Page 72 of Embracing the Dark Side

Adrik ground his teeth, fisting his hands. Her honesty had been something he loved about her, but now, he didn’t know what to believe. Jolie had been sincere and genuine, and the whole time, she was lying. It’s impossible to let it go when he had suspected nothing. “Did Vincent hurt you?” Adrik had read the results of her health exam, but even though there was no proof of any foul play, it didn’t mean there wasn’t.

Jolie hesitated. There were so many things that Vincent did that she doubted she would ever get over. But Adrik was asking for specifics. “No.” Her gaze turned towardthe window as she thought of every time he gripped her arm, and whispered threats.

“What then?”

She twisted her lips, trying to control the level of pain that was surfacing. “I was scared for so long. Santiago tried to kill me, tried to rape me. Vincent was cruel, caring one minute and mistreating me the next. I couldn’t sleep. I could barely eat. Poor sweet Helina was the only person who brought happiness to my life, and now she’s gone!” A sob cut through her throat, and Jolie slapped a hand on her lips to stop it, but it just kept coming. “Every day, I hoped you’d come, and every day, you didn’t. It was hell, and I know I screwed up, and you’re mad at me, but I’ve suffered enough. Please, I can’t take any more. I’m not a terrible person. I promise I won’t ever screw up again. I really just want you to hold me and tell me everything’s okay.” She cried harshly, keeping herself small, hoping to sink into the thick comforter. She didn’t want to be weak in front of him, but he was finally here, and all her walls were crumbling.

Jolie’s vulnerability destroyed his anger. Adrik remained standing, trying to keep his distance, but every sob felt like a sledgehammer. It was because he failed to protect her that this happened. If he had been stronger, better, more like his father, he would have had steps in place to take care of her even if he wasn’t around.

His pride was destroyed, and he didn’t know if he could ever rebuild it to the level it was at before. Being in jail for six weeks kept him at rock bottom, and without Alexei and Gil, he didn’t know if he could climb up by himself.

But with Jolie, he would do whatever he had to do to get back to the surface.

Adrik laid down in bed and stared at the ceiling. He ground his teeth as her heavy cries shook the bed with every breath taken. He resisted, telling himself she deserved the pain for what she’d done. Telling himself it was her own fault for getting involved with this world in the first place. He told her to go in the beginning. He told her things wouldn’t be perfect.

But how could he ignore her?

Adrik touched her back, and she fell into him, burying her face into his neck. Her cries echoed. One arm gripped her back while his other hand buried into her hair, holding her tight. All the days he spent agonizing over her, she was finally here, back in his arms. He came undone. Adrik kissed her forehead, clenching his eyes shut. “I’m here, baby. I’m here now,” he whispered to her. “Shh, you’re alright.” He comforted her in a way he’d never done to a woman, and it rejuvenated him. It brought back the power he’d been missing, the strength to protect her, the courage to destroy all that harmed her. He was back in control.

Vincent had been left down in the cellar. And Adrik felt the fire revitalized inside him. He was gonna make the fucker beg for death.

Chapter thirty-four

Justice

Adrik sat at the table with his breakfast. He cut into the sausage, taking a bite. Vincent lay naked, strapped to a gurney in front of him, held in a vertical position. He was bruised and bloody, but this was only the beginning. Adrik liked to torture slowly, much like fucking. He liked to take his time and start with just a soft touch, a soft thrust, before putting in the effort.

Vincent’s head bobbed as he woke. Panic was instant, and he panted, looking around with wide, fearful eyes. They eventually landed on Adrik.

“Good morning,” Adrik greeted, sipping his coffee. It’s been six days since they captured him, and Adrik hadn’t visited once. He wanted the bastard to sit in his silence. To come to the conclusion he was in hell and there was no escape.

Vincent struggled against his chains but tired quickly. “How you’d find me?”

Adrik found that question humorous. Did Vincent really think Adrik’s family would be silent? The moment he was released, there were phone calls by the dozens giving Vincent up, and they took no time turning on each other. “Does it matter?”

Vincent dropped his gaze to the floor. He knew it didn’t. There was no fixing it. No revenge. Because there was no escape. “I’m not gonna beg.”

Adrik doubted that. “What did Katia promise you?”

“I’m not—”

“I have your nephews,” Adrik said, cutting him off. Some people really didn’t understand when they were defeated.

Vincent paused, uncertain. “I don’t believe you.”

Adrik flicked his hand, and Filip came over with his phone, showing him a picture of the boys tied up. It was an easy photo to get, and afterward, he had let the boys go. But Vincent wouldn’t know what.

Vincent jerked hard. “They’re kids. That’s against your mafia’s rules.”

Adrik chuckled, resting his fork down. “You murdered my father as a guest in my house. There are no more rules.” Adrik basked in the horror on his face. “What did Katia promise you?”

Vincent panted through his nose, once more trying to fight against the chains that caged him. Adrik let him try, continuing with his breakfast.

“Katia’s gonna come for me.”

Adrik cackled. “How does she plan to do that from Russia?” The hope drained from the man’s hazel eyes. “She left with her parents. Whatever she promised you, it doesn’t seem to matter.”

Adrik chewed slowly, watching all the emotions run their course. The man had no idea what kind of woman Katia was. He honestly thought she’d follow through.

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