Page 28 of Dark Obsession

I reach the fence, scaling it quickly and dropping down to the other side.

Bam. I’m out.

I hurry to my car and climb inside. As I fire up the engine, I’m already planning when I’ll see her next.

I drive through the streets, the skies are gray and cloudy, casting a dreary pall over Chicago. Another day, another storm brewing, including one within me. My mind keeps drifting back to the mansion, how I had to sneak out like a goddamn kid, evading Lev and Luk, men who are practically my brothers.

Hell, what does that make Elena then? The thought crosses my mind, and I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Me, sneaking around behind their backs, fucking their sister. It’s like a twisted joke. But it’s not funny because the truth is I’m falling for her.

Hard.

That realization hits deeper than I’d like to admit. The idea of wanting Elena—reallywanting her—but being unable to truly be with her hurts. And that’s not something I’m used to. Pain is something I inflict, not something I feel.

But this?This is different.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I can’t afford to get lost in my feelings right now. Not with the Molina Cartel making moves. Everything is hanging by a thread—our operations, the Ivanov empire, Elena’s safety. The next few weeks could change everything, and I need to keep my focus.

Yet no matter how hard I try, the thought of her keeps creeping back in. I grip the steering wheel tighter, my jaw clenching.I’ve got enemies closing in, and the last thing I need is to be distracted by how much I want her.

And goddamn, do I.

Chapter 13

Elena

Luk stands in front of me, serious as always, while Lev steps out of the bathroom.

They’re completely oblivious to the fact that Grigori just slipped out. Relief floods through me, and I have to stop myself from grinning.

“Breakfast is almost ready,” Luk says, all business. “We’ll talk about everything downstairs.”

Lev crosses his arms, giving me that look like he’s about to say something deep. “Elena, you’re not just our sister, you’re a member of the Bratva. We want you to feel like one.”

I plaster on a smile and nod.

“Thanks. I’ll be down after I freshen up.”

The second they’re out the door, I dart over to the bed, grabbing the sheets and pressing them to my face, inhaling Grigori’s scent. God, it’s intoxicating.I can’t stop thinking about him, about his arms around me, his hands on my skin. It’s like he’s still here, and I hate how much I wish he actually was.

Everything between us is so intense. This isn’t just some fling. It feels like it’s rewiring me, and it almost pisses me off how much I want him.

I let out a frustrated sigh, knowing I have to put on my game face for breakfast, although all I want is Grigori, back in this bed.

I rush into the bathroom, pausing in front of the mirror, my heart still racing. Grigori’s taste is still on my tongue, and for a second, I hesitate. Do I want to brush my teeth and lose that reminder of him?I really don’t.There’s something intoxicating about it, something that makes me feel powerful—like I did something that onlyIget to do with him.

I wash up quickly, scrubbing my face and reluctantly brushing my teeth. I throw on some casual clothes before heading downstairs. I already know what’s waiting for me, and it’s not going to be fun.

As I walk into the kitchen, the familiar scent of breakfast hits me—blinis, cured meats, and steaming bowls of kasha. My brothers are already there, waiting. Luk and Lev are seated, arms crossed, while Alexei leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips as usual.

There’s a basket of fresh black bread on the table alongside plates of smoked salmon and sliced cucumbers. The samovar sits in the corner, its steam curling through the air, brimming with the strong, hot tea we’ve all grown up with.

Typical Russian breakfast—simple, hearty, and exactly the kind of thing that makes me feel at home. But today, the tension in the room cuts through the nostalgia like a knife.

"Morning," I say, grabbing a plate and forcing a smile.

Luk wastes no time. “Let’s talk.”

I sit down.

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