Page 79 of Crown of Hate

“No… Mikhail… You have a meeting with Ilya,” she rasps, snaking her arm around my neck. Then, her breath comes hot against my ear. “We need to leave now, or you’ll be late.”

“Fuck the meeting. You’re my priority.” I take her hand and press it against the bulge in my suit pants. I want her to feel how hard I am and how much I’m burning to have her right now.

She chuckles, playfully pushing me away. “We can do this later. You can’t keep Ilya waiting.”

“Fine,” I grunt, closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths. My cock starts to soften, but my pulse is still racing, and my body is still aching all over with need. But she’s right, I can’t be late for the meeting.

Looping her arm through mine, we walk to the car. Two bodyguards are at either side of the vehicle, holding the back doors open. But I wait until Alya settles into her seat before I close the door and round the car to my own.

As we drive, Alya rests her head against the window, her gaze lost in the passing streetlamps. As much as I crave her attention, I leave her be. She’s been through hell lately, and she needs time to process it all. I’ll be here when she’s ready to talk.

When the car comes to a stop at Club Silo247, I take in the scene. The club towers above me, its neon sign flickering against the night sky. The street outside is chaos—a sea of cars, couples making out in shadowy corners, the air thick with cigarette smoke and anticipation. It’s the perfect breeding ground for crime, but Ilya isn’t stupid. There are cameras everywhere, a silent warning to anyone thinking of causing trouble in the Chicago Bratva’s territory.

Alya tenses a little beside me as we step out of the car. I take her hand in mine, squeezing gently as we walk inside the club. The music hits us like a physical force, the flashing lights almost blinding. But Alya doesn’t flinch.

A smile breaks across her face when she spots Kira sitting at the front bar. “You didn’t tell me your sister would be here.”

“Well, I couldn’t bring you here and leave you all by yourself,malyshka.” I wink at her. Warmth blooms in my chest knowing that the two most important women in my life are getting along so well.

“Hey, kiddo,” I call to Kira.

My sister turns and her eyes widen with delight as they land on Alya. “My God, Alya.” She jumps up, pulling Alya into a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“You too, Kira,” Alya replies, returning the embrace with equal enthusiasm.

I watch them beam at each other like they’re two long-lost friends rekindling their bond after decades apart. They completely ignore my existence, but I don’t mind one bit—their joy is infectious.

When they finally break apart, Kira finally acknowledges me. “Hi, Wally. Thanks for bringing Alya. I would have died from boredom drinking alone.”

I smile at my little sister. “Anything for you, kiddo. How are you?”

She sighs dramatically. “Never been better. I missed the two of you.”

“I missed you too,” Alya says. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited. There’s been so much going on, and I haven’t?—”

Kira squeezes her shoulder reassuringly. “I get it. Ilya didn’t go into details, but I got the gist. Are you okay?”

Alya shrugs, her smile faltering. “I can’t say I am, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Kira purses her lips. “That asshole Akim.” Her eyes go wide as she catches herself. “Shit, I didn’t mean—I know who he is to you. Sorry.”

Alya chuckles and waves off her apology. “It’s fine. It’s not like I care or anything.”

“I have a meeting to attend, ladies,” I interrupt, reluctant to leave but knowing I must. “You two have fun. Stay safe.”

I press a kiss to Alya’s forehead, inhaling her scent one last time before heading to the VIP room where Ilya and the others are waiting for me. Time to get down to business and ensure a future where Alya never has to pretend not to care again.

25

ALYA

“Looks like you two have finally given in to your feelings.”

My cheeks burst into flames, and I lower my gaze to the bar, unable to hide my smile. “I have, but I still have no freaking idea how Mikhail feels.”

Kira shakes her head, scoffing. “No idea? Seriously? My brother looks at you like you hung the moon and stars. He’d probably lick the ground you walk on if you asked nicely.”

“I didn’t notice.”

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