Episode 17

Pov Ivanov.

I find myself in the southern warehouses, inspecting the upcoming vehicles that are to be exported to Los Angeles, when I receive a call.

"What do you want?" I ask grumpily, I don't like being interrupted while working.

"Hahaha, what a mood you're in, little brother. I thought Nicolas' wife would lift your spirits, but from what I hear, she didn't accomplish it."

"I couldn't do anything, Thompson showed up and took her." I sigh, filled with anger.

"Do you think he might suspect something?"

"No, but he warned me to stay away from her. That damn imbecile thinks he can control everything."

"Do you plan on distancing yourself?"

"You don't know me, I like that woman, and she serves me well in making Thompson's life miserable. It's a good situation, don't you think?"

"Lucky you, bumping into Nicolas' wife and having her come to you all on her own. Do you really plan on going through with this?"

"I won't miss the opportunity to make her pay for everything she owes me, one by one. Life is giving me my revenge, and I will take advantage of it."

"Do you want me to continue keeping tabs on her, or would you prefer if we leave things as they are for now?"

"Travel to Los Angeles and become her shadow. I want to know every move she makes. She will be mine. Ili moya familiya perestanet byt' Ivanov (Or my last name will no longer be Ivanov*)."

"Alright, I'll keep you updated, but I don't agree."

I hang up the call and look at Alessia's photo. The time is approaching, I will never forget what she did to us. - I say as I caress her image.

...***...

Pov Nicolas.

As I exit the bathroom, I see Anna packing up her few belongings outside of the suitcase, dressed and with light makeup. She's so focused on what she's doing that she doesn't notice my presence. I watch her make lots of facial expressions, furrowing her brow, then making a gesture with her mouth, running it to one side before smiling and shaking her head. I observe all of her gestures and can't help but smile.

"You have the same expressions even with your mouth closed." She's very astute.

"Using my words against me? You learn quickly." She tilts her head to the side and fakes an angelic smile.

"Where are you going?" I ask, changing the subject.

"My flight is about to take off, I told you already."

"Call or visit the airline's website and cancel it."

"That sounded like an order. Or is it just an impression? Because if it is, let me tell you..."

"It's not an order, but I would prefer you to travel with me tomorrow. I have something to take care of today, and we'll leave early in my plane tomorrow morning. You'll be more comfortable."

"I don't know, I have to catch up on my classes."

"One more day won't make much difference. What do you say?"

"Alright."

"Did you order something for breakfast?"

"No, I thought I'd do it at the airport."

"It's ten in the morning" I furrow my brow "You should have had breakfast by now and at this hour have a snack. Call and order something, we'll go out for lunch later."

"Alright."

"Are you feeling alright?" I ask as I approach her and touch her forehead.

"Yes, why?" She asks, confused.

"You've said"alright"twice today" She rolls her eyes, but to my surprise, she doesn't move away from me. She just gazes into my eyes, and I start feeling warm despite being only in a towel. My gaze travels to her lips, and she licks them, moistening them. In a moment of impulse, I lean in and touch her lips with mine, not quite kissing her, but caressing her lips with mine. The room falls silent, our breaths blending together so much that they sound like one. I place my hand on her waist, pulling her closer to me, desiring to kiss her, but as soon as she feels my hand, she turns around and moves away as if my touch burns her. It's truly frustrating. She acts as if nothing happened and continues talking.

"Do you want anything specific for breakfast?" She says and walks towards the phone. But even though she wants to ignore what happened, the tension is palpable in the air. I sigh and respond.

"Whatever you want, order for both of us." And she does so, then hangs up the call.

When breakfast arrives, we sit together at the table. We eat in silence. After finishing, I speak to her before she gets up from the chair.

"Anna, do you like me?" She abruptly opens her eyes, surprised. It's clear that she didn't expect my question.

"What are you talking about? I don't understand your question." She blushes and lowers her head, making me smile.

"I'll be clearer. Do you like me as a man?" Damn it, I think about what I said, cursing myself. I've never asked a woman this before. I simply take the one I want, because they all want me. But what's done is done.

"Well, I don't know what you want to hear." She seems a bit nervous, and so am I, for some godforsaken reason. "Well, you're fine." She says quickly, shrugging.

"Fine? Just fine? You think that I am just fine? Look at me, girl, I am one of the most desired men in society..."

"Yes, Mr. Adonis,"fine."Why? Should I praise you to boost your ego even more? I've never met someone so self-centered."

"You're an impossible woman."

"Not impossible, just honest." What the hell does this girl have that gets under my skin? I choose to get up, turn my back to her, and search for my clothes. I go to the bathroom and change quickly, taking out my perfume to use it.

Anna's POV.

I don't understand this man. What does he want? For me to become the president of his fan club? To tell him how good he looks? Or to throw myself into his arms and let him devour my body as if there's no tomorrow? Mental slap, Anna, don't think about that. But how can I not think about it? I thought I wouldn't need clothes for the day.

"I'm going out, like I mentioned. I have something to take care of. I'll be back later and we can go out for lunch." he says and leaves.

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