AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The guards exchange quick glances, tension thick in the air, before they relent, stepping aside and granting us access.
As we cross the threshold, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The dimly lit corridor opens up into a grand dining hall, illuminated by glittering chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the opulent space. My eyes widen at the sight, taking in the rich fabrics draping the walls and the gleaming silverware adorning each meticulously set table.
“Welcome to ??????????? ????,” Nikhil murmurs in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.
I can hardly believe it—this place is a far cry from the foreboding exterior. It’s like stepping into another world, one inhabited by the wealthy and powerful. I spot men and women dressed in elegant attire, their conversations punctuated with laughter and the clinking of glasses.
“Is this where you usually dine?” I ask tentatively, feeling out of place amidst this display of extravagance.
“Sometimes,” Nikhil replies nonchalantly, leading me further into the restaurant. “It’s one of the few places where we can enjoy some privacy.”
I steal a glance at him, wondering what kind of man could feel so at ease in this kind of environment. He seems unfazed by the luxury and the watchful eyes of the patrons, his focus solely on me.
“Come,” he says, guiding me to a secluded table near the back of the room. “Let’s enjoy our dinner.”
As I take my seat, I can’t help but marvel at the stark contrast between the world outside these walls and the one within. And as Nikhil’s piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, I realize that maybe—just maybe—I’m starting to understand the allure of the Volkov brothers and the dangerous, thrilling life they lead.
The soft murmurs of hushed conversations and the decadent aroma of rich, savory dishes surround me, heightening my awareness of just how out of place I am in this lavish setting. My fingers nervously tap against the delicate white tablecloth as I scan the room, taking in the opulence that seems to stretch endlessly before me.
“Are you alright?” Nikhil’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. His gaze is steady on mine, concern etched into his ever-expressive eyes.
“I-I don’t know if I belong here,” I admit quietly, my words tinged with insecurity. “Everyone looks so…sophisticated.”
“Annalise—” Nikhil’s tone is gentle but firm. “You are every bit as deserving of being here as anyone else. And besides,” he adds with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “I got a dress for you from the boutique, remember?”
His assurance does little to quell the imposter syndrome gnawing at me, but I appreciate his attempt nonetheless. The mention of the dress, however, sends a fresh wave of anxiety coursing through me. “Where—where is it? Do I need to change into it now?”
“Go to the bathroom,” he instructs, his hand gently squeezing my shoulder. “It’ll be waiting for you there.”
As I rise from my seat, I can’t help but feel the weight of a hundred scrutinizing eyes upon me, their curious gazes boring into my back. My heart races with each step I take, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor like a ticking countdown to some unknown fate.
My heart races as I enter the dimly lit bathroom, every nerve in my body tingling with anticipation. As soon as I step inside, a silent woman appears before me, holding a stunning dress that seems to shimmer in the low light. Her gaze never meets mine; her eyes are downcast, and she remains wordless as she hands the garment over to me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible above the rustle of fabric and the steady drumming of my heartbeat.
The woman gives a slight nod, still avoiding eye contact, before slipping away like a phantom. It’s clear that she knows who I am—or rather, who I’m associated with. The realization hits me like a bolt of lightning, sending shivers down my spine—I’m being treated as part of the elite due to my connection with the Volkov brothers.
As I change into the dress, my thoughts race alongside the pounding of my heart. I can’t help but be amazed by the influence the Volkov name has on those around us. I’ve always known their power and wealth were immense, but experiencing it firsthand is something else entirely. It’s a world so far removed from my own, yet here I am, enveloped in its seductive embrace.
I study my reflection in the mirror, the elegant dress hugging my curves and accentuating my features. A part of me wonders if I should feel guilty for enjoying this newfound status, even if only temporarily. But another part of me—a larger part—whispers that I deserve to feel beautiful, to experience a taste of the luxurious life I’ve been thrust into.
With a deep breath, I smooth out the fabric one last time, preparing myself to rejoin Nikhil in the opulent restaurant beyond these walls. I may not have been born into this world, but I’ll be damned if I let it intimidate me.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I feel as if I’ve entered a different world. The hushed whispers and clinking glasses echo around the room, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. My eyes immediately search for Nikhil in the sea of impeccably dressed people, my pulse quickening with anticipation.
21
CASSIUS
The moment Annalise steps out of the bathroom, I can’t tear my eyes away from her. She’s a vision in that tight, curve-hugging dress—the deep red fabric setting off her creamy skin and making her emerald eyes shine. Her long, wavy brown hair cascades down her back like a waterfall, drawing even more attention to her stunning figure.
“Wow, Annalise,” Nikhil murmurs beside me, echoing my thoughts exactly. But I don’t respond, too captivated by the sight before me.
The click of her heels as she approaches is nearly drowned out by the low hum of conversation and laughter filling the room. My heart races, anticipation mounting with each step she takes toward us.
“Hello there, beautiful.” A man with slicked-back hair and a predatory grin intercepts her path, stopping her in her tracks.
“Excuse me?” Annalise says, her voice laced with confusion and annoyance.
