyprofound
Surveyinghissleepingform,Inotethescarslitteringhisskin.Eachonespeaksofafight,astoryofsurvival.Tattooscover some,makingastatementoftheirown Ifeeltheneedtotouchthem,tounderstandwhat'sbehindeachmark His face, usuallyso hard and stoic, appears younger as he sleeps. Those lips, oftensetina grimline, seemsofter now, inviting.WhyamIseeinghimsodifferently?He'salwaysbeenmyprotector,myguardian,inthisdangerousworldwelivein. ButthefiercewayhedefendedmeagainstBreakerhasthrownmeoff,changedsomethinginthewayIseehim Ifindmyselfsittingnexttohim,battlingwiththese new emotions.Myhandmoves onits own,gettingcloser tohis face, wantingtotouch,tofeel Hissteadybreathingistheonlysoundintheroom,andIfeeldrawntohim,wantingmore I'mclose enoughtofeelthewarmthfromhisskin,myheartracingasIfighttheurgetoleanin.
Hiseyesslowlyopen,revealingthatfamiliarintensegazeofhis.Myheartispracticallyjumpingoutofmychest,andthe roomsuddenlyfeelssmall.
"Ana,"hesays,ahintofroughnesstohisvoicethatmakesmeshiver It'sjustmyname,butcomingfromhislips,itfeels different,intimate."Whatareyoudoing?"
Istruggletofindtherightwords,hispenetratingstarepinningmeinplace Imanageaquiet,"Idon'tknow,Samuil."
Hishandmoves,brushingmyforeheadwithagentlenessI'mnotusedtoseeingfromhim "Youfeelwarm.Everythingokay?"
His concernis evident, and I’moverwhelmed bythe affection, the mixofhis scentand the undeniable pull betweenus. Everypartofmeisacutelyawareofhimandthecarnalenergythatsurroundsus "No…Imean,yeah,"Istumbleovermywords,mybreathinguneven."I'mfine."
WhatI'mfeelingisn'tsickness Theweightofwhat'shangingbetweenusisheavy,andit'sthreateningtosuffocateme He searchesmyface,lookingforsomething,andIfeelexposedunderhisscrutiny.
“You’renotfine,”hesays,hisgazehoppingfrombruisetobruise “Infact,youlooklikeshit”
Thatgetsasmileoutofme.Ilaugh.“Suchagentleman.”
Thecornerofhislipcurls.“There’satimeforgentleness,andatimefortruth.”
His hand pauses near mycheek, a silent question I see somethinginhim, a softness I've never noticed before, hidden beneathlayersofstrengthandresilience.It'slikecatchingaglimpseofsomethingforbidden,anditemboldensme.
Myfingersmove,almostontheirown,brushingagainsthis Thesparkofourtouchsendsajoltthroughme Wordsareon thetipofmytongue,butfearanduncertaintysilencesthem.Heinhalesdeeply,ahintofvulnerabilitybeforehedrawsback.
"Youshouldgetsomerest,Ana."Hisretreatfeelslikeacoldslap,andmyheartraces,anxietyanddesireatwistedknot insideme.
Myfingersgraspathis,holdingondesperately.
Hiseyes,intenseandunreadable,fixateonmine "Iwanttosaythankyou,"Icanbarelygetthewordsout "Foreverything Forbeingthere."
Hedoesn'treply,buthedoesn'tpullaway,either Ileanin,brushingasoftkissonhischeek
Weshareaheavy,loadedsilencebeforeIreleasehishandandstandup.Iheadbacktothebedroom,feelinghiminevery step,ineverybreath,thetasteofwhatcouldbeandthedangerofwantingit,consumingme.
AsIlaydown,surroundedbytracesofhim,amixofcomfortandconfusionenvelopesme.Theechoofouralmostmoment hauntsmythoughts,ignitingafireIdon'tknowhowtocontrol.
Thegymdoorgroansopen,revealingAnastasiainmid-workout.She'saforce,powerandgracecombined.Sweatglistens onher toned arms, her tanktop clingingto her like a second skin, revealingthe curves ofmuscle beneath Her hair is pulledback,strandsstickingtoherneck,asshedeliverspunchafterpunchtothebag.
It'sabeautifulsight,anddamn,IwishIcouldignoreit.
Iswallow hard and tryto shove downthe tighteninginmychest Ican't afford to get distracted Especiallynot byher There's anitchinthe backofmymind, one that's gotnothingto do withthe wayAna's shorts hugher thighs or the rhythmic movementofherbody
TheleadonViktor'sattackhasbeengnawingatme.Thatslipperybastard,Van,wasseenyappingwithViktorjustbefore everythingwentsouth Itcouldbenothing Oritcouldbethebreakthroughweneed Eitherway,Ineedtopinitdown,findout whatthehellisgoingon.
But right now, Ana commands the roomevenifshe doesn’t realize it. Everypunchshe throws, everymove she makes, resonateswithakindofrawenergy It'sapullI'mfightingtoresist
The rhythmic thuddingof Ana's fists against the punchingbagfills myears. Mymind, however, refuses to settle onthe presentmoment Itkeeps trailingbackto Vanand the little tidbitIpicked up Whythe hell hadn'tViktor mentioned anything aboutmeetingwiththatweasel?
Theheadtraumacouldbemessingwithhismemory It'sareasonableassumption Ineedtodropbythehospitallaterand presshimformoredetails.He'sgottoremembersomethingaboutthemeetingwithVan.
FindingVanhasbecomeachallengeonitsown.Theman'sevasive,slippinginandoutofshadows,showinghisfaceonly whenhewantsto Noknownaddress,nopatterntohismovements It'sinfuriating NotbeingabletofindsomeonewhenIneed themisaproblem.
I'vebeentryingtopindownameetwithhimsincetheleadcameup,buthe'sprovingdifficult Ihavemyways,ofcourse, butVan'sbeeninthisgamealongtime.Heknowstheinsandouts.
My fingers clench instinctively. He might be a ghost, but every ghost has its haunts. I'll find his. The thought firms my resolve.Rightnow,though,Ana'strainingdemandsattention.
Shewhistles,sharpandsudden,breakingmyreverie.It'soneofthoseplayful,attention-grabbingwolfwhistles,andIfind mygazesnappingtohersalmostinstantly Ana'sgrinning,hercheeksflushedfromherworkout,aglintofmischiefinhereyes “What’sfryingyourbrain?Icanpracticallysmellyouthinking,”sheteases,thecornersofherlipsturnedupinamusement. Hereyes,sharpandfierce,meetmine,andforasplitsecond,theworldnarrowstojustthetwoofus Iripmygazeaway, tryingtofocusontheracksofweightsandequipment.
Igrumble, irritated athavingbeenso lostinthoughtthatIhadn'tnoticed her attemptto catchmyattentionearlier. “Just Bratvabusiness.Nothingyouneedtoworryabout.”
Sherollshereyesatmyevasiveness,herplayfulmoodundeterred.Bouncingslightlyontheballsofherfeet,shetiltsher head,indicatingtheopenspaceofthegym'scenter “Youupforaspar?Mynextopponentisbuiltlikeyou Thinkyoucangive meatasteofwhattoexpect?”
Istudyher for amoment,takinginthechallengeofher stance Eventhoughmymind's occupiedwiththeVansituation,a goodsparmighthelpclearmyhead,centerme.
“Alright,"Irelent,crackingmyknuckles."Butdon’texpectmetogoeasyonyou." Anasmirks,asparkofanticipationlightinghereyes "Wouldn'tdreamofit"
Facingoffagainstherinthemiddleofthegym,Ican'thelpbutnoticethecontrastofourforms herrelativelyslightbuild versus mybulkier, muscled physique ButI've seenthe damage she cando It's astonishing, the amountofpower thatsmall frameofherscangenerate.It'dbeamistaketoletappearanceslullmeintocomplacency.
Withoutaword,Ipeeloffmyshirt,thefabricclingingtothesweatalreadyformingonmyskinfromourinitialwarmup.It landsinaheapbesidethemat.IcatchthequickflickerofAnastasia'seyesastheyrundowntheexpanseofmychestandabs. Theslightpauseinherbreathing,thetinyhitchinherthroat,doesn’tescapeme Itamusesmemorethanitshould Notwanting todirectlyaddressthemoment,Isimplyarchaneyebrowandsmirk.
"Youready, Tsarina?"Iask,usinghernewfighternickname,atoneofmockformalityinmyvoice Shenods,determinationflashinginhereyes."Let'sdothis."
Ourdancestartsslowly,eachofusgaugingtheother'smovements,atestofreflexesandintentions EverystepItake,every swerve,iscalculated.Idodgeher initial flurrieswithanagilitythatmightseemoutofplacefor amanofmybuild.ButI've beeninenoughfights,enoughlife-or-deathsituations,toknowthatspeedisjustasvaluableasbrutestrength.
Ana'sfocusisintense,herpunchessharpandfast Icanseehertryingtofigureouthowbesttousemysizeagainstme But she'sstillfullofsurprises.Shefeintsleft,andIfallforit,allowinghertolandapunchsquareinmygut.
Theforcebehinditcatchesmeoffguard Damn,thatstingsmorethanIthoughtitwould Myrespectforheronlydeepens If thisishernow,atthebeginningofhertraining,she’sgoingtobeanabsoluteterrorintheringsoonenough.
"Niceshot,"Igrumble,tryingnottoshowhowmuchitactuallyhurt
Shegrins,thefireofthefightaliveinhereyes."Justreturningthefavor."
"Iseethisisarealfight,"Iremark,ahintofdryamusementevidentinmyvoice.
Ana'sgrinwidens,herteethflashinginapredatorysmile,herenergycontagious "You'llknowbythebruisesjusthowreal itwas,"sheshootsback.
Witha nod, Iset myself, feet shiftingonthe mat as we size eachother up again She's quick, her movements agile and precise,everypunchandkickbackedbyfiercedetermination.Imanagetodeflectmostofherblows,counteringwhereIcan, butalwaysmaintainingamodicumofrestraint.
As the minutes wear on, the air thick with our shared exertion, I sense her frustration mounting. Ana's nothing if not observant,andshe'sclearlycaughtontothefactthatI'mnotgivingitmyall.
"Youholdingbackonme?"sheaccuses,pantingslightlyasshedeflectsahalf-heartedjab "Whatmakesyousaythat?"Iretort,feigninginnocence.
Shedodgesanotherofmypunches,hereyesblazingwithfierychallenge "Iknowyou,Samuil HowamIsupposedtolearn ifyou'renottreatingthisasarealfight?"
Iresisttheurgetosmirk,knowingit'llonlyfuelherirritation."Didn’twanttohurttheTsarina,"Iteaselightly,butthere’sa layer ofsinceritybeneaththe banter.I've seenher fight,butthe protective instinctinme doesn’twanttosee her hurt,notby anyone,andespeciallynotbyme.
Shesnorts,rollinghereyes "Yourconcernistouching,butifIwantedtodance,Iwould'vegonetoaballroom"
There's a gleaminher eyes, a clear challenge. Alright then. She asked for it. Ilashout witha swift, controlled punch, aimingforhermidsection Shedodgesjustintime,hergrinwidening "That’smorelikeit,"shesays,hertonegleeful.
The intensity ratchets up, our punches and kicks becoming more forceful, more earnest. We weave and dodge, our movementsaseamlesstangoofaggressionanddefense Eachtimeoneofuslandsahit,it'smetwithanodofacknowledgment, anunspokenagreementthatthisiswhatwebothneed arealchallenge.
Finally,leveragingmysizeandstrength,Imanagetogettheupperhand Pinningoneofherarmsbehindherback,Itwist andusemybodyweighttobringusbothtotheground.Herbackhitsthemat,butshefightson,herlegsinstinctivelywrapping aroundmywaist,tryingtoforcemeoffwithsheerlegstrength
ButIhaveher,andIusetheadvantageofmysizeandstrength.Ipinherotherarmaboveherhead,renderingherimmobile beneathme.Theairbetweenusisthick,chargedwiththeresidualadrenalineofthefight.
We'rebothpanting,thesoundofourbreathsminglinginthechargedatmosphere Ourfacesaremereinchesapart,oureyes lockedinaheatedstare.Thefiercedefianceinhergazesoftenstosomethingelse,somethingIrecognizebecauseIcanfeelits twinburningwithinme
Theclosenessisintoxicating.EveryinhalebringswithitacombinationofsweatandAnastasia’suniquescent.Icanfeel the heat of her body, her heartbeat racing against my chest, her soft breaths tickling my face The space narrows down to nothingelsebutthismoment,thisroom,thiswomanbeneathme.
Thedecision,itseems,ismadeforus.Drawntogetherasifbysomeinvisibleforce,ourlipsmeet.Thekississoftatfirst, amerebrushingoflips,butitquicklydeepens,becomingmoreurgent,morepassionate Theworldaroundusfadesaway,as webecomelostinthewhirlwindofemotionsthathavebeenunleashed.
Thefeelingofourbodiespressedagainsteachotheramplifiestheurgencyofthekiss Theheat,thefriction,it'smaddening Icanfeeleverycurveofherbeneathme,everyrapidbreathshetakes.Whenmyhardnessbrushesagainstherwomanhood,the worldtiltsonitsaxis.Shegasps,herbodyarchingintomine,seekingmorecontact,moreofthatelectricsensation.Hermoan, throatyandfilledwithwant,goesstraighttomygroin. Goddamnit.
Thatsound,coupledwiththeunmistakablefeelingofherwetheatagainstme,hasmycontrolteeteringontheedge.Theraw need,thewant,isoverpowering,andforabriefmoment,allIwanttodoissinkintoher,andallowthepassiontoconsumeus both
ButasifIweresplashedwithcoldwater,theweightofrealitycrashesdownonme.Thisisn’tright.It'sadangerouspath we'reon,filledwithcomplicationsandrepercussionswecan’tcomebackfrom Mygriponher wrists tightens momentarily beforeIforcemyselftoletgoandpushmyselfoffher.
Shelooksdazed,herchestheaving,lipsswollenfromourkiss Hereyes,previouslydarkenedwithlust,nowholdahintof confusion,maybeevenatouchofhurt.
"Wecan't,"Igrowl,myvoicerougherthanIintend."Wecan’tallowthistohappen." She'sspeechless,stillprocessing,stillcomingdownoffthehighofourintenseconnection Theairintheroomisthick Withonelastlingeringlook,Iturnonmyheelandstrideoutofthegym,tryingtoputasmuchdistanceaspossiblebetween meandthetempestofemotionsAnastasiahasawakenedinme Everystepawayisafightagainsttheprimalurgetogoback,to claim,toconsume.
As I make my exit, I can feel her eyes on my retreating form, can practically feel the mix of desire, confusion, and frustration emanating from her. This wasn't part of the plan, and now I'm left grappling with the fallout of a moment that threatenstochangeeverything.
ANASTASIA
My heart pounds like a war drum, echoes fromthe kiss replaying over and over in my mind. One moment we were grappling,wrappedupinthefight,andthenext,weweretangledupinapassionateballetoflipsandtongues,desire andlonging.Thesensationofhishardnessagainstme,thatundeniableevidenceofhiswant...itwasintoxicating.
I try to throw myself into another round of shadow boxing, hoping to cool down and erase the memory of what just happened
Eachjab,eachkick,IpicturelandingonaphantomSamuil,butit'simpossibletoshakeawaythethoughtsofhowhis lipsfeltonmineortheweightofhimpressedagainstme.Theheatofthemoment,theintensityofourconnection,istheonly thingonmymind
Screwit.
Idropmygloves,makingabeelinefortheexit Ican't won't leavethingsastheyare Ihavetoconfronthim Minutes later,I’moutsideSamuil's apartment.Myknuckles slamagainstthewoodendoor withaforcethatspeaks ofmy frustrationandneedforclarity."Openup,Samuil!"Idemand,myvoiceechoingdownthehallway.
Noanswer
Damnhim.
“Comeon,youcoward!"Ishout,thestingofhisabruptdepartureevidentinmytone Thatseemstodoit.Ihearthedistinctsoundofalockturning,andsuddenlythedoorfliesopen,Samuilstandingthere,his eyes darkandstormy,jaw setinahardline Thebareskinofhis chestheaves witheverybreath,makingithardtokeepmy gazefixedonhiseyes.
“I’mnocoward,"hegrowls,his voicelow andthreatening.IcansenseI’vestruckanerve,tookaswingathis ego,and saidwordsthat,ifutteredbyanyoneelse,would’vebeenansweredwithfists Mychinliftsdefiantly."Thenwhydidyourun?”
Forasplitsecond,oureyeslock,amyriadofemotionsswirlingbetweenus anger,confusion,desire We'reteeteringon theedgeofanunwantedconfrontation,andonepushmightsendusoverthebrink.ButI'mreadyforit,nomatterwhereitleads. Samuil's posture stiffens, his eyes flittingawaymomentarilyas he searches for the rightwords. Irecognize the familiar lookoffrustration,ofstrugglingtoarticulatefeelings,creepingintohisfeatures.I’veseenitcountlesstimesbeforewhenhe's triedtocommunicateinsituationsthatdon'tinvolvebruteforce.
"Youknowit'snotthatsimple,Ana,"hemutters,hisgazefixedfirmlyonapointjustovermyshoulder Istepcloser,shorteningthedistancebetweenus,hopinghe’llmakeeyecontact."Thenmakeitsimple.Talktome."
But he's alreadyshakinghis head, a wearyresignationinhis eyes "Youknow me I've never beengood at expressing myselfwithwords."
Asighescapes mylips, myimpatience mounting. "I know, but..." I pause, bitingmylower lip as anidea forms. I take anotherstep,forcinghimtolookatme."Ifyoucan'ttellmehowyoufeel,thenshowme." His eyebrows knittogether, a confused expressionshadowinghis face for a second. Butas the implicationofmywords sinks in, his darkeyes burnwithintensity, rakingover myform Ifeel the weightofhis gaze and the sexual tensionhanging thickbetweenus,threateningtoigniteatanymoment.
Westandmotionlessandsilentforaheartbeat,suspendedintheintensityofourconnection Iwaitforhimtoact,totakethe nextstep,tobridgethegapbetweenwordsunspokenandfeelingsunexpressed.Theballisinhiscourtnow.
Theairbetweenusvibrateswithanalmostelectriccharge,acracklingtensionwe'vebothbeendenyingforfartoolong. Then, like magnets, we are pulled together, our lips colliding with a fervor born of suppressed desires His mouth is demanding,hiskissstealingeveryounceofrationalthoughtfrommybrain.Thesheerpassionbehindthekissandtheintensity ofthemomentcausesmykneestowobble
Hepullsbackmomentarily,eyeshooded,voicelacedwithamixoflustandconflict."Ana,thisis...God,thisissuchabad
idea."
The audacityof his statement, the contrast of his words versus his actions, causes a chuckle to escape a soft, breathy sound againsthis lips "Is itnow?" Ichallenge, a smirkformingas Islide a hand up his chest, feelingthe hard plane ofhis muscles.
He groans, a low, throatysound, and the next second we're lost to the passionagain Hands roam, touching, exploring, claiming.Everylayerofclothingweshedonlyservestointensifytheneed,thehungerbetweenus.
Hisformisamarvel tobehold broadshoulders,powerful armsinkedwithtattoos,eachonetellingasilentstoryofthe lifehe'sled,thechallengeshe'sfaced.Hischestisavastexpanseofchiseledmuscle,leadingtoacorethat’sjustashardand defined. How had Imissed this? Ihad overlooked the raw, undeniable appeal ofthis man, hiddenbeneaththe facade ofthe protectivebrotherfigure
His hands are equallyassertive, pullingme close, leavingno space betweenus. Everyinchofhimis solid, demanding, insistent Aswecontinueourheatedpathtothebedroom,Ifindmyselfeager,almostdesperate,todiscovereveryhiddenfacet ofthismanwhohassuddenlyturnedmyworldupsidedown.
Bythetimewehittheedgeofthebed,it'sclear neither ofusisincontrol anymore We'rebothatthemercyofthistidal waveofpassion,willingtobesweptawaywhereveritmaylead.Allreservations,allinhibitions,haveevaporated,replaced byaprimalneedtobeclose,toexplore,toclaimandbeclaimed.
Thesmolderinglookinhiseyesintensifies "Ana,"herasps,voiceroughenedbyarousal,"there'ssomethingspecificIlike inthebedroom."Hepauses,asifgaugingmyreaction."Onlyifyou'reupforit,ofcourse."
Curiosityflares withinme, blendingwiththe smolderingarousal I'mintrigued bythis suddenrevelation, eager to delve deeperintothisunchartedterritoryofdesire."Tellme,"Iwhisper,eyeslockedontohis,challenging,urginghimon.
Hereachesdowntoadiscreetblackboxtuckedbeneathhisbed.Ashecarefullyopensit,Irealizethesightbeforemeis unexpected yetthrilling.Bondagegearcontainingsoftropes,ablindfold,andafewotherthingsIdon'tquiterecognize.
Samuilistryingtogaugemyreaction."Nothingtoowild,”hesays.Justenoughtoheightenthesenses.It'sallabouttrust."
Myeyesremainfixedontheitems,thegleamingsilver andcontrastingblackmaterials I'venever triedanythinglikethis before,andyettheverysightofthesetoysignitessomethingwithinme,afireofcuriosityanddesire.I'mawareofathrobbing heat,apulsinganticipationthatmakesmefeelmorealivethanever
"I'dliketotieyouup,"hecontinues,voicegravelly,drippingwithintent."Letyouexperiencethepleasureofcompletely givingin,lettinggo."Hisgazeprobesmine,darkandintense."Onlyifyouwantto,ofcourse."
Everynerveinmybodyscreamsyes.Thethoughtofbeingathismercy,ofsurrenderingcontroltothismanwho'sproven himselfoverandoveragain,isoverwhelming.Ibitemylip,athrillofexcitementzingingthroughme,beforenodding."Yes.I wantit"
Samuil'ssmileisreassuringandseductive.Hemovesdeliberately,selectingasoftrope.Hisfingersgrazemyskin,causing shiversashebindsmywrists,securingthemtothebedpostswithmeticulousknots Theactisslow,intimate Witheveryloop andpull,Ifeelmoreexposed,morevulnerable,thesensationintensifiedbytheknowledgeofthepowerheholds.
Bythetimehefinishes,thecombinationofexcitement,anticipation,andvulnerabilityhasmybodyhumming,yearningfor whatever comes next The slightpull ofthe restraints,the limitedmovement,onlyserves toenhance the feeling,drawingme deeper into the experience. The mere actofbeingtied up has me restless, readyand eager for the dance ofdominance and submissionwe'reabouttoembarkon
Theroomisalivewiththeelectrichumofdesire,arawenergythrummingbetweenus.Afterensuringprotection,heshifts, aligninghimselfwithme Themomentheentersme,it’sasifeveryinchofhimseemstailor-madetofitme,aperfectpuzzle piece,asynergythatleavesmyheadspinning.
The sensationof the ropes around mywrists adds a layer of complexity, a blend of restraint and freedom. Initially, the bondagefeelsforeign,anunchartedterritory Butwitheachofhispowerfulthrusts,thelightpullagainstmywristsbecomesa tantalizinganchor,groundingmeintheexperience.Ittransformswhatcould'vebeenmerelyphysical intosomethingintensely emotional,anexerciseintrust
"Comeforme,Ana.Now,"hegrowls,voicedeep,drenchedinauthority.Thecommandinhistoneisunmistakable.It'sasif hiswordshaveunlockedsomethingwithinme Withaloudcry,Ishatter,pleasureconsumingeveryinchofme
His ownclimaxfollows,his bodytensingas waves ofpleasureovertakehim.There's astillness,aquietintensityas we bothcomedown,tryingtoregainourbearings.Thesensationofhimstillinsideme,andtheropesbindingme,addalayerof intimacytothemoment
Post-climaxclaritydescends onme,the worldcomingbackintosharpfocus.He gentlyunfastens the knots,releasingmy wrists The sensationoffreedom, tinged withthe lingeringphantomfeelingofthe restraints, is oddlyexhilarating Mybody feelslikeit'sbeenonarollercoasterride,fullofthrillingpeaksandnerve-rackingdrops.
Instinctively,Igravitatetowardhim,likeamothtoaflame.AllIdesireinthismomentistofeelhissolidframeagainstme. His arm, muscular and reassuring, curls around me, pullingme into the warmcocoonofhis body. His heartbeatis a steady rhythmagainstmyear,lullingmeintoasenseoftranquility.
Every brush of his fingers, every gentle press of his lips against my temple, is a balmto my slightly raw nerves. The comparison between the Samuil in bed commanding, demanding and the tender, protective figure holding me now, is striking Heseemstounderstand,withoutwords,theexactmannerofcomfortIneedafterventuringintotheunfamiliarterrains ofourdesires.
Hisvoice,asoothingbaritone,rumblesinmyear,"Youokay?"
Inod,snugglingcloser."Morethanokay.Justprocessing."
Hischucklevibratesthroughme "Takeallthetimeyouneed I'mhere"
My mind whirls, replaying every touch, every sensation, and the unbridled passion. It's both overwhelming and exhilarating.Asmalllaughbubblesupfrommychest."Whatthehelldidwejustdo,Samuil?"
Hechuckles,hisbreathwarmagainstmyhair "Startedsomethingunexpected,yetnotunwelcome"
That sentiment perfectlycaptures the stormof emotions brewingwithinme. This is surprising, and the pathforward is uncertain Yet,there'sathrillintheunpredictability
Inthewarmthofhisembrace,surroundedbythecomfortofhispresence,sleepedgesin,slowlydrawingmeintoitsgrasp. ThelastthingIregister,asmyeyelidsgrowheavy,ishislipspressingasoftkisstomyforehead
Thedimlightfilteringinfromtheoutsidecatchesherform,drawingmefromthedepthsofsleep.It'sajarringrealizationto wake up withAnastasia nestled beside me Atumultuous mixofregretand satisfactionroils within We've shattered a boundary,dancedoveralineneitherofushadprobablyeverenvisionedcrossing.
She looks differentinsleep, softer. Those fierce eyes thatcanpina maninhis place withjusta glance are now hidden behindclosedlids Herfulllipsareslightlyparted,herbreathingdeepandrhythmic ForallthefireandfiercenessIknowshe carries,whenshesleeps,sheappearsalmostdelicate,fragile.
AsIwatchher,shestirs,thosekeeneyesofherscrackingopenandlockingontomine Thatfamiliarspark,alwayslurking justbeneaththesurface,isthere,butit'saccompaniedbyahintofmischief.
“Enjoyingtheview?”sheteases,hervoiceraspyfromsleep,buttheplayfulundertoneisevident It'samomentoflightness,ofsharedbanterthathelpsbreakthetensionofthemoments-after.It’snotlostoneitherofusthat thedynamichasshifted,thatthere'sanunderlyingcurrentnowthatneitherofushadtrulybeenpreparedfor.
The roomhas that post-coital calmness to it, our breaths syncinginthe quiet Ana's fingers trace absent patterns onmy chest.IfeelhersighmorethanIhearit."Viktor..."shebegins,hesitating,weighingwhatshewantstosaynext.
Itightenmygriparoundherslightly,feelingthatfamiliarspikeofworry "Youthinkweshouldtellhim?"Itisn'taquestionI wanttoask,butit'sonethatneedstoberaised.
Shefrownsslightly,hergazedistant,"Imean,he'smybrother Butthen,we'rebothgrown-ups,Samuil Weshouldn'tneed hisapprovalfor...this,"shesays,motioningvaguelybetweenus.
"Irespecthim,"Ireply, myvoice low and contemplative. "Ifwe're goingto be, youknow, something, thenhe should be aware"
"Butwhatifthiswasjustamomentarylapseinjudgment?"shecounters,aplayfulglintinhereyes,thoughIcantellshe's half-joking
Ichuckle,butit’sshort-lived."Thenwhyadddramatoit?Letitbeourlittlesecret."
Sheraisesaneyebrow,herlipstuggingintoaslygrin."Sothen,whatarewe,Samuil?"
Imeethergazesquarely,feelingthatfamiliarweightinthepitofmystomach."Idon'tknow,Ana.Thisisnew.Doweneed tolabelit?Complicatethings?"
Sheshrugs,herfingersstillingonmyskin "Noteverythingneedsalabel”
Mymindraces.It’saconversationIhadn'tbeenpreparedfor,butIshould'veseencoming.“Let’snotaddpressure.Let's seewherethisgoes Havesomefun,"Isuggest,tryingtokeeptheatmospherelight,thoughtheimportanceoftheconversation isn'tlostoneitherofus.
Shegrins,hermoodvisiblylifted.“Ilikethesoundofthat.”
Ouragreementhangsintheairbetweenus,apactofsorts.Onlytimewilltellwherethisleads,butfornow,we'recontent toletthefutureremainunwritten.
Myphonevibratesaggressivelyonthenightstand,theilluminationfromitsscreenanunwelcomeinterruptioninthedimly litroom.Ireachforit,alreadyknowingthatlatenighttextsarerarelygoodnews.Themessageissimplebuttelling, Van's been spotted at the Black Diamond Poker game Imutteracurse.TheBlackDiamond,oneofourBratva'slessconspicuous,illegalundergrounddens.Highstakes,higher egos.PerfectplaceforasnakelikeVan.
"Igottago,"Isay,movingtogetdressed,theweightofresponsibilitysettlingonmyshoulders "Yougoingwithoutme?"Ana'svoicecutsthroughthesilence.Iglancebacktoseehersittingupright,sheetspoolingather waist,thefierceglintinhereyesspeakingvolumes Isigh."Youshouldstayhere.Itcouldgetdangerous."Butasthewordsleavemylips,Irealizehowemptytheysound.This
isAnastasia,fearisn'tinhervocabulary.
Shehopsoutofbed,swiftlycollectingherclothing."YouthinkI'mjustgonnalieherewhileyouchasedownmybrother’s would-bekiller?Thinkagain,bigguy" Ican'tresistpullingherclose,myhandsonherwaist.“Justpromisemeyou'll stayclosetome.Norogue-heromoments, okay?”
Shetiltsherhead,lipsbrushingmine.“Promiseifyoudo.” Weheadoutintothenight,thepromiseofdangerintheair I’mnotsurehowmuchIliketheideaofAnastasiawalkinginto saiddanger,butIfeelreadyforwhatevertheunderworldhastothrowourway.
