28. ISABELLA

Chapter 28

ISABELLA

Eight Week Later — A Small Island in the Caribbean

Two months have passed since that day—since everything changed. The memory is still vivid, seared into my mind like a brand that will never fade.

I remember the coldness in Grace’s eyes as she stood in Dmitry’s living room, her voice calm and venomous as she laid out her plans for all to hear. There was no remorse, no hesitation—just a calculated, methodical unraveling of the web she had spun over decades. She spoke of how she and Lev had conspired to bring down the Zhukovs, Andreevs, and Morettis, their betrayal woven into the fabric of every move they made. She planned to seize control of all the organizations that had once held the Belovs and Velvet Transport hostage, waiting patiently for Andrey and me to marry and for me to carry his children. It was all part of her grand design.

Even now, I can still see the disbelief on Andrey’s face as he listened to his mother confess, her words a blade that cut through the last remnants of the family he thought he knew. But when his gaze shifted to me, it wasn’t disbelief that I saw—it was something much colder. The connection we had, the tentative bond that had been growing between us, was gone. I was nothing more than a threat, an enemy who had dared to challenge his mother.

His warning still echoes in my mind. “ You’d better tread carefully, Isabella .“ The icy edge in his voice left no doubt that, at that moment, I was standing on the edge of a precipice. One wrong move, and I would fall.

But I couldn’t stay. Not after everything that had been revealed, and certainly not after seeing the man Andrey had become in defense of his mother. With Temur’s help, I slipped away that night. He and his wife, Alex, and their children had helped me with my escape plan.

While the Belovs, Moretti, Andreevs, and Zhukovs had finally gotten their closure from a twenty-nine-year-old gaping wound and stopped the monster that had killed my mother and conspired to take over as much as she could, what I didn’t give them, was the paradise my mother had left to me.

Guilt slices through me when I think of my brother. I’d left without even a word to him. While they’d all thought they knew my mother’s escape plans for me, they didn’t. My mother had secretly bought this small island for me. To my surprise, it had been maintained by Maggie from the diner, a woman who my mother and grandmother had helped out of an abusive relationship years before I was born.

The island is a world away from everything—remote, hidden, a paradise where the rest of the world doesn’t exist. It is where I’ve started over, with the help of Temur, Alex, and their two kids.

Temur had sworn to my grandmother that he’d protect me, and is the reason he’d joined Konstantin on the mission to save me. My heart tugs for Temur to learn of how his father died—saving the life of another man. It’s what made me see that no matter what world you live in, there will always be good and bad, but most importantly, there are heroes like Temur’s father.

I’ve tried to put the past behind me. But it’s not that simple.

As I sit on the porch, feeling the warm Caribbean breeze against my skin, my hand instinctively moves to my belly. The babies are really strong kickers, a reminder that two new lives are growing within me—lives that Andrey will never know.

A tiny sliver of guilt threads through me, knowing that he’s missed two months of this pregnancy, but I quickly push it aside. He made his choice when he looked at me with those cold, unfeeling eyes and sided with his mother. I was never anything more than a possession to him, something to be controlled, manipulated, and discarded when convenient.

For a brief moment, I had been willing to give him the year he’d asked for to see if there could be something real between us. But that moment has passed the instant he chose his mother over me— over us . I knew then that there was no future for us—no trust, no love, only the cold reality of power and control.

My thoughts are interrupted as Alex joins me. Her own belly is round with the promise of new life. We’ve found a strange sort of peace here, a quiet existence far from the reach of those who once sought to destroy us. We’ve become more than friends—our shared experiences, the horrors we’ve escaped, have forged a bond that feels more like family.

“I made some tea,” she says softly, placing a cup in front of me. “Chamomile, to help you relax.”

I smile, grateful for her kindness, and take the cup. The tea is warm and soothing, and for a moment, it eases the tension that never entirely leaves me.

“I feel like if I get any more relaxed, I’ll fall asleep in the sun again,” I laugh, feeling a sense of contentment and freedom for the first time in my life, even though there’s still a hole in my heart where Andrey ripped it out.

“Oh, I love doing that, too,” Alex replies, her laughter light and infectious. She stands up and brushes the sand from her sundress. “But I should go check on the kids and find my husband.” She sighs. “He takes being head of your security very seriously and works the poor men so hard.”

“Temur is just trying to keep us safe.”

“From the seagulls?” she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I shake my head, still smiling, as I stand and walk with her back to the main house. The path from the beach is a short one, winding through the lush tropical gardens that border the sandy beach and surround the house—my sprawling beach villa.

The main house is a blend of coastal charm and comfortable luxury. The exterior is a soft, weathered brown with large windows that let in the endless views of the turquoise ocean. The roof is thatched, blending into the beachy theme. As we step onto the wide, wraparound porch, the scent of saltwater and blooming hibiscus fills the air.

Inside, the house is airy and open, with cool tile floors underfoot and high ceilings with exposed beams. There are two living rooms. One has large, overstuffed sofas draped in light, breathable fabrics and a collection of pillows in various shades of blue and sandy beige. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the far wall, offering an unobstructed view of the ocean. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a book or simply watch the waves roll in.

The second living room is more intimate, with a cozy fireplace and soft rugs underfoot. It’s where we gather on cooler evenings, the crackling fire providing warmth and a sense of home. The walls are lined with bookshelves, filled with novels, travel guides, and the occasional photo album—a testament to the life we’ve started to build here.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, spacious and bright, with state-of-the-art appliances and a large island that serves as the heart of the home. The countertops are a pale, polished stone, and the cabinets are painted in a soft, coastal blue. It’s where Alex and I spend our mornings, preparing breakfast and chatting over coffee as the sunlight streams through the windows.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the dining room, where a large, rustic table stands as the centerpiece. It’s made of reclaimed wood, its surface worn smooth by time and use, and it can easily seat twelve—a necessity given our growing family. The walls are adorned with artwork that Alex and I have collected, pieces that remind us of the journey that brought us here.

Leading off from the main house are four bungalows, each connected by covered walkways that provide shade from the Caribbean sun. Each bungalow is its own little oasis, designed for privacy and comfort.

Temur’s bungalow is the largest, with four bedrooms to accommodate his family. My bungalow is smaller but no less comfortable. It has three bedrooms, perfect for the new life growing inside me and whatever future we might create here. The primary bedroom is my haven, with a bed that faces the ocean and a soft, gauzy canopy that sways gently in the breeze.

The second bedroom is already prepared for the twins, with cribs and soft blankets in shades of blue and white. The third has a queen-sized bed in it, and I have yet to do much with it, but I intend to get to it in the near future.

A small living room offers a quiet space to relax, with a comfy chair by the window where I often sit and feel the babies kick, dreaming of the day I’ll hold them in my arms.

Surrounding the house and bungalows is the island itself—a paradise of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and the endless blue of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where the worries of the world feel a million miles away.

Once a week, all of us hop in the boat, and we go to the main island to shop and have lunch. Alex and I go to see the local doctor for our checkups. I love going into the village and wandering the street markets with the unrushed bustle of the locals.

“I think I need to take a nap,” I say, stretching and hiding a yawn behind my hand. “I didn’t get much sleep last night. These two were quite active.”

Alex smiles knowingly, her hand resting on her belly. “Growing little ones will do that to you. Go rest. I’ll call you when it’s dinner time.”

“Thank you, Alex.”

I enter my bungalow and sink into the bed. The cool covers a welcome relief against my tired body. As I close my eyes, the last thing I feel is the gentle movement of the babies inside me, a reminder that the future is full of possibilities.

“Isabella!” Alex’s frantic voice pulls me from my sleep. “Isabella, wake up.”

I sit up, wiping the sleep blur from my eyes. “What is it?” My heart jolts when I see the panic in her eyes. “Are the kids okay?”

“The kids are fine, but there are people here,” Alex’s face is pale. “Come quick, or I’m afraid Temur will do something stupid.”

“What?” My brain is still fuzzy from sleep as I throw my legs over the bed and slide my feet into my sandals to rush after Alex.

Rushing after Alex, my heart pounds as I struggle to shake off the remnants of sleep, and my mind ticks over with thoughts of who could be there. When we reach the courtyard, I come to an abrupt halt, my breath catching in my throat.

Temur and his men have Konstantin and Andrey standing in the center, their arms pinned behind their heads, surrounded by a ring of armed guards.

Andrey’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. The pull between us is undeniable. That same magnetic attraction that’s kept drawing us together before is still strong. His gaze runs over me, lingering on my swollen belly, and I can see the flash of something in his eyes—regret? Pain?

I swallow and shut down the feelings my heart is trying to throw at me. It’s too late for that now, I desperately try to convince myself.

“The men caught these two sneaking onto the island.” Temur turns to face me, his expression hard but searching for my reaction.

“Isabella!” Konstantin and Andrey say in unison.

“You’re looking well.” Andrey’s voice is soft, but his expression is guarded.

“Sister,” Konstantin’s eyes are wide with relief. “We’ve been looking for you for months.”

“How did you find us?” I skip past the pleasantries. My mind races in a panic that I school from my features as I go over Plan B that Temur has devised in case our paradise was invaded.

“What? No, hello, Andrey and Konstantin. No, sorry, I ran away and left the two of you terrified that you’d been kidnapped again.” Andrey’s words are laced with anger.

“You’ve caused quite the stir, little sister,” Konstantin’s voice is low as he watches me.

Great! Two pissed-off Bratva bosses on my Island, Paradise. I stand staring at them for a few moments while reminding myself this is my Island. These are my people—Konstantin and Andrey are trespassing. I’ll be fucking damned if I’m going to let them come here and start acting like they’re the boss here.

“Put them in the cellar,” I tell my men. “I’ll deal with them later.”

“Of course, Isabella,” Temur says and turns back toward Andrey and Konstantin.

“You fucking traitorous bastard, Temur,” Konstantin hisses. “You had one shot to fix your last mistake. That was your only shot. What you’ve done here is…”

“Enough!” I bellow and glance around. “Alex, please go find the kids and make sure they’re safe and far away from here.”

“I will,” Alex says and looks at Konstantin. “It is good to see you again, Konstantin.” She turns and flees.

“So much for loyalty, cousin,” Andrey says to Konstantin before turning back to me.

“I’d be very careful what you say next,” I warn Andrey. “Neither you nor Konstantin have any rule here or over my men, and that includes Temur.” My eyes narrow in on my brother. “Our grandmother put Temur in charge of my safety, and he is now on my team.”

“Good luck with that,” Konstantin sneers. “I’ve learned that Temur is very quick to switch loyalties when it suits his needs.” He glances around. “And who wouldn’t want to relax on a sun-drenched island instead of the real world?”

“I said, enough!” I bark. “Tape his mouth if he won’t stop.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Konstantin challenges me.

“I wouldn’t try her,” Temur warns.

“I wasn’t addressing you!” Konstantin tells him coldly.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Temur shrugs.

“Take them to the cellars and learn how they found us,” I order Temur. “We need to know if we’re getting any more company. Like maybe Andrey’s mother or older brother, who I believe you just let walk.”

”I didn’t let them walk; I exiled them,“ Andrey tells me, and his eyes darken. “They had an accident on the way to Mexico and didn’t make it.”

“I hope you double-checked the bodies,” I sneer sarcastically. “I’ve noticed that people in your world have the tendency to come back from the dead.”

“They’re dead!” Konstantin snaps. “And from what we’ve learned, you’re neck deep in our world.”

“Geez!” I look at Temur. “Make sure they’re both chained.” I turn to go, but Andrey’s voice stops me.

“I’m glad to see you’re finally embracing who you were born to be,” Andrey says.

I whirl around, my eyes locking with his. “I’m not embracing it. I’ve accepted it.“ I sneer. “I had to for the sake of my children’s safety.”

“ Our children!“ Andrey growls. He takes a deep breath and looks up at the clear blue sky for a few seconds before catching my eyes again. “I just came here to talk, Isabella.” His voice has become resigned. “We didn’t come here to shake up your peace. We wanted to make sure you were safe and…” He gives me a sad smile. “Happy.”

“Isabella, can I have a word?” Temur asks.

I nod, and we walk away from the courtyard.

“Don’t tell me to kill them,” I blurt out. “I can’t do that.”

“What?” Temur looks at me with raised brows. “No! That’s not what I was going to say. It’s obvious that Konstantin and Andrey came here to see you. It must’ve taken them a lot to find us.”

“They do look unshaven and not as groomed as they usually are.”

“Why not let them have a meal with us?” Temur’s words have my brows shooting up. “Instead of the cellar, let’s put them in the bungalows, and I’ll assign men to keep watch over them. Then tomorrow, we can send them on their way. Just hear them out.”

“And what if they kidnap me?” I ask.

“I promise I won’t let that happen.” He grins. “Unless you want it to.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I glare at him.

“Come on, Isabella,” Temur’s voice drops. “I see how you and Andrey look at each other. You’d have to be blind not to see how much you care about each other.”

“Maybe I should throw you in the cellar!”

“I know how to get out of it.” Temur laughs. “What do you say, boss lady?”

“Fine, but if they try anything…” I look at him warningly. “That’s on you.”

“Of course!”

“Isabella, Temur?” Sasha, who also came with us, pops up. “It’s all clear. Only Andrey and Konstantin.”

“Thank you, Sasha,” I say, looking at Temur. “Make sure you only have the most skilled of our men watching them.”

“Will do.” Temur and Sasha leave me.

My heart is pounding, and I take a few calming breaths. Fuck! What now?

It’s nearly midnight. The evening is still warm, and I haven’t been able to sleep. For months, Andrey has haunted my dreams, and I’ve woken up longing for his touch, for him. Seeing earlier and having to sit across the table from him, watching his hands stroke butter onto his bread and the way his muscles strained beneath his black t-shirt had made me wet and my clit throb.

This ache in my heart and throbbing between my legs has me restless. I walk out onto my deck. No one can see me as palm trees surround my bungalow, and my deck is completely covered on both sides. So I usually climb into the large jacuzzi naked to enjoy the ministrations of the jets, and tonight, I really need to relieve some stress.

As I slide into the warm, soothing water, I relax and let the water wash over me. I’m careful not to let the jets hit my now softly rounded pregnant stomach. As the water starts to massage my buttocks, I spread my legs, gasping as a gush of water hits my pussy. My hands slide over the nipples of my now much larger breasts, and I groan as I tweak my nipples and let the jets play with my clit.

I close my eyes and let my imagination conjure up an image of Andrey sliding into the water, leaning over me, his lips capturing mine… My eyes fly open as I hear a sound. I turn to see Andrey standing at the side of the jacuzzi, taking off his clothes.

“Andrey!” I splutter, sitting up, eyes wide.

“We didn’t get a chance to talk at dinner,” Andrey says, his eyes locked with mine. “I thought we could talk now.”

“I…” I start to feel for my towel, but Andrey kicks it away before he slides it into the tub next to me.

“We always seem to communicate best when we’re naked,” Andrey says, his eyes darkening with desire. “You look beautiful.”

“I’m getting fuller,” I tell him and feel my cheeks heat.

We sit in silence for a few seconds, and I drift to his cock standing erect and bobbing in the water, making my pussy clench and ache a little more.

“Has the sickness stopped?” His voice is growing hoarse, and I nod, feeling myself getting lost in his eyes. “It’s a nice setup you’ve got going here.”

“Thank you,” I’m trying hard not to look at his body and ignore my mounting desire. “We’re doing okay.”

“I hear you’re working with the chemist to manufacture your mother’s drugs,” Andrey says.

“Yes.” I nod. “We’ve brought a small industry to the island, and it’s made jobs, and my mother’s product is being used as it was supposed to be.” I smile, thinking of our sideling business, which helps bring food, education, and clothing to the poorer towns near us. “And a little not-so-legit.” I laugh at the look of surprise in his eyes. “If I couldn’t fight it, I decided to join it but on my terms.”

Andrey’s eyes hold mine as he reaches out and takes foot, starting a slow massage that feels so fucking good I can’t stop the little mewl that escapes my lips.

“I’ve missed you, Isabella!”

And just like that, I know I’m being reeled in by him again.