by Lylah James
I watched the bodies burn, my Angel’s tormentor one of them. Her nightmare was finally over. Ayla was finally safe. Our daughter would be safe.
I had avenged my Angel in the only way I knew how.
“Respect. I demand respect from all of you. Not just me but for your Queen, Ayla Abandonato. If I ever hear someone disrespect her, you will take your last breath. You are beneath her. She commands you, and you fucking do whatever she says, like a fucking loyal dog,” I growled low, making sure everyone understood the rule.
They bowed their heads.
A smile whispered across my lips.
I was done here. Turning around, I got into the car.
I’m coming for you, Angel.
Chapter 25
Ayla
Maddie sat beside me, painting her toenails deep red as I tried to focus on my book. But I just couldn’t.
My mind kept going back to Alessio.
“Ayla, relax,” Maddie mumbled. “I can feel the tension from here. It’s not good for the baby.”
“I just worry,” I said, turning to face her.
Her forehead furrowed. “Worry? About who? Alessio?”
I nodded sheepishly. “Girl, you should be worried about the men he captured. Definitely not Alessio.” She laughed.
“But he’s taking so long,” I argued back.
“Because he is prolonging their death,” she shot back with a wink.
That shut me up. Because it was probably true.
I stayed silent until Maddie released a loud breath. She got off the bed and walked to my dressing table. “You know, I can’t believe this is Alessio’s room. I never thought I would see the day. A dressing table. Closet filled with women’s clothes and shoes. A little feminine touch to the room,” Maddie said, looking around the room. “You got him wrapped around your little finger, babe,” Maddie gushed, coming back to the bed with a different nail polish.
She settled in front of me, sitting cross-legged. Maddie took hold of my feet and gently pulled them to her lap.
“Wait. What are you doing?” I asked, trying to pull away.
“Stop moving. Let me do your nails. It’s not like you can reach your feet now,” she mumbled, taking the cap off the nail polish bottle.
It was partly the truth. Because of my large belly, it had become harder to reach my feet. I could only imagine how it would be further into my pregnancy. Would I even see my feet? Probably not.
“Is this color okay?” she asked, showing me the light pink bottle.
I nodded. The color was pretty and one of my favorites. Silently, I watched Maddie apply the color to my nails.
Nowadays, Maddie had been quiet. Quieter than usual. There was a dark shadow in her eyes. Sometimes I would notice the sad expression, the tears in her eyes.
No matter how much she tried to hide it from me, I saw past her fake exterior.
Artur betrayed all of us. But Maddie was feeling most of the pain. My chest tightened at the thought, and I grabbed her hand.
“Maddie,” I started. “Talk to me.”
She stared at me questioningly and then laughed. “Talk about what, silly?”
I shook my head. There she was again. Laughing when it was probably the last thing she wanted to do.
“Stop lying and stop hiding from me, Maddie. I know you. I know what Artur did hurt you more than you’re letting me know, but please don’t keep it inside. It will only hurt you more,” I tried to soothe.
Her chin wobbled, and she blinked her tears away. “You don’t know anything,” she whispered.
“Because you won’t tell me. I could ask anyone, but I want you to talk to me,” I replied, moving closer to her.
A tear fell down her rosy cheek, and I quickly swiped it away. I would be there to wipe her tears away, only if she’d let me.
Maddie opened her mouth to say something but quickly snapped it shut when a knock sounded on the door. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“It’s nothing, Ayla. Please let it go,” she muttered.
I could feel the back of my throat closing, the emotions suffocating me. “It’s not nothing,” I whispered back when another knock came.
“Let it go, Ayla. Please.”
When a third knock came, I closed my eyes. “Come in.”
My eyes fluttered open to see Nina standing in the doorway. My mouth fell open in shock, and Maddie turned around to face the door too. I saw her eyes glistened with anger.
“What are you doing here?” she hissed, getting to her feet.
Nina stepped into the room. “I’m not here to argue. I want to talk to Ayla.”
Her voice was calm, her eyes never wavering from mine. She stared me down, and I stared back.
“Well, she doesn’t want you here. Actually, nobody wants you here. Get. Out,” Maddie growled defensively.
“Can you stop speaking for her? She has a mouth,” Nina snapped back.
“Ayla,” Maddie said, turning to me.
I shrugged, facing Nina again. “What is it?” I asked.
Nina scoffed and crossed her arms. “I’ll make it quick and only say it once.”
I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. She flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder and walked closer to the bed, her heels clicking hard against the floor.
Nina paused and took a deep breath. “I’m here to make amends.”
“You little bitch,” Maddie swore.
“Can you stop talking for a minute so I can speak? Did your on-off button break or what?” Nina sneered.
Maddie stared at Nina, gaping. “Thank you,” Nina joked, turning her attention back to me.
“As I said, I’m not here to fight. Actually, I’m here for the opposite. It’s due time that I do this now. What I said way before, it was out of line. I shouldn’t have insulted you like that,” Nina started, her voice firm.
Her eyes were cold, her face expressionless. In that moment, she reminded me so much of the Ivanshov men.
Her words brought back the scene in the kitchen. I looked down, remembering all the things she said and how the words had pierced my heart.
“I know it’s hard to believe when I tell you that I didn’t mean them,” she continued.
My head snapped up, and Maddie scoffed, rolling her eyes. Nina glared holes into Maddie’s head. “Fine,” she growled. “Maybe I meant it a little. But I was bitter and angry. It’s no excuse, but please know I had no intention to cause you serious pain.”
I rubbed my stomach, seeking comfort from my princess as I tried to take in Nina’s words.
“It was mostly a test. To see your strength. If you really were strong enough for Alessio. To lead with him.”
“Well, she is way stronger than you,” Maddie spat.
This time, a tiny smile appeared on Nina’s lip. It was a ghost smile. It was there for a second and gone in the next. “I have no doubt in that.”
Her words went straight to my heart. I knew she wasn’t talking physically. Her words held a deeper meaning, and in that moment, I was thankful she said them.
“This is why I’m here to apologize. I am sorry for what I said. You’ll be seeing more of me, so I thought it would best if we’re on good grounds,” Nina explained. “I don’t want Alessio. Yes, I fucked him before. Not going to lie, and I sure as hell am not going to sugar-coat it for you. But Alessio and I are over. We were over the moment he fell for you, and I respect that decision,” Nina continued in the same monotone voice.
Taking a deep breath, Nina moved to my side. Maddie took a protective step toward me.
“I’m not going to hurt her. God, who the hell do you think I am?” Nina said, clearly looking offended that Maddie wanted to protect me from her.
“Someone who needs to get lost very soon,” Maddie replied, glaring at Nina.
“Well, that’s not going to happen,” Nina shot back.
They both glared at each other, and I rolled my eyes. Why did I get a feeling that I was going to be stuck with tw
o Maddies? Or was it two Ninas?
Oh my God.
I cleared my throat, and both of their attentions snapped to me. “I understand what you mean. And I think I forgave you a long time ago, Nina.”
Shrugging, I gave her a small smile. She didn’t smile back. I wondered if she knew how to properly smile?
“I guess we can start over,” Nina said after a few silent seconds. She gave me her hand, waiting for me to shake it.
“Nina Ivanshov,” she introduced.
I took her hand, my heart beating wildly. “Ayla,” I introduced back. Swallowing hard past the sudden lump in my throat, I continued. “Ayla Abandonato.”
Nina’s hand tightened around mine, and this time she smiled. It didn’t reach her eyes, though. They stayed cold.
“Not for long,” she replied with a raised eyebrow. “You will be Ayla Ivanshov in no time.”
My eyebrows furrowed in question, and when understanding finally dawned to me, I looked down, feeling my cheeks flushing red.
Maddie suddenly squealed as I released Nina’s hand. “Oh my God. Yes! She’s right! Oh my God. Ayla Ivanshov. That sounds perfect, right? Right? We have so much planning to do.”
My cheeks heated under her words, and I bit on my lips shyly.
Ayla Ivanshov.
I liked the sound of that. Actually, I loved it.
“You will be Ayla Ivanshov in no time,” Maddie said. “I’m sure of it.”
“That’s what I just said,” Nina said, rolling her eyes.
Maddie placed her hands on her hips. “Whatever, bitch.”
“Yeah whatever, stupid cow,” Nina mumbled under her breath.
“Did you just call me a stupid cow?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Fuck you!”
“Nope. Not interested,” Nina snapped drily.
I watched them bicker back and forth, my eyes wide. What universe did I just get transported in?
Maddie paused and then busted out laughing. “I never thought I would say this. I think I like you, bitch.”
Nina shook her head and turned back to me. Giving me a nod, she turned to walk away.
“Wait,” I called down. A question was burning in my mind.
“You said your name was Nina Ivanshov. How is your name Ivanshov?” I asked curiously.
Nina faced me and crossed her arms. “Only a small set of people have the privilege to take the Ivanshov name. Only the most loyal. I am one of them. Alessio trusts me with his life. And yours. My loyalty to this family comes first…before anything else. And now my loyalty is extended to you.”
Maddie nodded. “I forgot to tell you. My name is Maddie Ivanshov too. Same as Mum. Viktor. Nikolay and Phoenix. We all carry the Ivanshov name. It’s kind of a tradition for the most fiercely loyal people to the Boss.”
“Although I never thought Nina would take the name,” Maddie continued, staring at Nina curiously.
“You know nothing about me. But it’s not like I have to hide my identity any longer. You will know my truth soon enough, so it would be best that you don’t anger me. I hate annoying pests,” Nina replied lazily.
The threat was there, but Maddie just chuckled.
“I think we’ll be good friends.” She winked while laughing.
Nina’s back straightened, and her expression changed to a hard look. “I’m not here to make friends.”
That sentence did something to me. It reminded me so much of Alessio. The one who tried so hard to push me away.
I wanted to rebuke Nina, tell her that everyone needed friends, but I stayed quiet.
She stared at us for a second. Maddie’s arms were wrapped around me, and I was leaning into her. Nina shook her head and took out her cellphone.
“They’re coming,” Nina simply said.
With that, she walked out of the door. Maddie and I stared at each other.
Alessio was back. My heart suddenly felt a hundred times lighter.
Maddie helped me out of the bed, and we walked down the stairs together. As I reached the last landing, I saw Alessio coming through the main doors.
He came in first, looking big and fierce. His stance exuded dominance. Behind him, to his left, Viktor and Phoenix walked closely. Nikolay was to his right.
His most trusted men flanked his sides as they walked inside the house. They all had the same dark aura surrounding them. Their expensive suits did nothing to make them look less dangerous.
My feet took me forward, moving me toward Alessio before I could stop myself. We met in the middle, our bodies molding together.
Alessio held the back of my neck, pulling me closer. His fingers wrapped around my hair, pulling my head back. His breathing was ragged as he stared down at me with intense blue eyes.
His fingers tightened around my hair, and he brought my head closer. His lips descended toward me, and my heart hitched when his mouth met mine.
Alessio kissed me roughly, demanding access. I opened my lips, surrendering to him. His tongue swirled around mine in a fierce battle. He gripped my hair at the nape of my neck, giving it a sharp tug.
He kissed me desperately, almost savagely. I returned his kiss with the same fervor, my hands going to his shoulders to hold on.
His lips moved over mine, never once breaking our kiss. His kiss turned deeper, more aggressive. I was drunk on his kisses while he seemed lost in me.
Alessio claimed me in front of everyone.
I heard a loud roar. From the driveway, the courtyard, the whole mansion exploded. The men roared out their victory. The women clapped, joining this joyous moment.
Alessio and I kissed as our people celebrated.
The proud screaming continued, and I knew it wouldn’t end soon.
After all, the war just ended.
The Italians had lost.
And the Russians had won.
Chapter 26
My heart drummed in my chest as the realization settled around my shoulders.
Alessio’s kisses didn’t slow down. No, he continued to claim my lips in a possessive kiss, making my heart flutter with so much love.
I returned his kisses with the same fervor, as if we were starving for each other. Maybe it was the adrenaline of winning.
His fingers tightened in my hair as he bit on my lower lip. “I’m home,” he muttered roughly.
I pulled away, my fingers still holding the back of his neck. Smiling up at Alessio, I leaned up for another kiss.
“Welcome home, my love,” I whispered against his lips.
He groaned, his arm growing tighter around my waist. If it wasn’t for my rounded belly, our bodies would have been molded together.
“Say that again,” he demanded.
“Welcome home, my love.”
“The last part. Say it again,” he ordered, kissing my lips.
I let out a small laugh, feeling my cheeks heating up. I was blushing. How was that even possible after everything we had done together?
My fingers caressed the back of his neck as I gazed into his bluish steel-colored eyes lovingly. “My love,” I whispered again, just loud enough for only his ears.
Alessio smirked and pulled his head back, roaring with happiness. “We have won!”
I laughed, holding him to me.
Yes. We have won.
I swallowed past the lump around my throat. My father was gone. Alberto was gone. The Italians were under the Ivanshov family.
I didn’t think this day would come, but here I was, seeing it with my own eyes. Experiencing it.
I should have been shattered that my family, the Abandonatos, had lost.
But I wasn’t. Simply because the Abandonatos weren’t my family. They never were.
My real family had won, and I was going to celebrate with them.
The guys came and clapped Alessio on the back. Then they hugged me. There were many hugs and kisses. Laughter and huge smiles.
They treated me and pulled me in as their own.
When the roars of victory fin
ally settled down, Alessio bent his head to my ear. “I have to take care of some things. I’ll see you tonight.”
My eyes found his, and I pouted. “Do you have to go? You only just came back.”
Alessio’s intense blue eyes glowed fiercely at my words. Almost possessively. “I have to, Angel. It’s important. Now that he is gone, I have to clean up his fucking mess. Get everything straightened out under new rules.”
The way he sneered the words out, I almost shuddered.
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask Alessio how he killed Alberto. How he ended it. But I refrained myself in the last second.
Maybe it was better I didn’t have the details.
Alessio placed another quick kiss on my lips before pulling away. I couldn’t help myself. My lips pursed in another pout.
He sighed before kissing my pout. Hard. A bruising kiss that had his dominance all over it.
“No pouting. You’re making it harder to leave,” he growled low.
That was the plan. Not that I was going to say it out loud.
Alessio sent me a wink before walking upstairs, the guys following behind him.
A sigh escaped past my lips when Maddie came to stand beside me.
“A little less PDA next time, babe. It would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much,” she teased with a raised eyebrow.
I closed my eyes tightly, feeling my cheeks burn under her gaze. “Oh. Now you’re blushing! Look at you all red. What about when Alessio was practically mauling you in front of twenty other people?”
I heard a smack, and my eyes opened to see Lena glaring at Maddie. “Behave.”
Maddie laughed and winked at me. She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the kitchen. “Let’s go, babe.”
I took my seat at the stool, watching Maddie get us some lunch. “Do you need any help?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Just sit down. You shouldn’t even be out of bed. Remember what Ivy said? She wants you on bed rest most of the time. I’m surprised Alessio didn’t haul your ass back to bed.”
Maddie paused, shaking her head. “Never mind. He was busy doing something else.”
Her teasing tone just made her words funnier. My shoulders shook with silent laughter.
