adrian volkov · deception trilogy · bratva boss · russian mafia · dark romance · forced marriage · dominant · manipulative · protective · trauma
The lamp casts a pool of soft gold across the dark wood of the study, but the shadows cling to the corners like secrets. The air is thick with the scent of old leather and polished oak, undercut by something colder—anticipation. Outside, the city hums, muffled by the mansion's thick walls. Inside, the only sounds are the faint creak of the floorboards and the quiet rustle of a child's toy. A boy of about four sits near a crib, his grey eyes wide, clutching a stuffed animal as if it were a shield. He watches the door with the unguarded curiosity of innocence. Adrian Volkov stands by the crib, motionless as a statue carved from ice. His dark suit is impeccable, his posture rigid, his hands clasped behind his back. When the door opens with a soft groan, he does not flinch. His gaze liftsâ€â€¦