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".

   SERAFINA’S POV

      Two days later-Stamford Hospital New York.

      The first thing I noticed was that I had a headache. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, the overhead bulb burning into my eyes. The smell of antiseptic hit me and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I was in a hospital. 

      “Serafina?” Adriko called in concern. My eyes moved to the side and there he was sitting on the chair beside me. His eyes locked onto mine, brows furrowed. 

      “W-what…happened?” my voice was faint,barely above a whisper 

      “You collapsed in the bathroom, and hit your head,” he said, his voice calm but tense. “You’ve been unconscious for two days”.

      Two days! My eyes widened as memories flashed through my mind. I had gone to use the restroom after the doctor left, I remember feeling dizzy before slumping and hitting my head against the sink.

      “I felt so weak”, I murmured, my fingers brushing the bandage on my forehead .”The room was spinning. I couldn't…” 

      “You couldn't what?” his tone sharpened and I flinched. 

      “I couldn't catch myself “ I whispered.

      He let out a sharp breath, his hands running through his hair. “It’s okay, just relax,” he said in a soothing voice as he caressed my knuckles absently, a gesture so tender it unsettled me.

      The door opened and Diana stepped in, her scrubs wrinkled, a worried look in her eyes that lit up when she saw me awake. 

      “Fina!” she gasped rushing to my side. Her hands fluttered over me, checking the monitors. “Thank God you're awake. You scared us all” 

      “What happened to me?” I asked, my voice steadier. 

      “You fainted fina,” she said gently fluffing the pillows beside me. “Exhaustion and low blood sugar”. 

      “Oh,” I breathed. 

      Her gaze softened “When was the last time you ate something real? Don’t lie to me”. She questions as she proceeds to check my vitals.

      I frowned as I pondered. I couldn't remember. Nadia had brought a tray of food to me that night after the doctor left but I hadn’t taken a bite from anything.

      I bite my lips as I whisper guiltily. “Before the wedding“

      Diana sighed as she adjusted the IV “You can't keep doing this Fina. You have to take care of yourself” she scolded softly though her tone was firm.

      She glanced at Adriko who was standing stiffly beside me. “She’ll be fine, but she needs food and lots of rest, no stress” she instructed.

      He nodded and strides towards the window, his phone already to his ear. His voice was low, rapid Russian that I couldn't understand spilling from his lips. He turned back to us after getting off the call.

      “Nadia’s on her way with food”. He announced, his eyes locked on mine. His intense gaze sent shivers through me.

      “Good!” Diana smiles “I’ll leave you too then.” she responds glancing between Adriko and me. 

      After Diana left, silence settled over the room like a fog. Adriko’s gaze didn't leave mine.

      He walked closer, his presence overwhelming. I tried to look away but his eyes drew me in. Why was he affecting me this way? I hated it, I didn't like the confusing emotions warring within me.

      He spoke in a low measured tone that was laced with his Russian accent. “The doctor said you’ll be discharged once you are conscious, but you need to rest.No stressful activities” he stated.

      I stiffened at his authoritative tone “Resting isn't an option Adriko. I have a performance coming up that I need to prepare for” 

      His jaw tightened “That's not happening“ he snaps 

      I glare at him “Excuse me? I don't need your permission to do anything”. 

      His eyes narrowed, the anger in his gaze burning into me. “This isn’t a request. It’s an order” he fumed “You don't have the luxury of being reckless, not right now”. 

      “You don't get to decide that” I shot back, heat rising in my chest “You're not my keeper”. 

      “No” he leaned down, his voice dangerously low “I am your husband Serafina and that means you belong to me, every inch of you“. The air between us was thick with tension, as we stared each other down.

      A timid knock breaks the tense silence. We glance towards the door as it opens to reveal Nadia, Sergei right behind her. 

      “Hello dear” she beamed as she walked towards me, Concern evident in her eyes “I’ve been so worried, I’m happy to see you're well” 

      “Uhmm…Thank you Nadia” I muttered shyly. Her show of concern makes a warm feeling go through me. 

      From the corner of my eye, I notice Adriko and Sergei talking discreetly, heads close together, their tone too low for me to figure out what was being said.

      He straightens and strides towards my bed. His hand reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch sent a mixture of anger and unexpected shivers down my spine. How dare he be distant and cold in one moment and tender the next?

      “I’ll be back soon”, he whispered, his breath caressing my skin. “Rest for now and make sure you eat up”. 

      He didn't look back as he walked out with Sergei, but his presence lingered, a reminder of the growing, impossible tangle of emotions I couldn't control. 

      ♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

      LATER THAT NIGHT.

      Nadia had left after ensuring I ate a good portion of the food she had brought, the doctor had also stopped by and declared me fit to go home.

      There’s a sharp knock on the door 

      “come in” I call

      I glance at the door as the familiar faces of my father and Tessa appear. He smiles awkwardly as he approaches.

      “Come stai, figlia?” (how are you daughter?) he asked nervously.

      “sto bene papà” (I’m fine Dad) I respond in a clipped tone. 

      My father was the last person I wanted to see. After how he sold me off, I don't think we can ever have a normal father-daughter relationship.

      “Diana informed us that you were awake so we came to see how you were” he continued as Tessa moved closer to the bed pulling me into a bone-crushing hug, whispering in a shaky voice, her hands framing my cheeks

      “Cara Mia” she gushed. “Grazie a dio stai bene” (my dear. Thank God you are fine). 

      An affectionate smile tugs at my lips “Grazie Tessa” (Thank you )

      I chatted with Tessa for a while then my father announced that they had to leave as he had a meeting with Don Marco.

      Alone in the quiet room, my thoughts refused to settle. My conversation with Adriko played in my mind and my fists clenched as I remembered his infuriating orders. He can't stop me from performing. That was the only thing in my life right now that was still normal and I refuse to let it go. 

      My eyes drifted to the window that I had left slightly open. A figure moved in the balcony, clad in black from head to toe, a mask over the face. I blinked hard. Was I seeing things?

      My heart leaped in my throat as cold sweat broke out on my skin. I stared at the figure, hoping i was hallucinating.

      My fingers shook as I held my phone to my chest, willing my racing heart to slow down. 

      I pressed my back against the headboard, my breaths coming out in shallow pants. My gaze darted around the room, searching for something I could use to defend myself.

      My wing was a private wing, there shouldn't be anyone here.

      The doorknob rattled. The sound sent a jolt through me. I tried to move but fear paralyzed me. My thumb flew over my screen as I sent a message to Adriko

      ‘Please get here quick. There’s someone here’.

      My eyes flew to the door in alarm as it slowly creaked open…