***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraThe sound of a deep, soothing and familiar voice woke me up, the sun's rays warming me up as I pulled the covers off of me. My sleepy gaze landed on Draken's tattooed back as he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the incredible backyard view. I couldn't help but take him in, my stomach alive with butterflies and more at the sight of him.My thoughts strayed to our shared night, a blush settling on my features at the way my body viscerally reacted to his presence. I was growing more and more addicted to him, and it scared me. I couldn't allow myself to long for him as much as I did and yet the memories of our shared time together, the knowledge of his dedication to protecting me...He killed people down south for you, Alessa...You shouldn't be so turned on by this!My subconscious tried to remind me of the grey areas of my husband's actions and yet I couldn't help the part of me that was enamoured by him and the power he poss

***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraMy childhood home loomed before me, bringing back memories of the days spent within the confines of it and the nights spent in the basement after a rebellious streak. Despite Papa's tenacity and punishments, he had raised us in the only way he knew how and although I couldn't reconcile some of his actions, I found myself being more understanding than I anticipated.It is the man I married...Draken has changed my perspective and reminded me of the life I was born into. Blood stains my hands, not only from the sins of my Father but from my own...I had spent some time regretting my actions from the previous night, second-guessing myself but the morality of the situation shone through as Draken's words settled within me. The man was the literal scum of the Earth and deserved the ending he got.My inhibitions were forgotten, replaced with contentment and a firm understanding of my responsibilities as the wife of the Bratva's Pakan. I was still wary of

*** Long Island, New York Draken I watched my woman walk away, revelling in her presence and her love. I could see it wedged deep within her gaze. Although the words had not been spoken, the sentiment was there and strong. I knew it would only be a matter of time before everything would be revealed. Everything was coming to a head, and soon, she would remember everything. She needs to know how long this has been simmering...how long I have longed for her and loved her... She had always been the one. The only one who owned me- body and soul. She was my Queen and I would worship the ground she walked on, always and forever. She had no idea how long I had longed for her. But soon, everything will change. Especially after all that has been revealed...Our revenge is coming to a head. Soon, this will all end...and I can finally be with her. She is my true reward, the woman I have been longing for all my life... I turned to gaze at the man before me, the literal scum of a human being w

***I was in the back of the black SUV, windows tinted as always with two guards at the front. Mama was angry with me. I had defied Papa and embarrassed him at the event we had just left. I couldn't help it, though. The Serrano sisters had been mean again and I refused to let them talk ill of my little sister. I wouldn't let them bully us.Although Papa had been the one to banish me for giving them a beatdown, there was a proud glint in his eyes. I knew he wouldn't punish me too thoroughly. Probably a week in the basement or some gruelling training from Antonio. Zeno had been proud, Selene had been amused and Tori had hoped she could come with me. My siblings were my priority and knowing they had my back was all I cared about.At least I got to leave the boring party first. I was grounded but I was definitely okay with it. I didn't regret my actions one bit. The drive home wasn't as fast as I hoped it could be. I wanted to get out of this stupid dress. Mama always insisted on putting

***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandra"Now remember, don't do anything I wouldn't do, malyshka. Play nice until I get there, okay?"Draken's instructions made me chuckle as I stared out of the window of the moving SUV. We were on our way to a formal event organized by the Sahin family. Although I had met the Turkish mafia's Don on very few occasions, she had been kind enough to extend an invitation not only to Draken and I for her younger sister's upcoming nuptials to one of the main Aristocratic families in the Cosa Nostra.The woman was an enigma, and the one and only female Don in the entire criminal underground. She was a force to be reckoned with many individuals choosing to stay away from her due to the rumours of her madness and ruthlessness. I, however, found her to be kinder than most with the familiar glint of hard brutality that was given in the world we lived in.She has to be tough to make it in this cruel world we live in...To stand at the top as she always does...She d