Peter looked at his brother apprehensively, he and Igor had never interacted beyond a couple of chance encounters where his brother was simply a bodyguard for the Petrovs, and seeing him injured in a hotel room where Klaus, who he swore to be his friend, he hadn't even deigned to visit him, he found it disgusting, he thought in addition to Anika, who, just like before, had fallen for his tricks, even after learning the truth she had preferred it, clenched her jaw with just I remember the way Anika's soft body had clung to the bastard in a passionate kiss, Klaus was playing with her, she knew it, but at the same time she couldn't help but wonder if maybe there was something he was missing. , something that was being lost in the midst of all the chaos.Igor had been seriously injured, although he seemed to be on the mend, it had been quite a beating, Klaus had sent him to make sure everything was okay, but Igor hadn't given him more than a couple of grunts in response, while he was fini
nika looked at herself in the mirror, feeling nervous. Her hands trembled slightly at the prospect of seeing her father for the first time in a long time. She couldn't even remember the last time she had interacted with the man. After her dinner with the Urich brothers, Klaus had assured her that her reaction to Gregor had been perfect, especially because she had shown character. However, he had asked her to set aside specific threats, as being who he was, Klaus probably should be careful about who he threatened and how. It was her first official presentation as Klaus' partner, which made her nervous.For a couple of days, the man had made sure to train her in mafia matters. In a way, it was overwhelming, but the fact that she spent hours with him, sitting on his lap while they were together in the office, had certainly been an experience that made her feel comfortable with everything that was happening. Even if keeping up with what was happening in the world under everyone's noses wa
Edgar Nightingale was a tall man. The years had turned his hair gray at the temples, and his severe gaze and penetrating brown eyes swept the room almost disdainfully. His bushy eyebrows adorned a constant frown, with thin lips and a straight nose. There were slight wrinkles at the corners of his eyes from years of forcing them to read, always refusing to use his prescription. He was a man with a few extra pounds but without chubby cheeks. He had been part of the government since Anika could remember, always attending campaigns, conferences, and debates. He was an important and influential man. The gala was at Peter's father's mansion, a renowned senator and a partner of Mikhail's. In a way, his mansion was considered neutral ground, at least that's what Klaus had told her. Anika was expected at the gala as the governor's daughter, but coming face to face with her father as soon as she set foot in the place made her stomach churn. "My daughter," the man whispered when he made eye con
Klaus observed the interaction between Anika and Viktoria's adoptive mother. It was evident that something was happening in both women's minds, but Anika seemed particularly affected and confused."Does she really know?" Edgar asked, looking at Klaus. Klaus knew that Edgar was the missing link to allow Anika and her daughter to reunite. However, while Viktoria timidly greeted her biological mother without any idea of what was happening, Klaus's chest slightly tightened at the thought of destroying the little girl's world."She will soon," he said, moving away enough so that Anika couldn't hear their conversation. "How is it possible that she doesn't even remember her own daughter? Did you really let everyone believe that she was responsible for Nikolay's death?""I did it to protect her," the man growled, looking at his daughter with torment before returning his gaze to Klaus. "This is not the place to discuss this. She's too fragile. She won't be able to handle the truth.""So, that'
Three and a half years earlier. Anika woke up feeling her body completely heavy and her stomach churning. As she opened her eyes, she noticed that it was still dark. Darkness reigned in the room and the urgent need to turn on the light because of fear invaded her. She leaned to her right, turning on the lamp to get a better view of the room. She wasn't sure what time it was or where she was at all. She felt disoriented and her heart was pounding hard against her ribs, warning her that something was wrong. When she turned on the light, she blinked a few times to allow her eyes to adjust to the change.The room felt as empty and spacious as always. Her breasts were sore and swollen. She frowned, wondering if the twins hadn't woken up until then. Curious, she quickly got out of bed, feeling the urgent need to be with her children, as she left the room. Her babies were in the adjacent room. Mark hadn't wanted them to be with them. Their crying irritated him, and the night feedings had be
Anika forced herself to return to reality. She had to concentrate, but she had wasted at least two or three opportunities to make a good impression and get her father to talk to her again. Completely absorbed in memories and the sudden feeling deep in her stomach that something was profoundly wrong, she felt almost watched. Klaus tried to reassure her, taking her hand with a calming gesture and kissing her gently. It was almost dinner time when the man finally forced her to look at him. Anika blinked, blushing when she realized that, once again, he had been talking to her without getting a response. His furrowed brow was the only real sign of his concern, and the thoughtful way he looked around the room, as if making sure no one was listening, made her think that perhaps she had been ignoring him for too long."Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, gently taking her chin and getting her attention. Anika swallowed hard and blinked a couple of times, trying to keep the tears that threaten
Anika quickly dressed herself, even if the man was angry with her, she had to make the most of her little escape, her moment of freedom. She would find a way to make it up to him later, it wouldn't be that hard, right? She thought about the wounded look in his eyes when he was compared to his brother. It was still too low of a blow, she knew, but after having lived through that situation, Anika refused to let another man, especially one whose mere existence constantly reminded her of all the abuse she had suffered, control her again. She put on a pair of long pants, a silky top, and a matching jacket. She didn't have a bag, so she made a mental note to get one in the near future. Klaus had been indulgent with her wardrobe, but that didn't mean the man had thought of everything on his own. So she still had to make sure to make a few arrangements. Looking at herself in the mirror and feeling like a complete stranger, Anika put a hand on her belly, feeling like she was doing things the r
Anika stopped the car in front of the boutique that Klaus had taken her to a couple of weeks before. After buying a new phone and making a call to Peter, she drove all the way to the boutique again. Unlike that first day, it was relatively busy with a few women and a handful of men milling about. The same beautiful shop assistants were hovering around the customers. Vlad, who had insisted on following her to the place, walked by her side. Although he had to admit, he found it gratifying that the doors were opened for her. He wondered how much money Klaus really spent on bodyguards. Once inside, Anika was greeted with a glass of champagne, which she took under Vlad's watchful gaze, making her roll her eyes. The man was perhaps a couple of years older than Klaus and had a severe look, but he really seemed to have some affectionate tone towards Klaus. "Madam Petrova, it's a pleasure to have you back," said Sonya's soft and elegant voice, making Anika turn immediately. The woman walked to