Chapter 59

Chapter

Fifty-Nine

"Beware the fury of a patient man."

― John Dryden

Alexsei

"I think Lazzio's got it all wrong—the real masterpiece here is you, moya solnyshka ," I whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand, my eyes locked on hers. "You're fucking gorgeous."

She smiled softly, a flush creeping up her cheeks.

We'd been stuck in silence for the last twenty minutes, the limo creeping through traffic packed with celebrities, New York's elite, and a few lucky bastards invited to Angelo's latest spectacle. If it weren't for my plans tonight and the most extraordinary woman beside me, I might've bailed.

Well, with Scarlett performing, I would've had to show my face regardless .

My eyes roamed over Caia as my thumb caressed her hand. She looked like a goddamn dream. Her sleek bun framed her face with effortless elegance, and her bold red lips popped against the vivid green of her sparkling eyes. That long, velvety black corset dress hugged her curves, shimmering with every movement. A delicate diamond choker glinted at her throat, making her even more mesmerizing. She was stunning, the embodiment of every wild fantasy I'd ever had—and she fucking was.

"Stop being so sweet, Alexsei. I won't kiss you again."

After last night, when her lips finally met mine after two long fucking years, I was hooked. I held her tight, afraid she'd vanish, but she pulled away gently, caressing my cheek and letting her eyes reveal everything she felt before retreating to her room and locking the door. I stayed in the kitchen grinning like an idiot because I knew my wife was finally finding her way back to me.

I laughed, planting another kiss on her hand. "Trust me, when I'm fucking you missionary, you'll be begging for my lips on yours."

She raised an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Oh really? You sure you remember how this all works down there?"

If she only fucking knew.

I wondered if she'd ever thought about whether I'd been with anyone else these past two years. The thought made me laugh, even with Angelo and the others pushing me to move on. Honestly, I'd rather cut off my own dick than give another woman a second of my time.

Leaning closer to her ear, I pressed her hand against my bulge. "I may have had nothing but my hand for company these last two fucking years, but my body is aching for you. I can't wait to show you how every damn inch of me knows exactly how to make you scream," I whispered, feeling her breath hitch as her fingers teased against me through my pants.

Just then, the limo pulled up, and she withdrew her hand as the driver knocked on the door.

"I can't wait," she whispered.

The exhibition was a masterpiece. Jade and Angelo really outdid themselves, decking the ballroom out with sculptures of famous women from history, each one more powerful than the last. Golden plaques told the stories of these legends—women who never knew how to back the fuck down, just like my woman.

As Caia and I walked through the museum, her earlier words echoed in my head.

Fuck, I can't wait either.

Lazzio spotted us across the room and strutted over. He kissed Caia's hand with the over-the-top flair only a truly fucking annoying Italian could pull off.

After that little show, he turned to me with a smirk. "Come on, let's go."

I kissed the top of Caia's head. "Call me if you need anything. Everything's gonna be fine, I promise."

She nodded, but grabbed my jacket, her eyes piercing into mine with a mix of fear and determination. She stared for a second before yanking me in and kissing me hard.

Fuckin' hell.

I grinned against her lips, diving right into the kiss, my hands tight on her hips and neck, feeling every damn emotion pouring out. It was fucking electric, all-consuming, until Angelo had the audacity to clear his throat.

"Be safe," she whispered against my lips.

One last look, and she was off, pushing through the crowd toward Sofiya, who was waiting near some massive statue.

I turned to Lazzio, barely holding back a smirk. "I'm gonna fucking kill you."

He chuckled as we headed toward the elevator. Inside, he pressed the button for the security floor. "Sorry about the blue balls, but don't forget you've got someone else to kill. Can't have you too lost in your ex-wife right now."

" My wife, " I corrected, sharp and cold.

We reached the security floor and walked into a room filled with screens showing every angle of the ballroom, hallways, entrance, and even the rooftop. My eyes locked on the ballroom feed.

"Where is she?"

Angelo pointed at a screen showing a dim hallway. "She'll be coming through there soon."

I nodded, eyes glued to the screen.

Tonight, she'd be dead. I fucking couldn't wait.

Angelo leaned back, folding his arms. "You and Caia are back together, huh? About damn time. I was tired of your bitching."

I glared at him. "I didn't bitch."

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, sure?—"

But then I saw it.

Camera 13 flickered, the feed warping into a grotesque vision. A twisted face appeared on the screen, lips stretched into an unnatural, almost predatory grin. Her eyes—wide, black, and gleaming with something feral—locked onto mine through the lens. Then, as quickly as she appeared, the image vanished, leaving nothing but darkness .

What the hell?

The feed snapped back on. There she was, standing in the stairwell, bathed in the harsh, fluorescent light. Her tiny red dress clung to her like a second skin, her smile wide, obscene, and dripping with malice. She waved at the camera before blowing a kiss.

Her steps were deliberate, echoing in the silence, until she reached the door. She turned once more, her grin wider, more deranged, and motioned for the camera to follow her. Then, she slipped through the door and disappeared into the darkness.

The feed went black again. One by one, the rest of the cameras followed, the ballroom, the hallways, all swallowed in darkness, leaving only the hiss of static.

Lazzio leapt from his chair, sending it crashing to the floor. "What the fuck just happened?" He was typing frantically, trying to bring the screens back, but they stayed dead.

I felt a slow grin spreading across my face. "Looks like this bitch hacked your whole system. I'll give her credit—she's sharper than I thought. Guess Sadiek did a hell of a job teaching her."

I headed for the door, adrenaline kicking in as I walked toward the elevator. The hallway lights flickered above, casting shadows that only made the tension worse.

Angelo hurried after me. "Where the hell are you going?"

I grabbed his arm, squeezing hard. "I know where Sadiek's bitch is hiding. Stay with Caia. She needs you. I'll handle this."

The elevator finally opened, and I stepped in.

"Alexsei—"

"Now, Lazzio. Keep my wife safe. I'll take care of the rest."

He didn't argue. He knew better.

The doors slid shut, and I stood there, the hum of the elevator the only sound. My blood was fucking boiling, anticipation building with each floor we passed. The elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened to the rooftop. Cool air hit me instantly, and there she was, standing in the middle of the X-marked landing zone.

She looked like a demon in red, every detail down to the tattoos on her arms screaming danger. High heels, slicked-back hair, and that same damn grin. She was waiting for me, savoring this moment, knowing she had me right where she wanted.

She smiled. "Hi, Alexsei."

"Hello, Leila."