Page 56 of Crown of Hate

“Told you. I have a kink for nice things.” I bite into a slice of pizza. “It tastes even better with fruit toppings.”

“I bet it does,” he muses. Then, almost shyly, he adds, “Think you can arrange for some tomorrow night? We could have it while watching a movie.”

My chest flutters. Sitting beside Mikhail like this, talking about Greek yoghurt and fruits, making plans for a movie night—it all feels strangely perfect. For a moment, I can almost forget that this is a forced marriage built on revenge, and just bask in this simple, domestic moment.

As I nod, a thought lingers in the back of my mind: Is this what our life could be like if I allow it? Or is it just a fragile illusion, bound to crumble under the weight of reality?

17

ALYA

“These are your new bodyguards,” Mikhail announces, hands buried in the pockets of his slacks.

My eyes drink him in. He’s incredibly handsome this morning—all brooding, dangerous masculinity wrapped up in denim and dark gray cotton. Those tousled dark locks, those piercing blue eyes that the sun catches in such a way that—no, stop it, Alya. But those biceps… God, I get wet just looking at them.

Dragging my gaze away, I turn to size up the newcomers. Giants. Both of them, towering over me like living, breathing walls of muscle. One sports a fiery red beard and hair pulled back in a ponytail, while the other is slightly leaner but covered in an intricate tapestry of tattoos.

Intimidating? Hell yeah. But if I’m honest, they don’t hold a candle to how terrifying Mikhail was when we first met. Compared to him, these two are cuddly kittens.

“Who unearthed these specimens?” I ask.

“It’s Semyon’s handiwork,” Mikhail answers, appraising them with a critical eye. “They’re strong, fast, and just as deadlywith their bare hands as they are with firearms. They’ll keep you safe.”

Oh, joy. But who’s going to protect me from them? These guys look like they could crush me if I provoke them even a little.

Squaring my shoulders, I address the redhead directly. “What’s your name?”

“Igor.” His voice rumbles like a collapsing building. Emotionless. Chilling. I have to resist the urge to scurry behind Mikhail for cover.

Swallowing hard, I turn to the inked one. “And you?”

“Dimitri.” Less earthquake and more shark circling its prey. The subtle edge in his tone makes my insides squirm.

Fantastic. My very own set of hulking muscle heads. Just what every girl dreams of.

“I can change them if you’re uncomfortable,” Mikhail offers, probably noticing my discomfort.

“No, it’s fine. They’re humans, not items to be changed just because they’re…” I trail off as I catch their glacial stares. They look like they’re about to drive me to a secluded area and strangle me to death if I try to replace them. Abort, abort! “It’s fine. Let’s go.”

“One second.” Mikhail walks up to me and presses a tender kiss to my forehead. Then he turns to the men. “If anything happens to my wife, you’re both dead men.”

“We’ll keep her safe, chief,” Igor rumbles, his thick Russian accent unmistakable.

“I’ll hold you to that.” Mikhail’s attention snaps back to me, his gaze softening. “Call me if so much as a hair on your head is out of place.”

“Will do.” I pull away from his hug despite every cell in my body screaming for just one more second of contact.

Almost an hour later, Dimitri pulls over in front of Furry Friend’s Shelter. Most of the little guys start to bark and dancein their cages. My heart swells as I spot Milo, the brown poodle I saved three months ago. She was so sick and frail when I found her, abandoned by her owner in the pouring rain. It took two months of veterinary care before she fully recovered. Now she’s bouncing around her cage like a furry pinball, ready to graduate from shelter pup to someone’s family member.

Note to self: ask Mikhail about adopting a dog or two. They would be such joyful, cuddly companions to have around. But would he be open to the idea? And how would he see them? A delightful addition or an annoying distraction? Even stone-cold mob bosses have hearts… right? So I’m sure he’d fall in love with a furry friend… eventually.

“Well, well, well… Look who we have here,” Sophia’s warm voice cuts through my musings as she emerges from the main building of the shelter. She’s practically glowing this morning, and damn, have I missed that radiant smile of hers.

“Hi, babes!” I scurry over to her and pull her in for a tight hug. “God, it’s been forever. I’ve missed you so much.”

She hugs me back even tighter. “I missed you more.”

We hold each other for a long moment before finally separating. Then her eyes rake over me, taking in every designer label. “Girl, you’re dripping in luxury from head to toe.”

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