Page 24

The night air is crisp as we arrive at the event, the sleek black car pulling up to the grand entrance. I step out first, adjusting my suit jacket. It’s been a while since I’ve attended something like this, and even though I don’t enjoy these social gatherings, tonight is different. Tonight, I have Jennifer by my side.

I glance back at her, watching as she steps out of the car, her hand delicately placed in mine. The moment she steps onto the pavement, my breath hitches. She’s stunning. The dress she’s wearing hugs her figure perfectly, a deep red that contrasts beautifully with her pale skin. Her hair is pulled back in loose waves, framing her face, while the diamond necklace I gave her gleams under the soft lights. She’s utterly captivating.

For a second, I find myself staring, unable to tear my eyes away from her. I knew she was beautiful, but seeing her like this—confident, poised, and completely mine—ignites something primal in me.

“You’re staring,” she whispers, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

I smirk, taking her arm. “Can you blame me?”

She rolls her eyes playfully, but I see the way her cheeks flush slightly. I like seeing her like this—relaxed, confident, and teasing. It’s a side of her I don’t often get to witness, and I realize I want more of it.

We step into the grand ballroom, the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses surrounding us. The crowd turns to watch as we enter, whispers following in our wake. As the head of the Sharov family, my presence always draws attention, but tonight, it’s different. All eyes are on her. They want to see who’s by my side, who has tamed the untamable.

Jennifer clings to my arm a little tighter, pressing herself close to me. “Ready to play the perfect couple?” she murmurs, her voice low and full of mischief.

I arch an eyebrow, amused. “Is that what we’re doing?”

She grins, her eyes sparkling. “Might as well, right? Give them a show.”

I chuckle under my breath. I like this side of her—playful, daring. I’ve been used to her quiet defiance, her fire that always burned beneath the surface, but tonight, she’s showing me something else entirely. She’s teasing me, playing a game, and I can’t help but get caught up in it.

As we move through the room, greeting various business associates and high-ranking officials, Jennifer plays the role of the perfect wife effortlessly. She’s charming, smiling warmly at everyone, her fingers trailing lightly over my arm as she speaks. Her touch is electric, sending jolts through my skin, and I know she’s doing it on purpose.

She leans in closer, brushing her lips lightly against my ear as she whispers, “Everyone’s watching us.”

Her breath against my skin makes me tense, but not in a bad way. “Let them.”

Her fingers curl around my bicep, and she tilts her head slightly, her lips almost brushing mine as she speaks softly. “Are you enjoying this as much as I am?”

The teasing in her voice makes my blood stir. She’s playing a dangerous game, one she knows will push me to the edge. “You have no idea,” I growl lowly.

She pulls back, giving me a sultry smile before turning her attention back to the crowd. It’s infuriating and arousing at the same time. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and I can’t help but admire her for it.

As the evening wears on, she continues to toy with me. Every touch, every flirtatious glance, is a calculated move. She’s enjoying the power she has over me tonight, and I can’t deny it—I’m enjoying it too.

At one point, she leans in again, her lips grazing my jaw as she speaks, “Do you like it when I do this? Pretend we’re the perfect couple?”

There’s a challenge in her voice, one I’m more than willing to accept. I turn to her, my eyes darkening with desire. “Careful, Jennifer. You might make me believe it.”

Her smile falters for just a moment, a flicker of uncertainty passing through her eyes before she regains her composure. She pulls away slightly, her fingers still resting lightly on my arm. “Maybe that’s the point.”

I narrow my eyes at her, but I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. She’s toying with me, and I’m letting her. It’s a dangerous game, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.

I keep Jennifer close, my hand resting on the small of her back as we navigate through the crowd. I can feel her teasing glance now and then, her playful smirks. She’s enjoying this, knowing exactly how to push my buttons, and I’m not even trying to hide how much I like it.

She’s playing the role of the perfect wife, and it’s as if she’s been by my side for years. I’m impressed by how easily she’s slipped into this, how comfortable she’s become. But I know her better than that. There’s a storm brewing underneath her composure, and I can’t help but wonder when it’ll finally break.

As we move toward the back of the room, the buzz of conversation grows quieter, replaced by the soft hum of music. I lean down, my lips brushing her ear as I speak. “Let’s step outside. I think we both need a break from this charade.”

She gives me a look, one eyebrow raised, as if she’s daring me to make good on my offer. “Lead the way,” she murmurs, her fingers lightly trailing down my arm, sending a jolt of heat through me.

Without another word, I guide her through the crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces on the way, but my focus remains on her. The moment we step outside into the courtyard, the cool night air hits us. The music fades into the background, and the world around us feels distant, quieter. More intimate.

I pull her close, backing her up against the stone wall of the courtyard. Her eyes lock with mine, the teasing smile still playing on her lips, but there’s something more now. A spark of anticipation, of heat.

“You’re enjoying yourself too much tonight,” I growl, my hand sliding to her hip, fingers pressing firmly against the curve of her waist.

She tilts her head back, the cool breeze catching her hair. “Maybe I am. What are you going to do about it?”

The challenge is clear in her voice, and I’m more than happy to accept it. I capture her lips with mine in a rough, hungry kiss. She responds instantly, her hands gripping the front of my jacket as if she’s been waiting for this all night. My hand tightens on her waist, pulling her even closer, feeling the heat radiating from her body.

I pull back slightly, our breaths mingling in the cool night air, her lips parted and swollen from the kiss. “Don’t push me too far, Jennifer. You might not be ready for what happens next.”

She laughs softly, a sultry sound that only stokes the fire burning between us. “Maybe I’m counting on it.”

I crush my lips to hers again, this time rougher, hungrier. The teasing and the games melt away, replaced by something raw and consuming. Her body molds against mine, and I revel in the way she gives in so easily, the way she craves this as much as I do.

I slip my hand into her hair, tugging slightly to expose the curve of her neck, my lips trailing along her jaw. Her soft gasp tells me everything I need to know—she’s mine, whether she wants to admit it or not.

Before things can escalate further, I hear footsteps behind me. I pull back, still close enough that our bodies are touching, but enough distance to acknowledge whoever has intruded on this moment.

“Enjoying the party?” a familiar voice asks.

I glance over my shoulder, spotting Serge leaning casually against one of the stone pillars. He’s got that same smirk on his face, the one that tells me he’s amused by whatever situation he’s walked into. I don’t reply immediately, letting the tension in the air simmer before addressing him.

“You could say that,” I respond coolly, not bothering to move away from Jennifer. I know Serge is watching, probably amused by how easily she has me wrapped around her finger tonight.

Jennifer shifts slightly beside me, adjusting her posture but staying close. I can tell she’s trying to regain her composure after our heated kiss, but her cheeks are still flushed, her breathing uneven.

“Serge, you remember my wife,” I say, my voice casual, though the possessiveness in my tone is clear. “Jennifer.”

She turns to Serge, offering him a polite smile, though I can feel the tension in her shoulders. She’s trying to navigate this world she’s been thrust into, and I can’t help but feel a little proud of how well she’s handling it.

They met briefly at the wedding, but with so many guests, we didn’t get the chance to speak much.

“Hello, Serge,” she says softly, extending her hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

Serge takes her hand, giving it a gentle shake. “The pleasure’s all mine. Timur’s spoken about you nonstop this last while.”

I raise an eyebrow at that. I haven’t said much about her at all, but Serge knows how to play the game. He’s sharp, observant, and knows how to manipulate a conversation just as well as I do.

Before the conversation can continue, Oleg approaches, his usual serious expression in place. He nods at both of us, then turns to me. “Everything’s in order, Boss. The deal’s moving forward.”

I nod in acknowledgment, but my focus remains on Jennifer. She glances between Serge and Oleg, clearly taking in her new reality—one where she’s surrounded by dangerous men with even more dangerous secrets. She doesn’t flinch. Not anymore.

I catch her eye again, her gaze flicking between Serge, Oleg, and me. She’s seeing it all now—the dangerous world she’s a part of. Instead of fear, there’s resolve in her eyes. She’s stronger than I expected, and I can’t help but admire that.

I lean closer, my voice low, meant only for her. “Shall we get out of here?”

Her lips curve into a small smile, and she nods. “Yes, please.”

When I pull away, she closes the distance between us, pressing her lips to mine. The kiss is quick but heated, enough to remind me of the passion simmering between us. My hand instinctively moves to the back of her neck, holding her in place for just a second longer, savoring the taste of her.

“Let’s go,” I murmur against her mouth, pulling back before I get too carried away in front of everyone.

We head towards the car, and I can feel the tension in the air between us, electric and undeniable. The moment we’re inside, the door closing behind us, I turn to her, the need to touch her, to feel her, overwhelming me.

I don’t hesitate. I pull her closer, my hand sliding up her thigh as I kiss her deeply. Her lips part for me, and I take full advantage, my tongue slipping into her mouth, tasting her. She responds immediately, her hands gripping my shoulders, as if she can’t get close enough.

My hand moves higher, beneath the hem of her dress, fingers grazing the soft skin of her thigh. She gasps into my mouth, and the sound drives me wild. I press her back into the seat, my other hand cupping her face, keeping her exactly where I want her.

“Timur…,” she whispers breathlessly when I pull back, her eyes dark with desire.

“We’re not done,” I say, my voice rough as I kiss her again, my fingers still teasing her skin, sliding dangerously close to where I know she wants me. She squirms slightly under my touch, and it only makes me want her more.

I pull back, just enough to meet her gaze, and the look in her eyes nearly undoes me. She wants this as much as I do. Her breath is heavy, her lips swollen from the kisses, and all I can think about is getting her home—back to our bed, where I can take my time with her.

The car begins to move, and I finally pull away, though my hand remains on her thigh. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of touching her.

The ride home feels like an eternity, the heat between us making the space inside the car feel too small, too charged. I keep my hand on her leg, my thumb tracing slow, deliberate circles on her skin. She shifts beside me, clearly affected, but she doesn’t say a word. She doesn’t need to.

When we finally arrive home, she lets out a small sigh of relief. “As much as I enjoyed myself tonight,” she says, her voice soft but filled with heat, “I’ll be glad to have you to myself now.”

I grin, my eyes locking on hers. “Not half as much as I want you.”

I step out of the car, offering her my hand. She takes it without hesitation, her fingers slipping into mine as I lead her towards the house. The moment we step inside, I can feel the tension building again, the desire hanging thick in the air.

I pull her against me, my mouth finding hers once more. Her hands immediately come up to tangle in my hair, and I can feel the way her body melts into mine. I kiss her slowly this time, savoring the taste of her, the way she responds to my touch.

“Let’s go upstairs,” I whisper against her lips, my hands already sliding down to her waist.

She nods, her breath catching as I pull away, leading her up the stairs, my hand never leaving hers. The anticipation is killing me, but I force myself to take it slow. I want this moment to last.

As soon as we reach the bedroom, I close the door behind us. There’s no need to rush anymore. She’s mine now, and tonight, I plan to remind her of exactly that.

Chapter Twenty-Five - Jennifer

I wake up with a start, feeling the warmth of Timur’s body beside me. The room is dark, only the faint glow of the moonlight seeping through the curtains. I blink, trying to shake off the disorientation of sleep, and then turn my head to look at him. He’s still sound asleep, his breathing steady, his face relaxed for once. In this quiet moment, with his harshness softened by sleep, he looks different—almost peaceful.

God, he’s handsome.

The thought crosses my mind before I can stop it, and I hate the way my chest tightens. I’m not supposed to feel this way about him. Not after everything. But I can’t help the pull I feel whenever I’m near him, the way my eyes always find him, the way I crave his touch even when I try to deny it. He’s dangerous—both in his world and to my heart.

I sit up carefully, not wanting to wake him. My gaze shifts toward the crib where Tyler sleeps. My heart skips a beat when I notice him stirring more than usual. Something feels off. I move quietly, slipping out of bed and walking over to the crib.

Leaning over, I place a gentle hand on his forehead, and my stomach drops. He’s burning up.

“Tyler…,” I whisper, trying to soothe him as he fusses in his sleep. Panic swells in my chest. He wasn’t like this before bed. What if something’s wrong?

I turn quickly, rushing back to Timur’s side and shaking his shoulder. “Timur, wake up,” I whisper urgently. He stirs, blinking his eyes open, his brow furrowing in confusion as he registers my anxious face.

“What’s wrong?” His voice is deep and groggy.

“Tyler has a fever. It’s bad. We need to take him to the hospital.”

That gets him up in an instant. Without another word, he’s out of bed, his movements swift and precise as he scoops Tyler from the crib. The baby whimpers in his arms, his little face flushed, and my heart clenches.

The drive to the hospital feels like it lasts forever, even though Timur is driving fast, his jaw clenched in concern. I’m sitting in the backseat, holding Tyler close, murmuring soft reassurances to him even though my own heart is racing.

We finally arrive at the hospital, and I barely register anything as we rush inside. The doctors take Tyler in, and we follow close behind, staying by his side as they assess him. Every second feels like an eternity, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

I glance at Timur, who’s standing rigidly by the bed, his eyes dark and focused on Tyler. Despite the tension in his posture, I can see the worry there too, buried beneath his usual hard exterior. For once, I’m grateful for his strength, even if he doesn’t show his fear the same way I do.

“It’s just a minor infection,” the doctor finally says, and relief floods through me like a wave. “We’ll keep him under observation for an hour, just to make sure his fever comes down. He should be fine after that.”

I exhale a shaky breath, my heart finally slowing as the doctor’s words sink in. Timur’s hand finds mine, gripping it tightly as if he’s been holding his breath too. The contact grounds me, reminds me that I’m not alone in this. For all his flaws, Timur is here with me.

We sit together in silence as we wait, both of us watching Tyler as his tiny chest rises and falls steadily. His fever is already starting to subside, and I feel the tension slowly leave my body.

“You okay?” Timur’s voice breaks the quiet, his tone softer than usual.

I nod, though my heart is still heavy with the weight of the night. “Yeah… I just got scared. I’m not used to this.”

Timur’s grip on my hand tightens for a moment. “He’s going to be fine. You don’t need to worry.”

I glance at him, surprised by the quiet reassurance in his voice. It’s rare for him to be this gentle, but it comforts me more than I expected. Maybe he does care more than he lets on.

***

I sit by Tyler’s bedside, my nerves still frayed even though the doctor said everything would be fine. His tiny chest rises and falls steadily, but I can’t relax. My mind keeps going back to the panic I felt when I first touched his feverish forehead. What if the doctor was wrong? What if something else happens?

I don’t even hear Timur walk into the room until he’s standing next to me, a coffee cup in his hand. He holds it out to me, and I blink up at him, surprised.

“It’s your favorite,” he says quietly.

I take it from him, a bit stunned that he noticed something so small. “Thank you.”

The warmth of the coffee spreads through my hands, calming me a little. It’s strange how something so simple can make me feel better, but the real comfort comes from Timur’s presence. He stands there, watching me, his expression unreadable. He’s not a man who shows his emotions often, but right now, there’s something in his eyes that makes me feel… safe.

“As long as I stand,” Timur says, his voice low and firm, “our child will always be safe. That’s my promise to you.”

His words hit me harder than I expected. There’s a sincerity in them that I can’t ignore. He’s not just saying this because it’s what I want to hear—he means it. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m not carrying all the weight on my own. I’m not alone in this.

Without thinking, I set the coffee down and stand up, moving toward him. I wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face against his chest. It feels natural, like something I’ve been needing to do for a while.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

Timur’s arms come around me, holding me close. It’s a rare gesture of intimacy from him, and I can feel the tension in his body, as if he’s not used to this kind of softness, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he holds me tighter, and for a moment, I let myself sink into him, absorbing the strength and warmth he offers.

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. My heart is pounding, not from fear or anxiety this time, but from something else—something deeper. I’ve tried to fight it, but now, in this quiet moment, I can’t hold it in any longer.

“I think I love you,” I admit softly, the words spilling out before I can stop them.

For a second, I think I see surprise flash across his face, but it’s gone just as quickly. His expression softens, and he reaches up to brush a strand of hair away from my face.

“I’ve felt something for you from the first day I met you,” he says, his voice quieter than usual. “I didn’t know what it was then, but now I do.”

My breath catches as his hand cups the side of my face, his thumb tracing my cheek. There’s a gentleness in his touch that I haven’t felt from him before, and it sends a shiver through me.

“It’s love, Jennifer,” Timur continues, his eyes locked on mine. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

The weight of his words sinks in, and I feel a surge of emotion so strong it nearly overwhelms me. I never thought Timur was capable of love, not the kind of love that would make him vulnerable, but hearing him say it… I believe him. Everything feels right.

I lean up, pressing my lips against his, and he kisses me back with a tenderness that surprises me. His hands slide down my back, pulling me closer as our kiss deepens, and for the first time, there’s no hesitation. I’m not holding anything back anymore.

When we finally pull away, both of us breathless, I rest my forehead against his, closing my eyes for a moment.

“I was so scared,” I admit quietly. “I didn’t think… I didn’t think you could feel this way.”

Timur’s arms tighten around me, and I feel the strength of his promise in the way he holds me. “I’m not an easy man, Jennifer. I’ll always protect you, and I’ll always protect our son.”

Our son. The words fill me with a sense of peace I haven’t felt in months.

As if on cue, Tyler stirs in his crib, letting out a small whimper. I pull away from Timur, rushing over to check on him. When I reach the crib, Tyler’s eyes flutter open, and he looks up at me, his fever clearly having broken.

“He’s okay,” I whisper, relief flooding through me.

Timur steps closer, looking down at Tyler with an intensity I’ve seen before, but now it feels different. It’s not the hard, ruthless Timur I’ve come to expect—it’s the father of my child. The man who just admitted he loves me.

I reach down to gently stroke Tyler’s cheek, and he lets out a soft coo, looking between me and Timur with wide eyes.

“He takes after you,” I say, smiling up at Timur.

Timur grunts, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Good. He’ll be strong.”

Tyler stirs again, his little hands reaching up toward me. I gently pick him up, cradling him against my chest. He’s warm, but not with the fever that had worried me earlier. Now, it’s the kind of warmth that soothes me, grounding me in this moment. I can feel his soft breath against my neck, and my heart swells with love for this tiny boy who means the world to me.

Behind me, I sense Timur’s presence, steady and protective. I can’t shake the change in him tonight, the way he’s shown me a side of himself I didn’t think was possible. It’s almost unnerving, seeing the softness in him. A part of me wonders if it’s temporary, but another part—deep down—hopes it’s real.

Timur steps closer, and I feel his hand settle on my lower back. The touch is surprisingly gentle, and I find myself leaning into it, craving the connection between us. We’ve been through so much—more than I ever thought I could handle—and yet, here we are. Together.

“He’s going to be strong like you,” I murmur, looking up at Timur. “But… I hope he also has your softer side.”

He raises an eyebrow at that, his lips curving into the hint of a smile. “I’m not soft.”

I laugh quietly, shaking my head. “Maybe not to everyone, but you are to me.”

Timur’s gaze darkens slightly, his hand on my back sliding up to rest on my shoulder. “Only you,” he says, his voice low, almost possessive.

I don’t mind it, though, not tonight. Not after what we’ve been through.

Tyler shifts in my arms, his tiny body relaxing into sleep. I glance down at him, then back at Timur. “We should let him sleep,” I whisper.

Timur nods, watching as I gently lower Tyler into the crib. Once the baby is settled, I straighten up, turning to face Timur fully. Our eyes meet, and something passes between us, something unspoken but deeply understood.

He leans down, brushing his lips lightly against mine. It’s a soft, almost tender kiss, but it sends a shiver through me. When he pulls back, I can see the raw emotion in his eyes—the same vulnerability I’ve started to recognize in him, the part of him that only I seem to see.

“I meant what I said earlier,” Timur murmurs, his hand cupping my cheek. “You and Tyler will always be safe with me. Always.”

I nod, my throat tight with emotion. “I know.”

He pulls me into his arms, and I melt against him, resting my head on his chest. For the first time in a long while, I feel like we’re on the same page. Like we’re not just surviving, but building something real together.