SERAFINA’S POV

    The world shattered in an instant. 

    One minute I was walking towards the Car, Adriko’s presence looming behind me. 

   The next, the ground vibrated with a violent roar, cracking open as bits of asphalt and flame shot into the air.

   The force slammed me down hard, broken debris tearing into my side. I felt the weight of Adriko on top of me as mayhem broke out around us.

    A buzzing sound rang in my ear, making it hard to think. The harsh smell of smoke and burning metal filled my nose, choking me. 

   I coughed, my chest aching with each breath I took, and my eyes watered from the effects of the smoke around me.

    Adriko’s voice floated into my hearing from somewhere around but it was muffled and distant. 

    His grip tightened on my shoulders, shaking me subtly as he examined my face. 

   His lips were moving but the ringing in my ears drowned out the noise.

    “Serafina!!” his voice finally floated in.

    I blinked at him, still too dazed to respond. 

    “Are you hurt?” he asked, his ocean-blue eyes scanning my face. 

   His fingers brushed against my forehead and I caught a glimpse of a red crimson stain smeared across his fingertips as he pulled away. 

   My stomach churned.

    “Is that…blood?” I whispered, my voice coming out weaker than I expected.

    ”It’s a small cut,” he said quickly, his voice firm.

    A sharp pain flared through me as I tried to move.

    “My side” my throat burned as i spoke, “It hurts”. 

    His expression turned to one of concern immediately. “Lay back down, I’ll be back,” he responded tightly. 

   Before I can process his words he rises to his feet, the sudden absence of his warmth making me shiver.

    He strides towards Sergei and the rest of his men, giving out orders.

    “Lockdown the area, evacuate the guests”.Alert Dinma to send reinforcements now, he barked.

    “Yes boss”, Sergei responds.

    “How about Irina?” Adriko asked.

    “She’s safe.” 

    Adriko nodded, then paused mid-step. “Find the source. I want to know who is behind this, every link,every whisper, track it down”. He says sharply.

    Sergei nodded and disappeared into the shadows.

    I pushed myself up on trembling arms but the world spun violently, forcing me back down. 

   Hot tears clouded my vision, threatening to spill over. Just a week ago, my life was so simple. 

   How did I go From singing on stage to now being a target?

    Adriko returned a moment later kneeling beside me.

    “Hey,” he whispered, his hand brushing my forehead, steady and surprisingly gentle. “We’re leaving”, he continued, his voice low but firm as if trying not to betray the tension pulling at him. “Can you stand?” 

    “I think so” I lied through gritted teeth, the pain flaring sharply in protest. He pinned me with a stare as if he knew the truth but didn't bother to call me out on it.

    He scooped me up with ease, his stride steady despite the chaos around us. 

   My head rested against his broad chest, my limbs too heavy to move. 

   I sucked in a sharp breath as pain shot through my side with every step he took.

    “I can walk,” I protested. 

    “No you can’t,” he replied with a note of finality.

    Barking out sharp and urgent commands, he carried me to the waiting SUV. 

   The cool leather seat pressed against my back as I snuggled into the warm blanket that was placed over me. 

   Adriko got in beside me as the driver put the car in motion and sped from the mayhem.

    *************************

    The ride to the penthouse was a quiet blur. Adriko’s occasional instructions over the phone breaking the silence.

    “Here,” I turned to see him extending a bottle of water towards me. I hesitated, my hands still trembling too much to be able to grip it firmly. 

    He sighed with a slight shake of his head, unscrewing the cap and holding the bottle to my lips, his fingers brushing against my chin.

    I took a small sip, the cold liquid immediately soothing my parched throat. “Thank you” I murmured, my voice still faint.

    He didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the road.

    The car came to a halt in front of a massive building. 

   Adriko came to my side of the car, his movements swift. He pulled open the door and lifted me out.

   I hated how safe I felt. How dare he make me feel this way when my world was in turmoil?

    “Put me down,” I muttered. “I can…” 

    “Enough!” he snapped, his tone sharp and final.

    I bristled at his sharp tone “You seem to be very good at barking out orders. Why don't you command me to breathe while you're at it?”

    His grip tightened on me “Watch your words Serafina” he murmured calmly “or I might drop you''. 

    I fell silent, biting back the retort on the tip of my tongue. 

    Inside the reception area, the luxury of the building was even more glaring. 

   Security guards littered the perimeter reminding me of the mayhem we just left.

   They glanced briefly at us and looked away just as quickly.

    Paying them no mind, he strode towards the elevator and placed his thumb over a scanner.

   The doors swung open and he stepped in, cradling me closer as we rode up to the first floor. 

   When the doors swung open it revealed a penthouse that was breathtaking with its floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the massive living room.

    Walking down a faintly lit hallway towards a door, he pushed it open to reveal a guest room. 

   Striding towards the bed, he placed me down gently. 

   I glanced around, noting the lavish furnishings and the faint scent of lavender in the air. 

    “Stay still” he ordered, disappearing briefly before returning with a first aid kit and a damp cloth. 

   He discarded his jacket, revealing the tattoos that snaked up his arms. 

    “This might sting,” he soothed pulling a chair close, his intense gaze locking on mine.

    “You don't have to fuss over me” I whispered looking away to avoid his gaze that suddenly made me uncomfortable.

    “Fuss?” he scoffed. “I’m doing you a favor, people don't get this kind of treatment from me”.

    “Oh, lucky me,” I said dryly. 

    He started with the cut on my forehead, dabbing at it gently with the damp cloth. I winced, the sting sharper than I anticipated. 

   He worked fast and expertly, stitching the cut and placing a light bandage over it.

    He glanced at me while packing up the first aid box. “You'll need to get out of this dress, “ he quipped eyeing the torn-up and greased dress. 

    “Why?” I asked sharply, my guard rising instantly.

    He sighed in frustration “To check your ribs. Relax Serafina”, he said, his voice laced with mockery. “I have no interest in seeing you naked. You're not my type”.

    My cheeks burned “Go to hell” I spat. Clenching my fists at his mocking tone.

    “Ladies first” he murmured, his lips curling into a humorless smirk but as soon as it appeared, it was gone. 

    The ringing of his phone cuts through the tense silence. He glances at the caller ID and slides it into his pocket.

    Standing, he picks up his jacket. “Nadia, my housekeeper, is coming to help you out of that dress.“Get some rest,” his voice was cold as he strode towards the door. 

    “The doctor will be here soon to check your ribs.” 

    And then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

   ADRIKO’S POV

      The door clicked shut behind me and my eyes instinctively flickered to my phone screen.

     Sergei.

     My thumb Swiped the receive button, and I pressed the phone to my ear. 

      “Speak” I ordered, my voice low and calm despite the fury simmering underneath the surface.

      “We found something boss” Sergei reported. 

      I strode down the hallway, taking swift steps to my study.

      “Tell me”.

      “The detonator, it’s a high-class military piece. Someone went through a lot of trouble to get it”.

      I reached the end of the hallway and pushed open the doors to my office.

     The scent of leather and polished wood greeted me as I paced across the room.

     Shoving my hands in my pockets, I glanced out my study window, the city bustling below.

      “And the source?” I asked.

      “That's where it gets complicated. The parts were smuggled into the city months ago but it was assembled-” 

      “Spit it out, Sergei”. 

      “Well the markings on the piece seem to point to the Yakuza, but we ain't hundred percent certain yet, it could be a diversion”

      My fists tightened beside me. The Yakuza. Of course, it had to be them, they had been circling us for months now waiting to pounce.

      “What about casualties?” I asked, though I already knew I wouldn't like the answer. 

      “Five dead” he replied grimly. “Three of our men, two guests. A dozen others injured but non-critical”.

      I pinched the bridge of my nose, the sting of the news settling in the pit of my stomach “The timing was too precise, how the fuck did they know where and when to strike!?”

      Sergei hesitated. I could hear his heavy breathing from the other end. 

      “There’s more, the device was planted inside the venue hours before the event. The one planted by the Rolls Royce was just to seal your fate. Someone had inside knowledge”.

      The hairs at the back of my neck stood. A mole, someone within had betrayed us.

      “Find them” I growled, my voice low and menacing. 

      “I don’t care if you have to turn the city upside down, I need names and when you find them, bring them to me alive”

      “Understood boss”. 

      The line clicked off, and I tossed the phone onto my desk sinking into the chair. 

     I let out a sharp breath of annoyance as I leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. My mind raced with different thoughts.

     Alot of my enemies were getting bolder but this time,they had gone too far and were going to regret it.

      The memory of the explosion flashed in my mind, the panicked and fearful look in Serafina’s wide gray eyes as I pulled her from the ground still left me with that feeling of unease that I tried to shake off. 

     I replay the verbal exchange we had earlier and chuckle softly to myself. 

     Most people cowered under my sharp gaze and commanding aura but not her, she faced me head-on and for some strange reason, that fire in her both irritates and intrigues me. 

      “She doesn’t even know the danger she’s in” I murmured to the empty room, the words hanging heavy.

      A soft knock on my office door interrupts my thoughts. Nadia stepped inside, her usual composure replaced by something softer.

      “The doctor's here to check on her Mr Ivanov” she announced,her voice edged with concern.

      I rise from my desk, grabbing my blood-stained Jacket from the back of the chair. “Take him to her and make sure he has everything he needs”.My tone was clipped but not unkind.

      She nodded quickly “Yes sir”.

      “I’m heading to the club now and I probably won't be back until morning. If anything urgent comes up, Dinma is a call away“.

      “No problem Mr Ivanov. Please be careful out there” she added, concern laced in her voice.

      “I will, Nadia. Thank you” I gave her a reassuring nod before walking to my bedroom for a quick shower and change.

      ♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

      The roar of the car engine filled the silence as I sped through the city streets to my club ‘BELYE NOCHI’. 

     My fists gripped the steering wheel, as I reflected on the events of the day.

      I parked the car, the blaring music greeting me as I entered. 

     The scent of cigarettes, spilled whiskey, perfume, and alcohol lingered in the air.

      To the naive eye, this was just a regular strip club but eighty percent of my illicit dealings go on here. 

     I glanced at the stage, where a dancer in red swayed to the music, running her hands down her body sensually. 

     My eyes lingered for only a moment noting the inviting look in her eyes but I wasn’t interested in indulging, not tonight.

      I made my way upstairs to my office through the private staircase. By the time I turned a corner, I was met by Tasha, one of the servers.

      “Mr. Ivanov”, she began hesitantly, her eyes darting around nervously “I need to talk to you”.

      I paused, my eyes narrowing “About what?” 

      Her hands trembled as she wrung them together glancing behind as though expecting someone to step out from the shadows. “It’s about…what happened tonight. The explosion”. 

      “You have two seconds to speak” I snapped, irritation creeping into my voice.

      She bit her lips, lowered her voice, and stepped closer. “Last week, I overheard one of our regular customers and a new face having a conversation in the VIP lounge. The new guy said something about ‘timing the blast’.” 

     She paused as she took a deep breath “I thought he was drunk and talking nonsense. But after what happened today at your wedding……”. Her voice faltered

      My patience thinned. I stepped forward, my fists clenching at my sides. “Who was it?” 

      “I don’t know his name” she stammered, her eyes wide with fear. 

      “He had tattoos with weird inscriptions, the words were foreign. He’s been here twice this month and always ordered the most expensive whiskey “. 

      I gripped her arm, not too tightly but enough to rattle her. 

     Her skin was cold beneath my fingers, her breath hitching in fear “You better not be making this up, or you’re as good as dead”. 

      Her eyes bulged and she quickly shook her head “I’m not lying, I swear”. 

      I let go, my voice dropping to a low growl “Get back to work, and don’t say a word of this to anyone“. 

      She nods rapidly and skitters back to the bar. I enter my office and place a call to my club manager.

      “Dimitri, pull the video surveillance from the VIP lounge for the last two weeks. I want to know every single person that has been in and out. Make it fast”

      “On it boss. I’ll be there in ten”.

      I pour myself a stiff drink, the alcohol burning my throat as I strode to the tinted window that overlooked the main floor of the club that was bustling with activities.

     Tipsy men were sticking wads of cash in between the boobs of the dancers, servers moving quickly drinks in hand. 

      A knock on the door draws my attention away.

      “Enter”.

      Dimitri walks in, holding a couple of tapes.“Got them, boss”.

      I nodded towards the TV and video player in the corner of the room. He moves quickly, inserting the first tape. 

     The screen flickers to life, and the weight of silence hangs heavy in the air as we focus intently on the screen. 

     A vaguely familiar figure grabs my attention as I refill my glass. 

      “There! Rewind and pause!” I barked. Dimitri works quickly, zooming in. 

     The figure becomes clearer and I curl my fingers violently around the glass.

      “Well look who we have here” I snarled, recognition flashing in my eyes.

      The shrill ringing of my phone cuts through the tense silence. I glance at the ID and swipe 

      “Govori” ( speak) I snapped, irritation creeping into my voice.

      I listen as Sergei’s voice floats into the room “We have a name boss and you’re not going to like it”. 

      The words hung in the air.

      I exhaled sharply, already knowing who he was. “Bring him to me alive”.

    ADRIKO'S POV.

    I lit my cigar and took a deep puff. I always love Cubans. They tend to calm me down.

    They brought him. 

    The predatel (betrayer ) who thought he could get away with working with my enemies.

    Matvei was my head of security, he had been at my side for five years. I'd trusted him to guard my life and family but he has betrayed that trust. 

    I pondered on the best way to punish him, that would send a clear message to the other members of my bratva. Don't want these people to think i'm getting soft.

    I pointed to my men. "Take him down to the basement and tie him up. I'll be there shortly".

    They drag him away as he screams for mercy. By the time I'm done, he won't be screaming. I take my time and finish my cigar, then make my way towards the basement in quick steps. 

    The room is cold, its stone walls damp, illuminated by a single bulb swaying slightly from the ceiling.

    Sergei has my tools lined up and waiting. Pliers, a blowtorch, a hammer, and an assortment of blades.

    I proceed to roll up my sleeves. It's about to get messy.

    I pick up the pliers as I circle him. He's chained to the basement ceiling, legs up, head down. 

    "It's funny how you thought you could dine with my enemies and get away with it". I pause behind him and click the button for the lever and it immediately descends, dropping him to the floor. 

    I gesture to my men and they proceed to strap him to the chair. "Do you know the difference between bravery and stupidity?" I asked, my voice low and measured. 

    He didn't answer, his burst-up lips trembling as he stared at me like a cornered animal. I crouched down, my face now level with his. 

    "Bravery," I said quietly "is knowing when to speak." I let my words hang in the air before leaning in closer "Stupidity is thinking you can lie to me".

    I grip his chin, forcing him to look me in the eye. "So tell me" I murmured, "which one are you?"

    He shakes his head vigorously, the fabric on his mouth preventing him from speaking, fear evident in his eyes. Coward. I straighten up and clamp my hand around the pliers, testing their grip.

    "Let's find out which you are".

    I grab his hand and clamp the pliers on his left pinky and in one deft movement, sever it from his hand. His muffled screams tear through the gags and a wet patch is immediately visible on his thighs. The idiot wet himself.

    I tore off the restraint and his tortured screams envelope the room. "Are you ready to talk now?" I demand 

    "P-please," he wheezed, struggling for air "I'll talk!" 

    I took a step back, watching him sag in on himself. "Good", I said, my voice ice cold. "Then start with this ,Who were you meeting with?" The CCTV hadn't properly captured the face of the other man. He had been calculative enough to avoid the cameras. 

    Matvei hesitated, his gaze darting to Sergei as if looking for salvation. He wouldn't find it.

    "Every second you waste is another piece of you I take" I warned, glancing at the table behind me.

    The blowtorch looks tempting. I reached for it, before turning back to him. His breathing grew ragged.

    "Last chance" I snarl. He screams in agony as I turn it on and face the full force of the flames on his thighs.

    "It was Oda!" He blurted, his words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "An enforcer in the Yakuza!".

    "They paid me to give them intel! Please, I told you what you wanted-"

    I put on the blowtorch while ripping out another finger. His screams echoed off the walls. "You think that's enough?" I asked tossing the pliers onto the table with a clatter. Blood dripped from my hands onto the cold floor. 

    "What did they promise you?" I question, my voice dripping in contempt. He looks up at me in helplessness.

    "Your position". He breathes in a shaky voice "They promised that I'll be the new Pakhan once you were eliminated". 

    "They promised you my position?!" I repeated, my voice a low growl. I leaned closer, my eyes narrowing. "You couldn't even protect your own,What made you think you could handle mine?"

    "I want names. Every contact.Every place you've been.", my voice drops to a deadly whisper "Don't make me ask twice". 

    His chest heaved as he sobbed, his sweat and tears mixing with blood. "pozhaluysta" (please) he begged "It was just Oda and a few men. I don't know their names but we meet at the warehouse on Pier 19! That's all I know, I swear!" he rushes out. 

    I straightened, staring at Sergei. "Verify it".

    He nodded, pulling out his phone and stepping out of the room. I turned back to Matvei. His head hung low, blood dripping onto the concrete floor. 

    "You know what happens to anyone that breaks Vorovskoy Zakon right?" I ask, grabbing a fistful of his hair so he's forced to look at me. (The code of thieves)

    "Please" he rasped, his voice barely audible. "I have a family-" 

    "So did the people that died in that explosion " I snapped picking the knife from the table. "And they didn't get a choice either". 

    The blade was sharp, slicing cleanly across his throat. His body jerked once, then sagged against the restraints as blood pooled beneath the chair. 

    The door creaked open and Sergei stepped back in. "Pier 19 checks out," he reports "What do we do now boss?" 

    I wiped the blade on the dead man's shirt before slipping it back into its sheath. "We send a message ", I said. My voice cold and firm. "Burn the warehouse. Leave no survivors . "Make sure they know who did it". Sergei nodded, already pulling out his phone to relay the message.

    A commotion breaks out outside and Dima barges in, panic evident in his face. 

    "There's a situation boss" he rushes out. "Your wife is in the hospital, she's not breathing".