Adaline's point of view:

I wake up first the next morning. My head's resting on his chest, that's still sinking and lifting in regular intervals. Wlad's left arm is wrapped around my upper body and my right leg is hooked over his hips. We slept in the exact position we fell asleep a few hours ago. The sun is shining through the glass facade that's across the bed, but as much as I love my hometown, I love my man more. I'd rather stare at him than see the many boats passing us by on the River Thames.

I let my eyes wander over his hard facial features as I shamelessly stare at him. Wlad has a protruding face with a pointy chin, a thin nose and thin lips. I haven't seen him in over three months. I love his chiselled features, his wide shoulders and muscular arms that can lift hundreds of pounds... those abs and legs that will follow me everywhere... and his heart that's beating in the same rhythm as mine. He's bulletproof. He's my protection shield. He's my soulmate.

We belong together. I can feel it deep in my heart, I always did but somehow the feeling, this sense of peace, has gotten stronger since yesterday. My belief in us is unbreakable.

We are inseparable.

I want to wake up beside him for the rest of my life.

"I can feel your eyes on me, you know." He suddenly says with a smirk on his lips before revealing his silver orbs.

I smile at him and run my fingers through his short dark brown hair. "Get used to those stares because I won't stop." I'll stare at him for the rest of my life.

He catches my hand with his and kisses the back of my hand. "Never stop."

I can feel the touch of his lips echoing through my whole body. "I love you, Wlad."

"Never stop saying that either." He interlaces his fingers with mine before suddenly rolling us over so I am laying on my back. "Do you know how long I've waited for this morning?" He asks me before squeezing my hand.

"Two years and 358 days." I breathe out, remembering the first breakup like it happened yesterday.

"Two years and 358 days." He repeats before resting his forehead against mine. I can feel his hot breath against my face and I cherish the feeling. I cherish the way his weight is pressing me into the mattress. I cherish the feeling of our interlaced fingers. I cherish the way our foreheads touch and lips brush against each other as we breathe together for a moment. I cherish the way his silver eyes stare into mine... and I cherish all these emotions he's making me feel. They make my heart swell up until it almost bursts. They make my blood sing... they make me do things I can't explain.

They make me love him far more than he loves me.

"Wladimir..."

"Adaline..."

"You can feel this magic, too. Can't you?" I whisper against his lips. I lock my ankles behind his steel hard butt and pull him closer to me until our bodies are touching. I can feel my pulsing clirotis against his hard on. Our bodies always react to one another.

"Yes... yes, I can feel it, too." He agrees before kissing me softly. As our tongues entwine I unlace my right hand from his and run my hands down his back. He moans into my mouth at my touch. He's seeking my touch as much as I am seeking his.

"I've missed you so badly..."

"You have me until my last breath."

Wladimir's point of view:

I stare at her as she walks out of the master bathroom with a white towel wrapped around her body and head. She's so beautiful. We spent most of our morning in that bed, giving into our needs and desires. And while she showered I couldn't get down from that high she created within me. I'm still laying on the bed and while my feet are touching the ground, it still feels like I'm on cloud nine. She makes me feel whole, complete on levels no one else ever will. She's my soulmate.

She stops across me and places her left hand on her hips. "Aren't you going to move at all today?"

A grin stretches on my lips as I lift my torso off the bed. "I'm still high."

She raises her left eyebrow at me. "High on what?"

"On you. On your love... on our magic." I answer with a shrug as my dick hardens again.

"You're high on me?" She asks me back before stepping between me steps.

"Obviously." I answer.

Adaline straddles my hips, causing the white towel to bunch up at her hips, and leans forward until the tip of my head is right at her entrance. I can feel how soaked she is. Then, slowly, inch by inch she sinks on to me until I'm buried deeply inside of her to the point I can almost feel her cervix. She's so warm, so tight... so perfect. "I'm high on you, too." She whispers before kissing me softly. "You're my drug... the only drug I'll ever need."

Adaline's point of view:

I close the claps of my black laced bra before scanning the bedroom. It smells of us and the amazing sex we had. The bed is a mess but the rest of my clothes is nowhere to be seen. The shower is running as Wlad is currently showering. "Wlad, do you know where the rest of my clothes are?" I yell, hoping he's going to hear me over the shower.

"Last drawer on the left in my dressing room." He answers back in a yell. He always heard me. Even when I said no word.

I frown and walk back into the white marbled bathroom. "I'm talking about my clothes." I say as I watch the foam running down his backside body. This man's made out of pure muscle mass. There's not a single gram of fat sitting on his bones. He's build like a brick wall. He's my brick wall.

"I know. I heard you. My answer's still the same." He turns around and looks at me.

"Okay..." I walk back into his bedroom before opening the door next to the bathroom door. I switch on the lights and get greeted by the cream coloured luxury dressing room. Unlike in his bedroom, this room has a soft light grey carpet. There are cream drawers and shelves to my left and right. An island with a white marble top is in the middle. His suits are hanging to my left. The thirty suits are sorted by colour, from black to grey. There's even the beige linen suit he wore to Marco's wedding. Matching shoes are on display underneath the suits. Wlad owns more than fifteen white Oxford shirts and twenty black ones. I don't know why one would need so many shirts in the same colour. His gym clothes are at the end of the left side. There are open shelves with boxes in it and his watches are neatly organised in drawers underneath a rectangular mirror.

But the right side of the closet is totally empty. The shelves are empty and the silk hangers are free of clothes. I bet the drawers are empty as well.

For a moment I think Natasha's clothes used to hang there.

"She was never here."

I wince as Wlad's voice fills the room. I look at the huge mirror at the end of the room and stare at Wlad. He has a white towel wrapped around his hips and his abs are glittering in the light. He makes me want him so easily.

"She slept in the guest room." Wlad says before walking past me. I watch him walking over to the many drawers at the end of the room before he pulls out the last drawer.

"Then why is the right side of your dressing room empty?" I ask him. I frown as I see the content in the drawer. "My favourite jeans!" I breathe out shocked as I walk over to him. "I've been looking for it for three years!" I stop next to him and pick up my favourite skinny jeans by Paige. There's a white shirt next to it that I also grab. "I thought you gave me back all of my clothes." I whisper before looking at him. I still remember the day I opened the trunk of my car and saw the many leather bags that were filled with my stuff.

He closes the drawer with a kick and looks at me. "I wanted you to believe that. But I've never let go of you. I never could."

I place the jeans and the shirt on the island before kissing him softly.

"And just so you know that right side is waiting for your clothes." He whispers against my lips before wrapping his arms around me.

"Well then we should get my clothes and hang them where they belong. Right opposite to your clothes." I say and run my hands up his torso.

"What about Ana?"

"Ana is on holiday somewhere with Jake and unless there's no emergency at Lister that I need to take care of, I am all yours today and tomorrow." I rest my hands on his chest.

"You're all mine anyway."

I look up from my hands and stare into his silver orbs. "Just like you're mine, Mr. Wladimir Krimov."

I get out of the silver truck and shut the door close. It's still morning and the streets where I live are peaceful and empty. "Do you want to get breakfast somewhere or cook here?" I ask Wlad as we walk over to the free standing glass house. I unlock the front door with the fingerprint of my thumb before stepping in.

"That house hasn't changed since I last was here." Wlad breathes out and closes the front door.

I get out of my heels, "For that Ana has to be home more often. She likes to change the interior all the time. But as she's rarely here, I get to enjoy that house by myself."

"You miss her."

I look over my shoulder and shrug, "Of course. Living with her is not what I expected it to be. I thought we'd see each other daily but there are weeks when we don't see each other. We have different shifts at work and she wants to spend her free time with Jake instead of here. Which I understand, I really do... But I would like to see her more often." Sometimes it feels like I not only lost my Dad but my sister as well.

"When was the last time you saw her?"

I think for a moment, "A few weeks ago. At work. We were in the OR together."

"And when was the last time she was here?"

"The day of my press conference at Lister."

"That was over three months ago." He says in a whisper.

I shrug, "I don't blame her for wanting to spend every free minute with Jake. Really, I don't."

Suddenly Wlad wraps his arms around me. "Maybe you should talk to Ana."

I shake my head and wrap my arms around his neck. "She's on holiday with Jake right now. She said Jake surprised her with a secret trip. I think he's going to propose to her. Mom's been acting weird whenever I mentioned Ana and Jake so he must have asked her for her blessing." Suddenly my iPhone rings in the back pocket of my favourite jeans. Wlad's hand reaches for the ringing cellphone and he gets it out.

"Speaking of the devil." Wlad chuckles as he stares at the screen before turning it to me.

I get the phone out of his hand and pick the call up, "Hey,"

She's sobbing on the other end of the line.

I tense up immediately. I've rarely seen her cry so I know it must be bad. "Ana, what's wrong?" I ask as Wladimir lets me out of his embrace.

Ana blows her nose but doesn't say a word as I walk past the dinning table with the royal blue velvet chairs that my sister picked out.

"Ana, talk to me. I can't guess what's going on in your head." I tell her as I sit down on the beige couch across the marble fireplace.

"I'm going to start packing some of your clothes." Wlad whispers to me. "Your room is still the same?"

I nod before I put my hand on the speaker of the phone, "And pack tampons." I watch Wladimir walking up the glass stairs. Just watching him move makes my heart swell in my chest.

"Jake asked me to marry him." She whispers.

"And that's why you're crying?" I ask back.

"No, it's just... it wasn't suppose to happen like this."

"Ana, what are you talking about?" I ask her confused. She loves this man! Why the hell is she crying? "Did you say no to the proposal?"

"I said not now." She whispers.

"Ana, why the hell did you say no to him?"

"Because it wasn't suppose to happen like this!" She says again.

"You're repeating yourself. Stop that and explain."

She sighs, "Jake and I weren't suppose to meet in Marrakech."

"Ana, you're talking nonsense."

"I'm explaining. So will you now listen to me?!" She hisses back.

"Fine. But explain it in a way I can understand."

"You're a wonder child. You'll get it." She mocks me.

"Ana," I warn her. I hate it when people call me that.

"Fine... Jake and I weren't suppose to meet in Marrakech." She says again.

"What do you mean by that?"

She sighs, "Jake and I were supposed to meet in a cafe in London. Not in Morocco in the middle of the night."

"How do you know?"

"I just know, Della. I saw him in my sleep. I saw our lives together... I saw how we met, I saw how we'd get married and have kids... all that stuff."

"You dreamt of him?"

"Yes."

"How long have you been dreaming of him? Prior to meeting Jake, I mean,"

"I don't know..."

She never forgets anything. "Ana,"

"Two years, three months and six days." She breathes out.

"You were dreaming of him for two years prior to meeting him?!" I'm shocked. She dreamt of him ever since she was sixteen. Sixteen!

"Yes." She whispers, "I knew exactly when we were suppose to meet, when we were suppose to get married and when-"

"Ana, does it really matter that things have changed? Why the hell do you care so much?"

"Because, Della! When I can't trust what I see anymore than how the hell am I suppose to know if what I see is really suppose to happen?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ever since Daddy left us I've been having these weird dreams that don't add up. They make no sense at all."

I have no idea where she's going with this. "I need an explanation."

"I saw the earthquake happening in Tuscany. The one after Brooke's wedding. But I saw it after it happened. I swear if I had seen it earlier I would have warned you-"

"Ana, it's fine. I didn't get hurt."

"I know. I mean... I saw that. I saw the past instead of the future. I've never seen what had happened. I always saw what was going to happen."

She knows. If she saw what happened in Tuscany than she knows about Wlad and me. "Ana, what does this have to do with Jake?"

"I... I think Jake's the reason why Dad left."

"What?!" I ask her shocked. "Ana, Jake's not the reason! Daddy really liked him and Mommy did as well. Why would Jake be the reason for Daddy leaving us? It doesn't make any sense!"

"Jake told Dad that he's a Navy Seal but I don't that's true."

"And what do you think is the truth?"

"I don't know and Jake won't tell me. He insists on being a Navy Seal. He even showed me a certificate."

"Well then why are you doubting him?"

"Because my gut tells me something's wrong."

"Yeah that's because Daddy left us. And apparently he traumatised you so much that you can't even accept that marriage proposal!" I hiss at her. "Where are you? I'm going to pick you up."

"I'm on French Cay."

"I'm sorry?" I ask her shocked. "He brought you to French Cay?" They're on our Caribbean island?

"He asked on sunset at the beach. The very same Mommy and Daddy got married. There were candles and rose pedals..."

"And you said no?"

"I... I said not now. I got scared out of the sudden. I'm confused and-"

"Listen to me, Ana. You need to say yes. He's the love of your life. You don't let go of that. You don't say no to spending the rest of your life with him. You don't-"

"You sound like Mom."

"Because Mom's right! She knows what she's talking about!"

"And you?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Do you know what you're talking about?" She asks me again.

Shit. She definitely knows. "This is not about me. It's about you. And what you need to do now. You need to get your ass to Jake and tell him you love him and that you will spend the rest of your life with him. Understood?" I hiss at her. She saw herself and Jake being married at Wladimir's dacha in Siberia. She saw Wlad and me being married and Wlad chasing a little boy through the backyard, in front of the lake where the three story wooden house is standing. She saw that and just because she's unsure doesn't mean it won't come true. It will! I did my part - now it's time for her to do her part!

"You're right... You're right."

"Of course I am! And the next time you'll call me you better tell me you are engaged!" I tell her.

"No, next time I'll see you we will talk about you." She says before hanging up.

Fuck she knows! She's going to tell Mom before I even had the chance to tell her myself. I leave my iPhone on the coffee table and walk upstairs to my room. My white bedroom is empty, so I walk into my dressing room. I stop in the doorway as I see Wlad standing in front of the many dresses that Ana and Aunt Miley bought for me for the Lister Award Show in a week.

"Wlad, we need to tell my Mom. I think Ana knows." I say. She probably knew before I even started developing any feelings for Wlad.

But to my surprise my man stares at the six different dresses. There are designer gowns from Versace, Armani, Givenchy, Elie Saab and two from Zac Posen. I like the strapless navy Givenchy dress but I also like the embellished Elie Saab dress. There's a golden Versace dress and two black dresses with lace from Armani and Givenchy. I don't know which one to wear. "Why do you have so many evening gowns?"

"Options." I say with a shrug. "For the Lister Award Show next week."

He looks at me, "You got nominated?"

I nod, "If we get the award Fleming gets to hold the speech. As he's half American."

"I didn't know that."

I walk over to him and lace my fingers with his. "It'll be our first public appearance."

He kisses the back of my hand. I feel the touch echoing in my whole body. "I can't wait."

I smile at him, "But we have to tell my Mom first."

"Do you want to do it today?"

I shake my head, "She's going to be furious and I would like to have a day or two without any fights... I have no idea how to break it down to her. Should we meet her for dinner? Or should we just drop by unannounced at the weekend?"

"We should do it on the weekend. On Sunday."

That's in three days. "I can take Sunday off."

"You have to work?"

"If you call saving lives work then yes."

"I call standing in the OR for eight to twelve hours, bend over a patient, work yes." He says before brushing through my hair. "You're doing one of the most exacting piece of work there is. Doctors, police men, firefighters - those jobs are the hardest to do. Physically and mentally."

"To be fair, being a bodyguard is just as hard. Especially when you're watching a Bolton."

He chuckles, "You're the greatest risk I've ever taken, Della. And the greatest reward."

"Still you haven't packed any of my clothes." I say and wrap my arms around his neck.

"I was too shocked by the amount of clothes in here." He says with a smirk. He knows I don't shop - I'm just like my Mom in this perspective. She hates shopping as well.

Personal shopper exists because of people like us. Rich and too busy for shopping.

"Aunt Miley And Ana bought most of the stuff. Whenever they go shopping together, which is almost weekly, they buy something for me as well. Most of the clothes still have their tags on." I explain with a shrug. I should donate the clothes or sell them online and donate the money I get for them... but at the same time I don't want to hurt Ana's and Aunt Miley's feelings. So, that means I'm stuck with a dressing room full of clothes I probably will never wear.

"You still don't like to shop?"

"There's just one dress I really care about and that's going to be the one I'll wear when I marry you. All the rest is-" his lips shut me off. I feel the butterflies in my stomach going wild and my heart starts beating faster as our bodies melt into one another. Our tongues entwine as I unlace my right hand from his. I can feel his hands on my hips before he lifts me and places me on the island in the dressing room. I wrap my legs around his hips and pull him closer to me until I feel his erection against my body. I run my fingers down his back and feel how his muscles vibrate from my touch. The desire rushes through my body and just when it's almost too much, Wlad let's go of my lips.

"I love you." He whispers into my ear before kissing the name of my neck.

I moan as I feel his lips sucking on my pulse. "Wlad..."

He looks at me and I almost get lost in this silver eye colour. It's so rare, so mesmerising...

"I love you, too." I whisper back before placing my hands on his face. I can feel the stubbles of his beard that's coming in. He's my soulmate... my everything. "And now let's pack up my stuff so I can finally make use of the space in your dressing room."

Wladimir's point of view:

I brush through her chestnut curls and kiss those soft lips again. It's still a bit surreal to have her this close to me, to feel her hair and skin... she's so beautiful. From her chestnut curls to those navy eyes, her full lips and high cheekbones... I run my hands up the sides of her body and feel how her muscles vibrate from my touch. She has the perfect hourglass figure with voluminous tits, a small waist and an amazing ass. She makes everything she puts on look amazing. She's a supermodel with the brain of Einstein. She's smart and she's beautiful...

And she's all mine.

"You need to stop staring at me like that. Otherwise we won't get anything done and stay in my dressing room the whole day." She says after five minutes of silence.

"I don't care where I am as long as I'm with you." I breathe out as I fondle her cheeks. I was never this romantic but with her... she strips off all of my rough and spiky layers until she found the soft core. She's the most important thing in my life and my heart can't bare any distance, even a centimetre is too much. I need her close to me. I need to feel her pulse... the pulse that's connected to my own.

Her navy eyes soften at my words and I can feel how her heart starts filling with more love than it can hold. She wraps her long fingers around my wrists, "I feel the same way."

I know she does. I can see it in her eyes and I can see it in her actions. I've always known how she felt about me but it feels bloody nice to hear her say it. After another minute of staring at her, I inhale deeply, take a step back and she hops off the island in her dressing room.

"I'll do the bathroom and you do this room. There are some leather bags on the top shelves." She says to me before running her left hand through my hair. The Cartier watch is still sitting on her wrist. My promise is as true as ever.

I love her so much it hurts. "Adaline," I whisper out the name of my soulmate as the emotions overcome me again. She's the only one who has ever made me feel that way. I've always respected women and I've been with different types of women because I had no idea what I truly wanted in a partner all these years and then she suddenly happened. She didn't check off my boxes, no she made me do a whole new list. She made me love her so quickly and so passionately... I fell for her instantly. All she had to do was look at me and when she touched me, my heart exploded like it had never before. Suddenly it was crystal clear to me. She's my soulmate, the love of my life... there will only be her for me.

And while I've been with Natasha and had found a distraction in that woman... Della... she's in a class by herself. No one compares to her. No one will ever make me feel what she can.

"I know." She says with a small smile on her lips before turning on her heel.

I watch how her hips swing from left to right as she walks away from me. She's only next door but just this tiny distance hurts me. I want to be wherever she is. We've been apart for too long. All these years... all this time of agony... I can't be without her anymore. Not even in a different room.

I walk out of the dressing room an instant later and into the white marbled ensuite bathroom that's next door. I stop in the doorway and stare as she throws her skincare into a black pouch from Chanel. She doesn't have a lot of skincare, but all those green glass containers that stand on the little niche above the sink get thrown into the bag. Just like her mother she likes to use all natural products, so there's a soothing herbal smell in her bathroom. She zips the pouch close before bending down and opening the cupboard underneath the sink. I love watching her move, her sight alone awakes my dick again. She gets out two bigger bags and opens them. I watch her throw some black bottles into one of the bags before zipping it close.

"I can feel your eyes on me." Her angelic voice breaks the silence. She looks over her shoulder with a smirk on her lips. But her smirk drops as she stares into my eyes. She gulps and walks over to me. As her hands touch my face I can feel tingles and I know she feels exactly how I feel. "Солнышко," she breathes out before kissing me softly.

"I can't be without you again." I confess in a whisper.

"Then you should help me pack these up." She whispers back before brushing through my hair. "Grab my shampoo and conditioner out of the shower." She turns on her heel.

I walk over to the glass shower and open the door before grabbing the two lilac bottles and a shower gel. I turn around and walk back to Della. She throws a couple of tampons into a bag before getting out a pink silicone thing in a transparent packaging. "What the hell is that?" I ask her confused as I place the bottles into her bag.

"A menstrual cup."

"A what?"

"You use that instead of this." She picks up a tampon.

"That thing goes into your vagina?" I breathe out shocked. It looks bloody uncomfortable! And it's huge!

She chuckles, "Yes. But I haven't tried it yet. I figured I use up the tampons and then try that thing."

"But why would you put that thing inside of you?"

"It's suppose to be better than tampons. Environmental friendly, healthier... after every use you just disinfect it and then you can use it again."

I frown at her, "It's your body."

She chuckles again before throwing the cup that's in its packaging on top of her toothbrush. "Okay, I'm done here. Lets pack my clothes up."

I pick up the three bags with one hand and watch her walk out of the bathroom, "Della,"

She turns around at my voice, "Yes?"

"When's your period due?"

"In two days."

"What if you're pregnant?"

"Well then I won't try out that menstrual cup." She says with a shrug.

"Della,"

"I'm not pregnant, Wlad. I'm having cramps right now. Period cramps in my uterus. Maybe my period is going to come earlier. Trust me, I know my body. I am not pregnant." She ensures me before walking into her dressing room.

I follow her and place the bags on the island as she gets a big black leather overnight bag from the top of her shelve, right above where her blouses are hanging. "Maybe we should use condoms in the future."

She places the black leather bag on the island next to me, "What?"

I shrug, "We shouldn't shock your Mom with our relationship and a pregnancy."

She sighs, "Wlad, I am not pregnant."

"I know, but..."

"But what?" She asks me back.

"I think we should take it step by step."

She stares into my eyes for a second. "I won't go on my contraception again. Those extra hormones were no good."

"Then it's condoms."

She growls, "Fine. But condoms can rip, you know."

I kiss her softly. I want children with her more than anything but I don't want them before she's my wife. And I won't ask her before Ella knows about us. I need Ella's acceptance and blessing. And that might take a few years.

Adaline's point of view:

"Are you sure you want to spend your precious time with me here?" I ask as we walk into his gym at the river Thames. The last time I was here was when Daddy humiliated me because I wanted to become a MI-6 agent. That was over two years ago. I can't believe how fast time has past by.

"Yes. I need to see how well you can protect yourself. We'll start with boxing." He nods towards the ring. The whole gym is empty.

"Why?" I ask confused. I have Wlad by my side. No one will touch me.

"Why? Because those Arabic men can be Mexican, Russian, Chinese, American-"

I hold up my hand, "Alright I get it. You want to know if I could have knocked them down without a weapon."

He pushes the ropes apart so I can get into the ring. "Yes. I'd to know of what your body is capable if it's used as a weapon."

"Oh, you know exactly what my body is capable of." I get out of my shirt before throwing it next to the stool that has a pair of boxing gloves and punching mitts in black on it. "I believe your words were-"

"Della, I'm serious."

"I know. I am, too." I smirk.

He sighs before helping me into the boxing gloves. "Fine if you want it that way."

"What way?" I ask back confused as I get into the second black boxing glove.

Suddenly his grey orbs turn dark. "For the next 45 minutes I won't be your boyfriend but your trainer. I'll push you so hard that you're going to hate me. I'll provoke you until you break."

Oh, he really was not joking. "You won't break me. You don't have that kind of power." I say as he puts on his punching mitts.

He looks up as he has put on the punch mitt. "We'll see."

Wladimir's point of view:

I hold up my hands, "Left, right, left." I tell her.

She looks beyond sexy with those boxing gloves on. Her voluminous tits are held in place in that black sports bra but somehow they look as inviting as ever. Her endless legs are covered in black leggings with mesh and she's wearing black sneakers.

I love her in black.

She punches into my hands, using not even half of her strength. "I don't know why we're not tangled up in your bedsheets. That's a much better workout if you ask me." She mumbles.

"Again. Stronger this time," I demand.

I watch how she moves as she punches into my hands. She's rotating from her hips, not her core. I know she's doing this only half hearted.

"Della, I need you to take this serious." I say before getting out of the punching mitts. "You're rotating from your hips not your core." I place my hands on her hips and feel tingles in my body that awake my dick. "Your hips need to stay still."

"I know how boxing works. This is not my first time."

But it's her first time with me. "Then why aren't you doing it properly?"

She growls at me, "Because I'd rather be in your bed than in this boxing ring."

I want that, too. More than anything but her safety goes above my need to be inside of her. "Can't you spare 45 minutes on your safety?" I ask her back.

She pouts at me, "Why? It's a waste of time. I have you by my side. No one will ever dare to think of touching me."

She's got that right. "But I'm not always around. I have to work and so do you. So, I need to know that you can protect yourself properly."

She sighs, "I know how to shoot. I've had yearly training since I was fifteen with my Dad."

"Yeah, but your Dad is gone and that means you are even under more danger now." They all are.

She nods, "Okay. I'll try harder this time. But once we're done we'll-"

"Go grocery shopping because we're cooking tonight for my Dad. He'll come over. And we can stop by a drugstore and buy some condoms."

Her navy orbs glitter with desire, "Good."

I put on the punching mitts again and hold my hands up. She punches into my hands. This time the punches are stronger because she uses the strength of her core, not hips.

"Harder."

She punches again, using more of her strength than before. But I know that's not even half of what she has stored inside of her. There's so much pain and anger inside...

"That's not enough. Again."

"How's that not enough? I'm panting already." She asks me.

"Again, Adaline."

Adaline's point of view:

I punch harder, this time doing a combination of a right jab, a left jab and a hook. Wladimir slightly bends from that hook. It's nice to see I can almost make him stumble when I use all of my strength.

"Better."

"Better? That's all I have."

"No, it's not." He disagrees with me.

I shake my head, "Yes, it is. I need a break."

"No. Left jab, right jab, left hook and a kick."

My eyes widen, "I won't kick you." He is protecting his hands but not his torso. I may not have his strength but it's enough to cause bruises.

"You'll kick against my hand. With your knee."

"Wlad,"

"Again, Adaline."

I perform a left jab, a right jab, a left hook before kicking against his left hand with my knee. I've used all my strength in my core and arms, but Wlad's hand didn't even give in under my kick.

"Again."

"I can't!" I say while catching my breath. I rest my hands on my thighs as they suddenly feel a hundred pounds heavier. My muscles are burning.

"Yes you can."

"No, I-"

"Adaline, again!" He hisses at me in Russian.

"No! I hiss back at him.

"Your Dad would be disappointed in you. You're giving up after only fifteen minutes. He's right, you don't have what it takes to be a MI-6 agent and you surely don't have what it takes to protect yourself when it comes down with it."

He tries to provoke me but I see right through it. He can't push a button when there is none. "I'm not falling for your psychological games. You can't provoke me that way." I tell him. My Daddy is not gone because of me. I turn on my heel as I decide to end this session.

"Your Mom is lonely and sad while you enjoy your time with me. She's devastated and all you do is fuck me. She's crying herself to sleep because she thinks it's her fault he left you guys. She's the problem-"

I tense up as his words before turning around. Suddenly something inside of me explodes and I start hitting him without knowing what my next move is going to be. I strike out with my left arm before following with a right hook. Wlad moves his right hand over my head, so I have to duck but like I'm autopilot I start hitting him faster, performing a shoeshine where it's about speed not power. And then I strike out. A left jab. A right cross. A left hook. A right uppercut.

That's when he stumbles.

And nearly falls.

"Yes, that's what I wanted to see!" He's grinning because he finally got what he wanted.

"Fuck you!" I hiss at him. "I said I was done and then you provoke-"

"Do it again."

"No!" I hiss at him before turning on me heel. No one uses my Mom against me! She has nothing to do with Daddy leaving us! It's not her fault!

Suddenly, I feel Wlad's hand on my arm, trying to turn my around. I untwist out of his grip and hit against him again in a very fast combination that's causing him to duck as he has put off the punching mitts. He's protecting himself as much as possible but I see black because I no longer care about the man across me.

And that's when I meet the right side of his jar with my left hand. Wlad stumbles.

And falls against the ropes that hold him up.

"Fucking happy now?!" I yell at him as he touches his chin. He provoked me without wearing his gloves and now I've hurt him. "You know I am a match to your strength but being the asshole you are, you needed to see it, too."

I don't wait for his response. I turn on my heel and get out of the boxing ring. That serves him right. He crossed a line he knew he better not cross, all for what? For me to show him how well I can fucking protect myself?! He fucking knows I am powerful. I shake my head as I walk down the hallway. Fucking idiot!

Wladimir's point of view:

I watch her march through the gym. She's sweaty but she looks stunning even when she's mad at me. I provoked her and I got my comeuppance. But I had to.

I had to know where her limit is and how she's going to react when someone crosses the line. As her body was full of adrenaline she hit me with full force. If she's going to be in danger she's going to react the same way. She'll hit with full force and precision. She will not run and hide. She will face the opponent and tear that opponent apart.

I catch the flying black boxing gloves as she throws them into my direction.

"Hey, Wlad!" I wince at the sound of my name and turn around.

Vermont is standing across me. While I closed my gym for the time I wanted to train with Della alone, my best friends have keys. Because I know how crazy their working schedule is and they like to work out whenever they want.

I just didn't expect whenever to be right now.

"Vermont..." I breathe out shocked. I quickly pick up Della's black shirt. How much did he see?

He smirks at me as I get through the ropes. "Was that Adaline Bolton?"

I open my mouth to answer but Vermont shakes his head.

"She nearly knocked you out!" My Swedish best friend says.

She for sure has what it takes to knock me out. "Are you here alone?"

"No, Sophie is getting changed right now." Vermont says before crossing his arms in front of his wide chest.

"Marco's not here?"

He shakes his head, "But he would have loved seeing that. No one ever knocked you out."

"That's not true. Ella once did."

"Yeah but that was because you were heartbroken. You were not yourself after the mystery woman broke up with you."

I gulp. Mystery woman. So Vermont still doesn't know it's Della. My best friend has to be blind. "Della's the mystery woman." I breathe out.

Vermont's blue eyes widen at me. "What?"

"Della and I... we're together again."

"Again?"

"Yeah... she was at my door yesterday-"

"You are fucking Troy's daughter?!" He asks me shocked.

"Don't call it that." This is not about sex. We're in love.

"But you are! Damn it, Wlad! I thought Marco and I should look for a woman your age on Marco's guest list! Our hottest guess was Christina. But Adaline?! You're sleeping with Adaline Bolton?!" He hisses at me. "What the hell were you thinking? Fuck, does Gabi know?"

"Not yet."

"Not yet?! When were you going to tell her? When her first born is knocked up?!"

I shake my head, "No of course not. We want to do it on Sunday."

Vermont shakes his head, "You... and her... Wlad, she could be your daughter! She's 20 years younger than you!"

"22." I correct him with a shrug.

"This is dangerous! You're lucky Troy is gone because he would kill you for what you're doing!"

"I think Ella is going to be just as dangerous."

"How long has this been going on?"

"You don't want to know." I answer instead. Suddenly goosebumps start covering my arms and a shiver runs down my spine. I turn around as I hear her light footsteps walking over to me.

"I forgot my shirt." She hisses at me before ripping the shirt out of my hand. Her navy eyes are still filled with anger. Della notices Vermont next to me. "Hi."

"So, you're sleeping with Wlad?" Vermont asks without greeting her. I guess he needs to hear it from her as well.

"Not tonight." She says before turning on her heel again.

"Why is she so mad?"

I tear my gaze off of her swinging hips and look back at him. "She's not mad. She's just pissed I kept my promise."

"What promise?"

"I told her I'll provoke her and she'd snap at me. She didn't believe me."

"Is there a reason why?"

"I had to know if she could kick some ass."

"She's Troy's and Gabriella's daughter. She has the name Bolton written all over her. Of course she can kick ass. She nearly knocked you out."

Adaline's point of view:

"The cat's out of the sack." I tell Sophie as I open the door of the changing room in Wladimir's gym. I put on my black shirt as Sophie tightens her blonde ponytail.

"Vermont caught you guys. Of course Wlad has to say something." She says with a shrug. Her bright blue eyes dance down my body. I am in the best shape of my life but I wish I wasn't. All this agony that caused me to work out this hard was not worth it. "You're so toned that I think you should be unreal."

I'd rather be six pounds heavier than look like a hybrid of a fitness model and a Victoria's Secret Angel. I know working out is important but that, along with my clinical trail, took over my life for the last three years. I worked on the clinical trail just as hard as I worked out. Because I needed those endorphins to keep me somewhat sane. And Sophie thinks I'm admirable? I'm anything but that! Not even my worst enemy should feel what I felt in the last years. I cross my arms in front of my chest. "I've been working out like a maniac in the last years because whenever I felt my lungs burning and my muscles screaming from pain that's when the heartache started to lessen. I am not in this shape because I want to. I am in this shape because I had to. It was either working out or back to drugs."

"Maybe I should separate from Vermont. Ever since meeting him I've been gaining pound after pound!" My best friend is slim, but not toned. And I don't think there's anything wrong with being curvier or more toned. Every woman is different and every body shape is beautiful.

I shake my head at the absurdity of her words. "This body is not worth the heartache I was in."

"Yeah but I mean... wow. Just look at your long lean legs and those abs! And your strong arms-"

"Sophie,"

She holds up her hands in a defensive mode. "Yeah, sorry I'll stop and instead invite you over for a movie night at my place tomorrow. With lots of cheesy pizza, calzones, wine and popcorn. No healthy food, I promise." She grins at me. "We'll do a triple date with Marco and Brooke because I want to see Marco's face when he finds out about you guys."

I roll my eyes at her words, "Fine. But only if I get to bring the wine."

Wladimir's point of view:

I lean against the doorframe of my dressing room as I watch her hang up the evening gowns on her side of the walk-in wardrobe. Her 180cm tall hourglass figure is wrapped in her pale pink bathrobe that's stopping right above her knees. Her long chestnut curls are hidden in a white towel.

She didn't talk to me on our way to the drugstore and supermarket and she took a shower straight after coming home. I placed the leather overnight bags that were filled with her stuff on the marbled island in my dressing room. She started packing out thirty minutes ago while I did some work in my study.

"I'm sorry." I breathe out as she hangs up the fifth evening gown that's in a transparent bag. It's a beige embellished gown that will look stunning on her. She looks stunning in everything.

"I know." She says, facing me with her back.

"I warned you."

"I know." She repeats before hanging up another stunning red laced gown by Valentino. Her shoes are already placed on the shelves just like the drawers are filled with her underwear, socks and whatever else she put in there. Her blouses and some of her sweaters are hanging on hangers. She folded her jeans before placing them on the open shelves. Her jewellery is on display as well but she doesn't have a lot. Della doesn't wear any perfume so the island is still completely empty. She completely filled the right side of the room with of her stuff. Her clothes, her shoes, her overnight bags, her purses... everything is sorted by length and colour.

My dressing room has never looked better.

"I told you this would happen."

Della turns around and marches over to me. "I'm not mad at you. I am mad at myself for reacting to your provocation. I am mad that you found the one button and pushed it until I exploded." She says to me. "I thought my Daddy's my weak spot. Turns out it's my mother. I am more protective of her than ever because my Dad broke her in ways she doesn't see yet. And I refuse to put our weight on her shoulders as well. She's already struggling and now she's also going through all those hormonal and body changes because she's pregnant."

"I needed to know what you're really capable of."

"If you had pushed me harder I would have seriously hurt you." She narrows her navy eyes at me. "Don't forget who my parents are. I may have not trained with you for the last three years, but trust me I will survive everything." She places her hands on my chest and I feel how my heart pauses for three beats. "I'll survive everything as long as I have you. You are my soul, my love, the pulse to my heartbeat, the reason why I am alive... You are the best that's ever happens to me." I watch how her lips curl into a smile just as my heart explodes with love for that woman. "But if you ever pull a stunt like the one in gym again, than I swear I'll-" I shut her up with my lips because I can't take being away from those luscious lips again. She returns my kiss instantly. I love the way our tongues dance as her scent washes over me. She smells of the pink peonies that she bought at the supermarket and shower gel. Her hands move underneath my shirt and my abs vibrate from the touch of her fingertips. She helps me out of the shirt as my hands pull down my trousers and boxer briefs. Her navy eyes dance down my naked figure and I can see the desire glowing as her eyes stop at my erection. That ten inch cock was made to be buried in Della's pussy over and over again. She's the only one who has him under control. I was made for loving her.

And she was made to be loved by me only.

I unwrap the white towel from her hair and open the bow on her bathrobe before lifting her and placing her on the white marbled island. She opens her legs immediately to welcome me. I take a step forward and she moans as she feels my hot erection pressing into her lower abdomen. Her voluminous c-cup tits are pressed into my chest and I can feel how stiff her nipples are. I kiss the nape of her neck and feel her racing pulse with my tongue for a moment before moving further south. My lips seal over her left nipple as she runs her hands down my shoulders and back. My hard on throbs at the touch of her hands on my skin and she lets out a moan as I suck.

"Солнышко," she moans again as my right hand runs down her chest, her six abs until my fingers find their target. Her sex is hot and so wet for me as I slide my fingers into her.

She moans and sucks my fingers in, "Wlad, please..."

"You're so tight and wet for me..."

She places her hands on my ass and pushes me even closer to her, "Only for you."

This woman is driving me insane. I pull out my fingers and slide into her wet sex. She's so tight, so warm and she's sucking me in like she needs me to be alive.

I need her to be alive as well.

Adaline's point of view:

I take a sip of my white wine before placing the wine glass back on the black marble countertop in his kitchen. We're cooking tonight as Sergej is coming over for dinner. I can't wait to see him again. There's soft jazz music coming out of the speakers. Wlad decided to cook spaghetti carbonara. I wasn't allowed to lift a finger so I sipped on my wine while I watched him moving with a routine through his kitchen. There's nothing sexier than seeing my man in our kitchen.

"You've evolved." I point out as he puts the wooden spoon that's covered in the carbonara sauce in front of my mouth. I lick off the sauce. It's amazing!

"You thinks so?" He asks concerned.

"Oh yeah, definitely. I think my work here is done." I smile at him. "Five years ago you couldn't even make Crêpes and now look at you! You're making Spaghetti Carbonara from scratch without me needing to tell you anything."

He chuckles, "Don't remind me of those Crêpes. I burned the whole batch. I was awful." He says and turns off the stove. I watch him moving as he walks over to me. Wlad is dressed in all black with black slacks and a black Oxford shirt. He looks too good to be true.

"No, you just needed the right woman in your kitchen. Even if she's just drinking all the wine by herself."

He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer to him. His scent washes over me as I embrace him as well. I live for that ocean smell. Just standing there in his arms feels a bit surreal. I rest my head against his chest and listen to his heartbeat. As always our hearts beat in the same rhythm.

I never want to be without him ever again.

"Never let go of me again." I whisper. I want to be with him for the rest of my life.

"I won't." He promises me before kissing the crown of my head. I feel safe and sound in his arms. I am at peace... I am home.

I'm right where I belong.

Suddenly the doorbell rings but neither of us moves. Then a knock follows.

"I think you should get the door." I whisper after another knock appears. Sergej doesn't know I'm here. He has no idea we're back together.

"How about you do that?" He asks me back instead.

"I don't want to give him a heart attack."

He chuckles, "Good thing you're a cardiothoracic surgeon then."

I let go of him and walk over to the closed front door. I pass the oval marbled table that has fresh pink peonies on it. They freshen up the space and remind me of my Mom. I don't think she's ever going to come over to dinner. She's most probably going to freak out at the news. She's going to be shocked and hurt... I shiver. I still have two days to get used to that.

I inhale deeply as I place my hand on the door handle. Tonight is about Sergej. Not my Mom. I open the door.

Sergej's grey eyes widen as he sees me. Wladimir's father is dressed in all black like his son tonight. I think now I know where Wlad's obsession with black is from. "Adaline," he breathes out after a moment of staring at me. Then he suddenly embraces me tightly. His grip is so tight that it almost hurts.

"I missed you, too, Sergej." I whisper as I return his embrace. Unlike the Krimov men I am not dressed in black. I'm wearing a loose fitting burgundy blouse with skinny light washed jeans.

"You're better not leave him again." He whispers into my ear before squeezing me again.

I gulp as he lets me go. "I'm not planning to." I ensure him as he walks into Wlad's flat.

"Dad,"

I close the front door and turn around only to see how both Krimov men embrace one another. It's such a lovely picture.

"She's still not wearing a ring on her finger." Sergej points out after letting go of Wlad.

I chuckle at his words. "There's still time for that."

"We're planning to tell her Mom on Sunday."

"On the day of rest?" Sergej asks back with raised eyebrows.

My mother hasn't had a day of rest since my Dad left us. "Yes." I confirm. "But for now we're really looking forward to a lovely dinner with you."

"I made spaghetti carbonara." Wlad says.

Sergej turns around, "He cooked?"

Wladimir rolls his eyes at his father's words.

"Don't worry I supervised him and tasted it. It's good." I ensure him with a grin on my lips.

Wladimir's point of view:

"Ready?" Della asks me and I just nod. She presses a button on her iPhone and suddenly soft guitar notes start filling the room. My Dad left a while ago and after all the wine I decided it was time to hear Della's love songs. I still can't believe she wrote me love songs. She's more like her Mom than she wants to admit.

Day breaks and when I turn

You're not on my pillow

My head shakes and then the penny drops

Still your t-shirt on my chair

Pencilled hearts on paper

I try not to think but I can't stop

And doubt sets in like a storm

I could feel it coming

And words echo out yesterday

Time pushed me to the edge

The jump was my decision

I've only got myself to blame

'Cause I have no right to love you

When I chose to walk away

I have no right to miss you

When I didn't wanna stay

And I have no right to need you

And I knew what my heart was gonna lose

I have no right to love you

But I do, I still do

Yeah, I still do

I gulp as my throat tightens and the tears burn in my eyes. Her angelic voice touches the deepest parts of my heart so easily. A shiver runs down my spine as the song continues. She wrote that? It's so full of regret, pain... and love. I pick up her iPhone and turn the song off. "I changed my mind. I don't want to hear the songs now."

She gulps and her body tenses with rejection next to me. "You don't like it."

I tilt my head and face her, not afraid to show my emotional state. Adaline saw me when my babushka died, she knows how I look like when I'm grieving. She saw me crying when she broke up with me the first time, almost three years ago. She saw how furious I was when I found out she had a threesome with strangers after I kissed her on the dance floor of a club. She knows I'm protective, loyal and pervasive when it comes to her. But most of all... I am madly and deeply in love with her.

And I'm not afraid to show her that.

But those songs are too much for me to handle.

Her navy eyes soften as she sees what she's done with me. "Oh, Солнышко... We'll listen to them another time, okay?"

I just nod because my throat is still too tight to talk.

Adaline's point of view:

I wince in the morning as a ringing sound fills my ears. "Wlad, someone's at the door." I growl at my man before rolling over in his bed. Dinner last night was lots of fun with Sergej but I'm dog tired today. All I want to do is stay in Wlad's bed.

The doorbell rings again. "Wlad, answer the door." I reach behind me and shake him softly. It's a miserable morning as it's grey and foggy. Rain is clashing against the glass facade in his room. The sound is so soothing that it makes me want to sleep in.

He growls, "Fine."

The mattress shifts as he climbs out of the bed. I pull the blanket over my head as he walks into the dressing room to get into fresh underwear.

"Whoever it is, send them away." I mumble as he walks past me.

Wlad chuckles, "I'll do my best."

I hear him walking out of our bedroom before closing the door again. I sigh as I get comfortable in the bed again.

I hear Wlad opening the front door.

"We're here for breakfast." I hear my mother's voice.

I jump up in the bed. My Mom's here?! She's a day too early!

Shit!

I can hear Wlad answering and suddenly there are many paws rushing over to the door of our bedroom. Zeus. She brought Zeus.

The Springer Spaniel that found out my Mom's pregnant before she even knew. He starts barking. Shit, that dog is smelling me!

I'm dead. We're dead.

There's no way my Mom won't find out now.

"Zeus!" Wladimir's strict voice calls our spotted dog and I hear how he walks away from me again

Okay, I have to brush my teeth, wash my face and do something to that bird's nest on my head. I can't face her like this. Especially not naked.

I should definitely put something on.

I walk into the en-suite bathroom and use the loo. There's no way I get to sleep in now. I wash my hands and face before putting on moisturiser and eye drops in my eyes to look more awake. I pick up my brush and start brushing through my hair. It always takes me forever because my curls form knots over night.

Suddenly, a bad feeling overcomes me. I know immediately that it's not the adrenaline or fear of my mother's reaction when we tell her. Something's wrong.

Something's wrong with Wlad.

I rush out of the bathroom and grab his black shirt and put it on as I run out of the bedroom. I stop at the scene that's in the kitchen. My pregnant mother is pressing a knife onto Wlad's throat. There's blood coming out of the cut. She looks like she wants to kill him!

"You-"

Zeus barks as he sees me and his tail goes crazy as he runs over to me.

"Mom," I breathe out.

My Mom looks at me and her chocolate orbs widen. She drops the knife and Wlad takes the second to twist her around. Within a blink of an eye her cheek is pressed against the kitchen island.

"Go." Wladimir hisses at me.

That's not how we wanted to tell her. We had it all planned out! We wanted to drive to Richmond and tell her at dinner... but definitely not like this.

"Let her go." I demand and cross my arms in front of my chest. My Mom's looks like a wild animal as she moves under his grip. Zeus rubs his fluffy body on my bare legs. I love that dog as well but right now my focus is on those two in front of me.

"I will kill you!" She hisses at Wlad.

"Go!" Wlad repeats.

"No, you're hurting her. She's pregnant. Your hurting my sibling as well."

"Zeus!" My Mom calls out and Zeus tenses up immediately. "Destroy."

Zeus runs over to Wlad. "No!" I yell. "Out!" I snap with my fingers. But that dog doesn't react so Wlad jump away from our Zeus. Our protection dog. "Zeus, come on!" I try again and clap into my hands.

But Zeus only looks at my Mom.

"Call him back." Wlad says.

"No!"

"Let her go." I tell Wlad as Zeus is showing his teeth again.

"After you've left with Zeus." Wlad says before tightening the grip on my Mom. "Call him off, Gabriella."

She sighs before looking at Zeus. "Go." She says and nods towards me.

I exhale as our dog returns to my side. Finally.

"Get dressed and leave this flat." Wlad tells me.

"Do you promise to not hurt her?"

"I promise." He says to me.

I turn around and walk back into the bedroom. Zeus follows me as I enter the dressing room. I quickly get into the first clothes that are within my reach a pair of jeans and a white shirt. Together with Zeus we walk back into the kitchen.

My Mom still looks like a crazy person and Wladimir is still holding her tightly.

"Take the knife block with you. And that knife on the floor." Wlad demands. I walk over to him and pick up the bloody knife from the floor.

My Mom says something but ignore her words. She's not sane right now.

I stare at Wlad and the bloody cut before touching it slightly. He doesn't wince from my touch. "The cut is not very deep. I'll stitch it up later." I fondle his left cheek, "Don't hurt her."

"I won't." Wlad promises me again.

I kiss him softly.

"Go. I'll talk to you later."

I nod and turn on my heel with Zeus beside me. I get into a pair of heels and put on Wladimir's raincoat as mine is still at the Kensington House. I grab a pair of keys, Zeus' leash and open to the door. I look over my shoulder as Zeus runs past me.

I thought we would tell her like civilised people but instead she's freaking out. Big time.

With a sigh I close the front door, put the leash on Zeus and walk away from them.

Wlad won't hurt her.

But I'm not so sure about my Mom hurting Wlad. She might rip his head off.

Wladimir's point of view:

Gabriella embraces her first born daughter tightly. She whispers something into Della's ear and Della nods before letting go. Laying on the couch, I watch Della opening the front door for her Mom and Zeus. "We're definitely not going to Vermont and Sophie tonight." Della breathes out after closing the front door.

I watch how she moves as she walks over to me. Della sits down on the white marbled coffee table. She lets out a sigh as her navy orbs dance over my face. I know I look beaten up. I feel beaten up.

But I deserve it and we all know it. "I'm fine."

"I had to stitch you up, Wlad. My Mom beat you up so hard that I am really worried about internal bleedings. We're staying here so I can have an eye on you. And you will move as little as possible. You need rest. Lots of rest." She says to me before brushing through my hair. Suddenly her navy orbs fill with tears. "I never meant for this to happen. We were going to tell her tomorrow anyway. Why did she had to come here today?!"

I grab her hand and kiss the back of her hand. I can feel the movement in every of my aching muscle. I should definitely rest and not play the strong one. "It's out. She knows. She's going to get over it and one day... maybe one day she's even going to accept me."

Della sighs, "That one day is very, very far away."

"But it's not impossible."

The love of my life shrugs, "I didn't think it would be possible for my Mom to beat you up like this and it happened so I guess... I guess there's hope."

I nod and smile. "There is."

"But we will tell Ana ourselves."

"Okay."

"And the rest of my family as well."

"Okay."

"And promise me you won't let anyone beat you up again. Not uncle Luc or Ryan... and not even Ana."

"I promise."

"Good."

"Why did you tell your Mom that you didn't want kids?" I ask her. "And a marriage with me."

She sighs, "I didn't want to shock her even more. She was stressed enough already. I mean she bloody attacked you! One step at a time."

"So you lied to her."

"I didn't lie to her per se. I just... I thought I'd ease her into the idea of us being together." She explains to me. "Besides I got my period today so there's a shocker less for her to worry about."

"I want kids with you. And I want you to be my wife."

She smiles at me. "I want that, too. But I didn't want to shock her too much at once. Now that she knows we can at least go out in public. We can go grocery shopping together without worrying if a paparazzi caught us kissing between the aisles. Or we can go on a date in a restaurant. We can walk hand in hand through the streets. That's a big step, Wlad. Just because we're not getting hitched tomorrow doesn't mean we didn't achieve a lot. My Mom knows and soon the rest of my family will follow."

Adaline's point of view:

I bite on my bottom lip as I watch Wlad sitting behind his desk in his study. Thanks to the glass facade in his room, he has a view over the Thames that's right in front of us. It's another gloomy morning. Just yesterday my Mom beat him up and today he's already back to work. The swelling on his face went away and the bruises on his torso started to fade as well. But he's definitely not clear for work yet. He still needs to rest.

"I can feel your eyes on me."

I wrap both of my hands around my cup of coffee. "I'm worried about you, Солнышко."

His grey eyes look up from the iMac, "I'm fine."

I sigh, "You shouldn't be working." I walk over to him and place my coffee on his glass desk. I place my hands on his shoulders and feel tingles spreading in my body from the touch. I start kneading his shoulders and kiss his left cheek. "Trust me, I'm a doctor."

He chuckles at my words and his voice fills my heart with the most beautiful warmth. "Let me just finish this email and I'll be back on the couch in five minutes."

I pick up my cup of coffee, "Alright."

Suddenly the door bell rings again. "Do you expect someone?"

"No." He frowns.

"It's not your Dad?"

He shakes his head as he gets up from his chair. "And I don't think it's Ella to apologise."

He's right. My Mom doesn't apologise and I don't either. "Do you think it's Marco or Vermont?"

Wlad shrugs as he walks past me. With my eyes I follow him as he walks to the front door. His walking is a little bit off which just underlined my theory of his well-being.

No what're who that is, Wlad's going to spend the rest of the day at home. On the couch, not at his desk.

He opens the door after a soft knock. "Anastasia?"

I frown. My sister's here? She doesn't even know where Wladimir lives. How did she find out?

"I wanted to see how much my Mom beat you up. I mean, I saw it happening but the results are just... really satisfying." My sister's sinister voice sends chills down my spine. I've never seen her like this. Suddenly she looks over his shoulder and straight at me. Her green eyes send arrows into my heart. "Get your fucking ass over here, Adaline!"

I gulp. So much to telling Ana ourselves. My Mom must've let told her.

"Hey, don't talk to her like that." Wlad hisses at her as I walk over to him.

"You don't get to tell me how I talk to my sister!"

"Yes, I do when you're treating her wrong."

"Oh and you're treating her right?!" She hisses at him before suddenly pushing against his chest so hard that he stumbles. "You raped her. You-"

"Woah, Ana, that's not what happened!" He says softly. I don't know how he can be so calm.

"No, I know exactly what happened! I know everything!" She hisses as I reach them. "But at least my Mom's reaction was right. I think she spoke for the whole Bolton family..." she inhales deeply. "As much as I would love to beat you up the same, I won't because my sister bloody loves you."

I grab Wlad's hand, "I do."

Ana's green eyes focus mine for the first time, "And now on to you!"

I gulp, she's just like Mom.

Ana storms into the flat and scans the space before snapping with her fingers as she sees the teal velvet couch that's across the white marbled fireplace. "Sit." She demands.

"Adaline's not a dog." Wladimir interferes.

Ana looks at him like she might beat him up nevertheless. "Did I talk to you?"

"No, but-"

"This is a Bolton family thing." she hisses before walking closer to him. Seriously, she even creeps me out. I knew she had a naughty side but angry? I've never seen that side of my sister. "So excuse us, because I'd like to talk to my sister in private." She places her hand on her hips.

Wlad doesn't even wince at her terrifying glance. He stares back at her for a full minute before he looks at me. Yeah, the Bolton women are not someone you want to get angry.

I nod, "Go finish your email. I'll be fine." I ensure him in his mother tongue because I know how to calm him down.

"I can speak Russian as well. After all, it is the country I was born in." Ana reminds us.

I chuckle as Wlad releases my hand out of his tight grip.

"I'll be in my study." Wladimir says before giving Ana a terrifying look.

Her green eyes widen in fear for a blink of an eye before they return to normal. Ana walks over to the teal velvet couch and sits down.

I follow her and notice how Wlad leaves the door a tiny bit open. Either to eaves drop or to make sure Ana doesn't kill me.

I sit down next to my blonde sister and notice the peachy diamond on her left ring finger, "You're engaged." I breathe out.

My sister shakes her head, "This is not about me. It's about you."

I sigh, "Ana, what do you want to hear? You saw us being married at Wlad's dacha. I don't know why you're so shocked about us."

"Yeah, but my vision could have been wrong!" She hisses at me.

"Have they ever been wrong?"

"Not yet! But they could be!"

"Well I can ensure you that this one will come true."

Her green eyes widen so much that I fear her eyeballs might fall out. "You guys are married?"

"No."

"Then you're engaged."

"No, we're not engaged either."

"Then you're pregnant."

"No, I'm not pregnant, Ana." I tell her and roll my eyes, "What I'm trying to say is that I won't leave Wlad and he won't leave me. We will get married one day and I will be pregnant one day."

"Dad is so going to kill him when he finds out."

"Well, Dad's not here right now. Mom took it bad enough and you're not happy about it either, but guess what? I don't care! I want to be with him and he wants to be with me. And finally, after all these years, we can be together."

"Della,"

"No, you have no idea how hard it was to be apart from him. I spent three years in pure agony and I'm so fed up by everyone trying to tell me what to do! I will spend the rest of my life with Wlad! And no one will get between us. Not Mom, not Dad, not you or anyone else. If you can't accept it then there's the door and you may leave." I hiss at her.

She sighs, "Adaline,"

"I don't get it. You were afraid to say yes to Jake. But I am not afraid of Wlad's love. I am not afraid to commit fully to this man because I know deep in my heart that he's my soulmate." I interrupt her. "And it doesn't scare me unlike you. But unlike you, I don't care what my family thinks of us because he's my life. He's the pulse to my heartbeat. He's my everything. I can clearly live without Dad and I could live without my family if you made me choose between you guys and him, but I can't live without him. Not anymore. I love him. Accept that."

Suddenly Ana grabs my hand, "Della, I'm not Mom." She says softly.

"You sure as hell acted like her when Wlad opened the front door."

Ana sighs, "I'll apologise to him later. I didn't mean to sound so harsh. I just... I was a little shocked, I guess."

"So Mom couldn't keep her mouth shut?"

My sister shakes her head, "No, she didn't say a word. I was home to tell her the news of my engagement and when I saw Mom talking to Jake it kind of hit me. I guess it was because I drank my tea from your mug, you know the one with your name on it. I grabbed it by accident but I figured you wouldn't mind."

I frown, "What do you mean by it just kind of hit you?"

Ana shrugs, "I saw you kissing Wlad. You wore a red dress... and then I saw you breaking up with Wlad in a flat that's definitely not this one. It was on a higher level, maybe a penthouse."

I gulp. Wlad's old penthouse in Parsons Green. "Ana, how?"

My sister shrugs again, "I don't know how or why but..."

"But what?" Did she see my future with him as well?

"I used to only see it with Mom, Della. I know what she went through and how badly Grandma hurt her when she was little. I know what Grandpa did to her and I know that she was kidnapped in Brazil when you were just a few months old. I've always felt her pain, Della. From the moment we first met up until this day..." she gulps, "We have this connection that's really hard to put into words. And that's part of the reason why I didn't accept Jake's proposal right away. Because I feel her pain every single day. She's so broken, Della... I wish I could help her, but I can't. I don't know how. And then you dropped this bomb onto her."

I sigh. "We were going to tell her this afternoon."

Ana licks her lips, "Does the rest of our family know?"

I shake my head, "No, not yet."

My sister nods before she brushes through her blonde waves, "Della, I love you and I have faith in you and your decisions, but not all members of our family are going to think that way."

"I know... Mom was one of those."

"But you made her see what I have seen as well. And you're going to need to do some serious convincing with the rest. Uncle Luc and Ry may want to rip Wlad's head off. But I think aunt Kelsi is going to be cool with that."

I smile. Aunt Kelsi was always the cool one. She and uncle Ryan got married when Ana and I were seven, but honestly marriage didn't change their perspective on life at all. After almost twenty years of being married they still don't feel the social pressure to have children or settle down. Instead, they live their lives to the fullest. They travel around the world more than they are actually home here in London. "I know Wlad and me are a very unconventional couple, but the heart wants what it wants."

Ana grabs my hands, "I know." She shows me a soft smile.

"Good."

"So... you'll be my maid of honour, right?"

A grin washes over my face. "Yes, of course!"

"Good because after that stunt I wasn't sure you wanted to be." Ana explains.

I frown, "Why?"

My green eyed sister shrugs, "I was pretty awful to Wlad." She sighs, "Plus I think Jake knew about you guys."

"Yeah, he probably knows since Marrakesh."

Her green eyes widen, "Marrakesh? How long has this been going on?"

"Five years."

"F-five years? Holy shit, Della! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"

"Because I know you. You wouldn't have been able to keep your mouth shut towards Mom and Dad. Besides, we were on a three year break anyway. Until I was done curing Parkinson's. The disease that killed his Mom."

Her eyes soften at my words, "You cured a disease for Wlad? Aw, that's so romantic!"

I shake my head, "No, I didn't cure it because of him. I started doing research before we even got together. I don't know why but this disease fascinated me. And then we got together and my focus shifted from Parkinson's to Wlad... and I realised that this was unfair towards the patients that were suffering. So I pulled the break on us, cured that motherfucker with Fleming and now I'm back where I belong."

Ana nods, "So you did cure it for him. And you say you're not romantic."

"I'm not."

She narrows her big eyes at me, "I know of the love songs you've written him."

I blush, "They're not love songs."

She giggles, "You're so much like Daddy, it's crazy!"

"Daddy wrote Mommy love songs?"

"Just one. But it's a bloody good one."

"I've never heard it!"

Ana leans forward with a grin on her lips, "Sometimes I love my visions. They enable me to see the best in people."

Wladimir's point of view:

I stop in front of Startstone of Aston Martin in Mayfair, where my Swedish best friend is already waiting for me. Vermont needed my help to pick out a new ride. As if the eight other luxury cars aren't enough. But it feels good to get out of the flat after a week. And although Della would love it here, I'm glad she has to work. I don't think Vermont is fully convinced yet.

"You look like a train ran you over." Vermont says dryly.

"That train is named Ella."

His icy blue eyes widen, "You told her?"

"She figured it out a day before we wanted to tell her. Knocked at my door in the morning and Zeus started to act weird..." I sigh, "I let he beat me up."

"She did well..." Vermont says with a chuckle, "I bet you're glad it's out now, aren't you?"

I nod, "It's a step forward."

"Amici!"

I turn around at the sound of Marco's voice. He's on the other side of the road. "You invited Marco?" I ask Vermont.

Vermont nods, "We'll go car shopping first, then have lunch and then you'll pick up Adaline from work before the both of you will come to my place. Sophie and I will finally do that movie night."

"With Brooke and Marco?"

"Yeah, you wanted to tell him anyway."

Marco crosses the street and he looks smart in his black suit. He looks overdressed compared to Vermont and me. We're both dressed in simple black Oxford shirts and black slacks.

"Married life suits you." I say with a smile on my lips.

Marco grins back at me, but his smile drops as he has a closer look to me. "You look like shit."

I chuckle, "Thankfully I don't feel that way."

"Yeah, but who is insane enough to touch you?" Marco asks confused.

"The mystery woman's mother." Vermont answers before I can say a word.

"Already heard you're back with mystery woman." Marco grins.

I shoot a look at Vermont.

"Oh no, it was my wife who told me that you guys are back together."

"Well you're lucky because you are meeting her tonight."

"You're joining us for the movies night at Vermont's and Sophie's place?"

I nod, "I'll pick her up after she's done with work. We'll bring wine."

Marco grins at me, "Wine is my specialty."

I chuckle, Della's much more picky when it comes to her wine than Marco. "My woman's picky when it comes to wine."

"Is it Christina? You can tell me her name, you know."

I shake my head, "My lips are sealed."

Marco hits against my left shoulder, "Come on, Wlad!"

"You can wait a few hours."

My Italian friend looks at Vermont, "Do you know who it is?"

Vermont nods, "And trust me, you won't believe it when you hear it."

"Alright, I guess I have to wait then. Can we stop by Tiffany after you picked your new ride?"

I frown, "What, you're already out of diamonds?"

Marco shakes his head, "No, but I thought I'd buy my wife something nice."

I narrow my eyes at him, "Because she doesn't have a safe full of jewellery."

He shrugs, "Don't worry I won't buy too much. Maybe a bracelet or a new pair of earrings... perhaps emeralds or rubies."

I look at Vermont, "Maybe we should just pick him up after we're done at Aston Martin."

Vermont chuckles, "Are you insane? By the time I've chosen my next baby, Marco has bought the whole store!"

Marco shrugs, "You never know when the desire overcomes me."

Adaline's point of view:

I wash my hands after a twelve hour surgery on an open heart. My eyes stare through the window that's showing the O.R.. Fleming was kindly enough to let me borrow Dr. Rhodes since I don't trust my interns enough to close up my patients. I have to say Rhodes even impressed me a little. His technique is very precise and despite the large hands that he has, he moves them as elegantly as I do with my long slim fingers. He's going to be a good cardiothroatic surgeon one day.

I watch Rhodes finishing his work and the patient getting transferred out of the O.R.. Immediatlely, the cleaning staff starts taking over. Rhodes meets me at the sink just as I start rinsing off.

"I like your technique. You sewed him up very well." I complement him. I don't usually voice my feelings towards interns or residents, but for Rhodes I make an exception.

The brown haired man smiles at me, "Fleming taught me that."

I return his smile, "I can definitely see that."

He frowns as he starts washing his hands with soap, "How?"

"It's not seam, it's your posture and the way you move your fingers." I hold up my hands and mimic his movements, "Fleming does that as well. Especially with his left index finger and his right ring finger."

"You noticed how I stood?" He asks me back surprised.

"I know of everything that goes on in my O.R.." I tell him, "It's my operation field in there and I'm in charge of everyone and everything. I take that responsibility very seriously."

He rinses off the soap from his hands and forearms, "I guess I have to agree with Fleming, you really are one of a kind, Dr. Bolton."

Wladimir's point of view:

I watch Vermont sign the buyers contract before turning around. Vermont chose a Valkyrie in a deep Mariana Blue paint finish as standard and with gloss Tungsten Silver exteriors. The salesman told us that there will only be 150 road cars and that it's Aston Martin's first ever hypecar. It's a nice car. It comes as close to a Formula One car as possible. That means it's bloody perfect for my adrenaline junkie of a friend.

My eyes scan the other cars that are on display here. I've never owned an Aston Martin as I prefer Italian or German cars, but I know someone who would love to belong to the Aston Martin family. My eyes stop at the red DBS Superleggera. She would love to call that car her own. It's elegant and it will drive on the roads like no other car. It has the motor of a race car and the beauty that fits Della. Her birthday is in a little less than six months.

"I'd like to order a car as well." I breathe out. She'll be over the moon and she's going to give me heart attacks when she drives that car but the grin on her face will be worth it.

The glass door opens and I see Marco walking in. "So, are we done here? I kind of have somewhere to be."

I roll my eyes at my Italian friend's words. He and his diamond obsession... "Nearly."

"What? But I saw Vermont signing that contract through the glass door."

"Yeah, but Wlad decided to buy one for himself." Vermont says and the salesman's eyes start glowing. Two deal on one day? It must be his lucky day today.

"Not for myself."

Marco walks over to me and I watch how his mind starts working, "Dios, you're buying the mystery woman a bloody Aston Martin?"

"A DBS Superleggera in Magnetic Silver. Put in all the extras there is." I tell the salesman before getting out my wallet to give him my ID.

"Do you want to buy luggage and a cover as well?"

"Yeah, the whole package. Silver on the outside and black leather on the inside." I tell him before handing him my ID. "I need it to be done by the first week of April."

"Why?" Marco asks me.

"Her birthday is in the first week of April."

"It's going to be her birthday present?" Marco asks me shocked. "Dios mios! I've never gotten a birthday present like that from you! Twelve years and not once have you gifted me a car! What does she have that I don't?"

I turn my head so I face him directly, "She's the love of my life and she deserves to be treated accordingly."

"And she has a weak spot for fast cars." Vermont adds with a grin on his lips.

"You know who it is?!" Marco's dark brown eyes widen. Then he looks at me. "Oh, so you tell him but not me?!"

I roll my eyes at him, "Can we not discuss it now?"

I watch my Italian friend being in his true element as he picks his diamonds like others pick pralines at a chocolatier. The turquoise coloured carpet beneath my feet is a eye catcher to the many glass cabinets that hold diamonds in various shapes. Marco is definitely having fun at Tiffany and the sales associate is giggling at his words despite the obvious ring on his left ring finger.

The last time I went jewellery shopping it was with Marco as well. Only that was at Cartier and Marco bought Brooke's engagement ring without knowing it would be one soon. That was also the day I'd realise that Della would never wear any of those engagement rings that they have at Cartier or Tiffany. My woman is unique and she deserves to wear something that highlighted that.

She deserves her mother's engagement ring.

That oval sapphire however seemed to be out of my reach. Ella beat me up well. She made it clear that she was not only angry, but she was also deeply hurt. And she felt betrayed. Those emotions combined with all the shit Troy made her go through caused her to snap at me like she never did before. She didn't just hit me to let me know she's furious, no she hit me because she felt too much. Too much pain. Too much betrayal.

Too much of everything.

That's why I allowed her to use me as a punching bag.

Maybe one day she's going to give me that ring.

"Marco, are you done yet?" Vermont asked him.

Marco looked over his right shoulder, "Done? No and I won't be any time soon. I waited as you bought your babies, now wait until I bought mine."

I chuckle at Marco's words. "You do realise they're for your wife and not you?"

Marco picks up a bracelet that's sparkling with all the diamonds and rubies. It's a wide cluster bracelet for which he surely has picked out the right earrings as well. "See how the beauties sparkle? That sparkle will be reflected in my wife's bright blue eyes. I buy those diamonds for her because they bring her joy. And trust me, then they're going to bring me joy as well. Happy wife happy life."

I look at Vermont. "What about you?"

Vermont frowns, "What about me?"

"Did you thought about Sophie being your wife?"

"We're alright where we are in our relationship."

"Alright? You know with these," Marco picks up a pair of diamond drop earrings, "You guys will be on the moon! Diamonds and women, they belong together and the sooner you realise that, the sooner you're going to become a member of the diamond's club." He looks at the sales associate. "I'll buy the whole tray." Then he looks at Vermont. "Marriage is the best thing that ever happened to me."

I chuckle again, "Don't pressure him into marriage."

"You don't want to marry that stunning woman?"

Vermont opens his mouth but Marco interrupts him again. "Because I know she's only waiting for you to go on one knee."

"That won't happen. We're in this relationship as equals. I will never submit to her and she will never submit to me. No one will ever go on one knee." Vermont clarifies. "And we're fine right where we are. We don't need to wear rings on our fingers."

That's not what Della told me. According to her, Sophie very much wants to wear a ring on her finger. But she's waiting for Vermont to make the first step. "Did Sophie say that?"

Vermont's blue eyes look at me, "Are you on his side?"

I shrug, "Kind of, yeah."

Marco grins at me. "So, are we going to look for an engagement ring next?"

Adaline's point of view:

I finish my green smoothie before throwing the plastic cup into the bin that's underneath the reception desk of the ICU. My eyes scan the post O.R. report of my latest surgery that Dr. Rhodes wrote. It's a very detailed report. It's so detailed that I'm wondering if he counted his breaths as well. Fleming's resident works throughly and is focused. My iPhone vibrates in my pocket and I get it out.

'I'm waiting for you outside.' It's just a text from my man but it makes my heart race nevertheless. No surgery can compare to the rush he gives me.

"Do you know if Dr. Bolton is single?" Dr. Rhodes voice fills my ears and I look up from the display of my iPhone. Rhodes is standing with his back to me and he's talking to Fleming. Both men seemed to have not noticed me.

I lean back in my chair and decide to observe their conversation before interfering.

Fleming chuckles, "Adaline Bolton doesn't date. She never did and I don't think she ever will."

"So, she's not single?"

Fleming shrugs, "I don't think she is. She might be back with her ex but I'm not sure. We don't talk about our relationship status. We only have work in common."

"It's just... she's incredible. Mind blowing. I've never seen a woman that's so fascinating."

Fleming smiles, "Adaline Bolton is as unique as it gets. She has the body of a model and the brain of Einstein."

"How do you know what her body looks like?"

Shit.

Fleming gulps, "I mean, I've seen her in jeans and a shirt. Those scrubs don't really give away much. But you know in jeans... she's stunning."

"So, you think I should try my luck?"

Fleming pads his shoulders, "Adaline Bolton doesn't wait to be asked out. She asks you out herself. She's a femme fatale."

I decide I've heard enough so I get up from my chair, "Fleming is right. I don't date. I have a boyfriend." Rhodes winces at my words and turns around. "As much as I feel flattered by your words, Dr. Rhodes, I think you should try your luck elsewhere."

He gulps, "I...O-okay."

I look at Fleming, "Will you have a look at my patient tonight? Room 009."

Fleming nods, "I'll page you if anything happens. Heard my protégé did well in your O.R."

I grin, "You definitely left your stamp on Dr. Rhodes' fingers."

"I'm still here." Rhodes points out. I guess he found his voice again.

"And I'm going to call it a day. I'll see you the day after tomorrow on the airport grounds." I say to Fleming.

Fleming nods, "I already have my passport ready."

I can't wait to be in New York City with Wlad beside me. "Good. We take off at twelve sharp. Don't be late."

"I won't. After all flying commercial is so exhausting."

I chuckle, "I hope the flight won't be for nothing."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll get the award, Dr. Bolton." Dr. Rhodes says.

I look at the brown haired tall man next to me. "I wasn't talking about the award but I'm glad you share my opinion. Not that I asked you to share that information with me."

Dr. Rhodes gulps, "I wish you two good luck."

"We don't need luck." Fleming and I say out of one mouth.

"We work hard for it. It's time to reap the rewards." Fleming says and I nod.

"Well, gentlemen, I wish you an uneventful night." I tell them before leaving the reception desk in the ICU. I already changed out of my navy scrubs. I put on a pair of jeans and a black lacy blouse. My feet welcome the new height thanks to the Louboutins. The heels echo through the hallway as I walk to the elevator. On my way I can feel eyes on my behind, but I'm not sure if it's Fleming, Rhodes or some of the nurses I walk by.

As I reach the elevator, I decide to take the stairs instead. After all, I'm just on the eighth level and I could really use the workout.

As I walk down the white staircase, I can feel how the excitement spikes up heartbeat. I've only seen Wlad twelve hours ago, but it suddenly feels like years. It's a miracle that I got out almost on time today because usually a ten hour shift turns into a sixteen hour shift or more. But just two hours longer than expected? That's a good sign.

The glass doors of the emergency entrance glide open for me and I step out into the rainy evening in Chelsea. I don't have an umbrella with me so my blouse gets soaking wet within a few seconds. I scan the parking lot in front of me for my black Porsche Cayenne, but to my surprise it's gone. I know exactly where I parked it but now the parking spot is empty. Where the hell is my car? And Wlad's not here either. Where is my man?

Suddenly, my black Porsche drives around the corner and stops in front of me. Wladimir is sitting behind the wheel with a grin on his lips.

I open the door and get inside, "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I say as I shut the door.

"I told you I was waiting for you outside."

"You should have told me that you were waiting outside in my car." I point out as I put on my seatbelt.

Wlad starts driving through the Londonderry streets, "We're doing that movie night at Sophie's and Vermont's place tonight."

I think for a moment. I would love to end the evening soaking in a bubble bath with my man. But I guess that has to wait a few hours. My eyes scan his face and neck. The bruises are gone. "Do you feel better?"

He sighs as he stops at a red light, "I'm fine. I was shopping with Vermont and Marco today."

I frown, "You guys like shopping?"

A deep chuckle escapes his mouth, "No at least not for clothes. Vermont wanted a new car and Marco needed more diamonds."

I grin as I remember Brooke telling me about Marco's diamond fetish. "What car did Vermont pick?"

"An Aston Martin Valkyrie."

"Damn! I want to see it when he gets that beauty! I always wanted to own an Aston Martin! Driving that stunning car is like driving a Ferrari and Bentley at once. Can you imagine how good I look behind the wheel of an Aston Martin?"

Wlad grins at me, "Yes, I can, my love."

I return his grin as butterflies awake in my tummy. "Are we driving straight to Mayfair?"

He nods, "I picked up a few bottles of Chardonnay before getting you." He continues driving and I take this chance to stare at him without any shame. I take my time as my eyes dance over his bushy brows, his silver eyes, that narrow nose and his defined chin that was hidden behind his three day beard. He's dressed in a light blue Oxford shirt with dark jeans. He left the first two buttons open. His short brown hair has a bit gel in it and his silver orbs reflect the streetlights.

My whole body hums alive at his sight.

"What?"

"You look really handsome this evening, Mr. Krimov." I say with a smirk on my lips.

He looks at me for a second, "You cleaned up nice as well. You know what heels do to me..."

Oh, yeah I definitely know. "Well, thanks to the rain my blouse is now almost see through."

His eyes move down my face and stop at my cleavage. "Not almost."

I sigh and get my iPhone out of my jeans pocket. I send Sophie a text asking for her to meet us at the front door with a shirt for me. She almost answers immediately. "Sophie will have a shirt for me to change in when we arrive."

"Problem's solved." Wlad says with a smirk. "Marco and Brooke are going to be there as well."

"Does Marco know about us?"

He shakes his head, "I thought I'd give you the honour."

Wladimir's point of view:

I park the Porsche Cayenne in front of the freestanding house in Mayfair. Sophie is already waiting for us with. Just like my woman, she's wearing a pair of jeans and a blouse. Only her white blouse is not soaking wet and see through. In her hand she's holding a black umbrella and a black shirt. She walks over to us, careful to not step into one of the many puddles.

Della opens the door, "You're a lifesaver, Soph."

The blonde woman blushes, "No, just your best friend." She says as Della starts opening the buttons of her blouse. "Hi, Wlad."

I nod at her, "Are Brooke and Marco already here?" I ask although I didn't see Marco's red Ferrari.

Sophie shakes her head as Della changes out of the blouse and into the black shirt. Although Sophie is slim, the shirt looks a little too small on Della thanks to her tits that stretch the fabric until it nearly rips.

Della sighs, "Soph, I think I need to wear something other than that shirt. My boobs are nearly ripping the fabric."

Sophie looks down and chuckles, "Oh, yeah they are! Come on, you can pick something out of my closet." Sophie grabs her hand and tears her out of the car.

I open the trunk and get out the two bags that contain the four bottles of Chardonnay that I bought for tonight. Della and Sophie walk into the house and leave the door open for me. I walk in and kick the door close. "Vermont?" I ask as I walk through the open living area. I spot him standing behind the kitchen island with an apron around his hips. "No way!"

Vermont's blue eyes widen as they see me. "I said we're equals in this relationship. That means we share the kitchen as well."

I chuckle as I walk pat the couches and oak dining room. "I don't judge. Della taught me how to cook as well."

Vermont grins, "I can't imagine you in an apron."

"Well, I don't wear one but I do cook as often as possible." I like surprising her with a cooked dinner when she comes home from work. The way her navy orbs glow when she sees me in the kitchen and smells what I cooked gives me a rush that I got quickly addicted to.

"Della's here as well?"

"Digging through Sophie's closet."

"Why?"

"The rain made her black blouse completely see through."

Vermont nods, "Got'cha."

"Are Marco and Brooke arriving anytime soon?"

"Should be here any minute." Vermont says as he opens the bow of his balcony apron.

"What, you don't want Marco to see you this way?"

"I'm not afraid to say that I know my kitchen inside out. I enjoy helping my woman wherever I can. Whether that's in the kitchen or cleaning the freaking toilet - I do it without any protest."

"But you don't clean the toilet. You don't clean anything in this house. That's what the staff is for." I point out as I get the wine bottles out of the bags.

"That wasn't my point, Wlad."

"I know. My woman turned me inside out as well. She turned me into a cook when I only knew where the fridge was. She taught me how to slow down when all I knew was how jam-packed my calendar was." I say with a shrug. And somehow, she made me want to push her limits when she's in the gym with me. I love seeing her whine when she says she's done for the day, but then I push her harder and show her that her limit is far from being reached.

I don't want her to knock me out again, though. So I'm careful to not overstretch that limit. I know exactly how she's like when she snaps.

And I swear it's the perfect combination of Troy and Ella. She's a volcano, a tsunami and a tornado all at once. So powerful that all you want to do is stand and stare at her beauty.

And then she hits you with her left jab and you're out of light.

Adaline's point of view:

I look through Sophie's tops as I move the hangers from one side to another. She wears a lot of lace and blouses in her free time, but they're all too small for my breasts. I sigh, maybe my blouse is not so see through anymore.

"So, you and Wlad are doing well?"

I stop at a beige top with long batwing sleeves. It has a rather wide square cut. It'll fit my boobs and me. I get it from the hanger, "That should fit."

Sophie's blue eyes look at the top, "That's my sister's. I stole it from her years ago."

"Oh, then maybe-"

"It's yours for tonight. She never noticed it anyway. Besides, she's now two sizes bigger anyway."

"Okay." I pull the black shirt over my head and put on the beige top with long batwing sleeves. I tuck the front into my jeans and look at myself in the mirror. Yeah, that top definitely hides my boobs. "Did you talk to Vermont?"

"About what?"

"Your desire to get married."

My friend sighs, "I don't think he understood my point, which is ridiculous because he's a freaking shrink!"

I chuckle as we walk out of their bedroom. "Maybe you should try again. Be blunt. No metaphors. I think then he should be able to get it."

"Is that how you talk to Wlad?"

I think for a moment. "Yeah, we're pretty direct and honest when it comes to our relationship. We don't sugarcoat things and we don't use metaphors."

"When did you become the expert for guys?"

"Not guys, but Wlad." I correct her and wink. I know my man inside out. I even know he's close although I cannot see him. But I can definitely feel him as the goosebumps start covering my arms.

Suddenly the front door opens and I watch Brooke and Marco walking into the house. The Italian man is wearing a black shirt and slacks while Brooke put on a fitted red dress. Her right wrist is glittering in diamonds and rubies. They fit to her huge pear shaped engagement ring on her left ring finger. She's glowing.

That's what the right man does to a man.

"Amici!" Marco rushes over to the left before I can hear him embracing Vermont and Wlad. Brooke on the other side has seen Sophie and me standing in the dark left hallway. Sophie puts her forefinger on her lips, indicating to Brooke to stay quite.

"I'm so excited to see Marco having the heart attack of his life!" Soph giggles at me.

I roll my eyes at her words, I just want it to be over with. My Mom knows. Ana knows. Vermont knows. It's time to tell Marco and then the rest of my family so we can finally all go back to living life as normal. Without playing hide and seek all the freaking time.

Brooke walks into the living room and Sophie follows her. I inhale deeply before doing the same.

"So, where's this mystery woman?" Marco asks, looking over Wlad's shoulder into the kitchen. "Is she afraid of me? Is she hiding somewhere?"

"I'm not hiding."

Marco twirls around at the sound of my voice. "Della," he breathes out my nickname and I can see how the penny drops. "Della?!" He asks again. This time looking at Wlad. "You're fucking Troy's firstborn?!"

"Marco," Brooke starts.

"Don't call it that." Wladimir hisses at him.

I lean forward, "If you want to know, yes the sex is amazing. I don't know if it's his experience or my flexibility but we don't need any diamonds to trigger our orgasms." I hiss at him and watch how Marco's face turns red.

Vermont and Sophie can't help but laugh at my words.

"Now, can we focus on other aspects of my relationship with Wlad or do you have any more questions?!" I raise my left eyebrow at him. "I promise to answer every one of them." I can feel how Wladimir grabs my hands and squeeze it tightly.

"I-I..." Marco closes his mouth before he stutters even more.

I straighten my shoulders, "And never call me mystery woman again. Di intesa?!"

Marco nods, clearly feeling intimidated.

"Della, you don't have to be so harsh towards my husband." Brooke narrows her bright blue eyes at me.

Marco looks at her, "You knew?!"

"Of course I knew. How do you think we've met? Why do you think she was my maid of honour? It was Della who introduced me to Wlad and then Wlad showed me a picture of you." Brooke explains casually.

"I can't believe it! Did all of you knew?" He asks, looking now at Vermont and Sophie.

"I knew from the beginning but I vowed to keep my mouth shut."

"I found out a week ago when Della knocked Wlad out in the boxing ring."

"Really, you did?!" Brooke asks me surprised.

"Wlad provoked me. I snapped. He got what he deserved." I say with a shrug before looking at Wlad.

"We both learned a lesson that day."

"Yeah, but what about me?!" Marco asks shocked, "How come I'm the very last to find out about the two of you?!"

I sigh, "You're not the last one. We still have to tell my aunts and uncles..."

Marco shakes his head, "I thought I was your best friend!" He hisses at Wlad.

"Listen, I made him do this. We agreed to keep it as secretive as possible in the beginning."

"That's true. I met Wlad when they were already two years together." Brooke explains with a nod.

"But now that we're together again, we decided to come clean."

"And how do I know you won't break his heart again?" Marco asks me before placing his hand on his left hip. "You fucking broke him the last time! Not even that Russian supermodel was capable of healing him!"

I grit my teeth at the sound of Natasha. "Because things have changed."

"How have they changed? Because I swear if you ever hurt him again, than I'll-"

"You'll do what?!" I ask Marco as I release my grip out of Wlad's hand. "Marco, I am not afraid of you or Vermont. I don't care what you think of Wlad and me. But for your consciousness, I will not hurt him again. When we broke up it was not because I wanted to but I had to. I hurt him and I hurt myself but I won't do that again. And on to that Russian supermodel you mentioned, she is as far gone as there is! She was my placeholder not a freaking healer. He's my man and no one else's!" I hiss at Marco.

He gulps, "So you're serious with him?"

I roll my eyes at his question, "No, I just enjoy playing with his heart." I joke.

"I don't think you should joke right now." Wlad's deep velvety voice reminds me in Russian.

I sigh, "I'm sorry, I was joking but clearly that's not my specialty. You want to know if I'm serious? Yes, I am. I love him very much and we enjoy spending our time together."

"You enjoy spending your time together?" Marco asks with a frown.

I roll my eyes, oh for Christ's sake! I turn to my left side and seal my lips over Wlad's. It takes him a second to return my kiss but eventually he does. Our tongues start dancing as I fill the kiss with even more passion. He squeezes my waist as the heat inside of us both rises, but just before it gets too much, i pull away. "Happy now?!" I ask Marco, who stares at me with an open mouth. "Which movie are we watching tonight?"

Wladimir's point of view:

I wrap my left arm around her body as we lay on the huge L-shaped couch in the cinema in Vermont's house. After giving them a show, Della acted like nothing happened at all. And after three bottles of Chardonnay Marco started to relax as well.

The huge screen shows the movie girl on the train, but I enjoy watching my woman in my arms even more. She fell asleep just a few minutes ago. After a twelve hour shift she must feel exhausted, plus all the wine, cheese and popcorn must've knocked her out. Her brown long curls are cascading over my wide chest as she breathes in regular intervals. Her left arm is hugging me like a child hugs their teddy bear. Her tits flatten against my chest and I can feel her steady heartbeat.

As Marco elbows me, I lift my gaze off of her. "What?"

"I like her." Marco says with a grin. "Ella's fire and Troy's domination. She's perfect for you."

"Yes, she is." I agree with her and look behind him. Brooke, Sophie and Vermont are glued to the screen as the story has its climatic scene. Sophie even stopped eating out of her bowl with salty popcorn. Instead her slim long fingers are wrapped around Vermont's wrist. Brooke on the other side is still sipping on her Chardonnay. I think it's her fifth glass tonight and she's not even drunk. She's definitely more Italian than she thought.

Marco and I were the only ones who decided to stay sober. Because we're the chauffeurs for our women.

"I'm not mad at you. I was just shocked..." his eyes move down to Della who is still sleeping on my torso. She moves a little as she hooks her left leg over my body. The movement awakes my dick in record time. Even when she's unconscious my body still wants her. "She's half your age, man."

That comment on our age difference will never go away. Instead of defining our relationship by our love it's always going to be our age gap. But we'll get used to that. We have to. "She has balls that are twice your size, Marco."

He chuckles before looking up, "I know. I am glad she makes you happy again."

She makes more than just happy. She's the love of my life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter.

The next chapter will cover the Lister Award in Manhattan with a surprise that will leave you shocked. Can you guess what it is?

As always please be so kind to leave review. That's also possible as a guest, if you don't have an account.

Merry Christmas,

Nicole