Page 13 of Savage Reign

I take a seat among the smiling faces of families gathered to watch their friends and relatives take the stage. Sofiya is graduating from Moscow’s elite performing arts school, but she has no one here to celebrate her. Her parents sold her to my brother to cover their debts. The realization settles over me—I’m her husband, her family now, even if she doesn’t know it yet.

The lights dim, and the show begins, one performance blurring into the next. I barely register what’s happening onstage. Every nerve in my body is primed, waiting for Sofiya. I want to watch her move, to see the way her body commands the stage.

After what feels like fucking forever, it’s finally time for her solo. The music shifts to something dark and ominous, and Sofiya steps onto the stage. The pictures I’ve seen didn’t come close to doing her justice. Her pale skin glows under the lights, her auburn hair swept up to reveal the graceful line of her neck. Her costume clings to her skin, revealing full breasts and solid muscle built over the years.

Sofiya begins to dance, and she’s mesmerizing, gliding across the stage with effortless grace. The flowing fabric of her costume swirls around her as she spins, her silhouette softening, then snapping into sharp, controlled movements. She exudes confidence now—a far cry from the scared little girl I found in that chapel.

I don’t know if Persephone fought Hades when he dragged her from the field, but I have no doubt Sofiya will put up more of a fight when I drag her back to my city. Not that it will stop me.

When her performance ends, the audience erupts in applause, rising to their feet. She’s breathing hard, but her eyes shine as a smile spreads across her lips. I’ve never seen a woman look as exquisite.

The rest of the students join her, and they all take their final bows, soaking in the crowd’s energy.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, revealing a text from Vadim instructing me to meet him in the car out front. I let out a quiet breath, my attention still on Sofiya as she basks in the moment. With one last look her way, I turn and head for the exit.

I’ll be seeing her again soon. And when I do, I won’t just be watching. I’ll be taking her with me.

Entering the car, I pull the door shut, the cool leather pressing against my back as I settle in. Vadim glances over, a smug smile tugging at his mouth.

“I’m guessing everything went well?” I note.

He cracks his neck. “Almost too well, if I’m being honest. Was looking forward to a little more challenge.”

I raise a brow, turning to face him.

“I overheard Sofiya and her friends talking. They’re planning to hit up a club in the city called Soundsystem tonight.” His smirk widens. “Without her bodyguard.”

My fists clench. A packed, loud nightclub with no bodyguard is the perfect setup for someone to take her. Someone like me. I should be grateful she’s making this so damn easy, but what the hell is she thinking, being so careless with her safety? It makes me want to bend her over my knee and teach her a lesson.

“Soundsystem,” I mutter, running a hand through my overly gelled hair. “One of the Syndicate’s clubs?”

“Nope. Owned by a couple of tech billionaires with no bratva ties.”

I nod, clearing my throat. “Looks like it’s our lucky day.”

“And just in time. I overheard one of her friends talking about Sofiya’s plans to move to Berlin after graduation.”

My eyebrows lift. “What for?”

Vadim guides the car into Moscow traffic. “Who the hell knows? Probably for a job.”

I take off the fake glasses and rub my temples, the wool sweater suddenly itchy against my skin. Whatever plans Sofiya had don’t matter anymore. Everything’s about to change. Someone with a heart might feel bad about that, but I’m not that guy.

Leaning back in the seat, a grin tugs at my lips. “Tonight should be interesting.”

CHAPTER

FIVE

SOFIYA

“Damn, you look hot!”Alex exclaims as I slide into the taxi, squeezing in beside him and Daria in the back seat.

I blow out a nervous breath, tugging at the hem of the miniature sequin dress that reveals way more thigh and cleavage than I’m used to. I bought it yesterday on a whim, figuring if I’m sneaking out to Moscow’s hottest club, I might as well dress the part.

“Probably wasn’t the best choice for shimmying down the fire escape, but here I am.” Earlier, I said a brief goodnight to Sam in the lobby, letting him think I was in for the night, and then snuck out through my bedroom window.

Daria and Alex exchange broad smiles, like proud parents.

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