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As I walk away, I can’t help but feel the weight of our unresolved emotions pressing down on me. There’s something brewing beneath the surface, a storm of desire and longing that threatens to tear us apart if we’re not careful. We’re playing a dangerous game, and only time will tell who ends up burned.
Still, as I return to my own room, my thoughts are consumed by Annalise. Her touch, her scent, the way her eyes sparkle with defiance and vulnerability all at once—she haunts me. She’s become an obsession, one that I can’t escape no matter how hard I try.
And with each passing moment, I know that resisting her will become harder and harder. But for the sake of my family—for the sake of my brothers, Cassius and Damian—I must try.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that love can be the most dangerous game of all.
36
ANNALISE
The warm, golden rays of sunlight stream through the open kitchen windows, casting a glow on the breakfast table. A gentle breeze carries the scent of freshly blooming flowers as I sit down with my daughters, their giggles and chatter filling the room with a sense of home.
“Mommy! Look at my drawing!” Gina exclaims, holding up her masterpiece. Her blue eyes twinkle with pride, and my heart swells with love for this vibrant little girl.
“Wow, Gina, that’s beautiful,” I say, forcing a smile despite the unease that washes over me. The food on my plate suddenly loses its appeal as I try to focus on my daughters’ conversation, but my mind feels foggy and distant.
“Come on, Franny! Your turn to show Mommy your drawing,” Gina urges her sister, the excitement in her voice contagious.
“Here,” Franny mumbles as she hands me her paper. A simple yet elegant rendition of our family graces the page, warming my heart, but something still feels off.
“Great job, sweetheart,” I tell her, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “You’re both such talented artists.”
As my girls continue to chat about their drawings, I can’t help but wonder if I’m imagining things. Why does everything feel so…wrong?
Suddenly, Isabella bounds downstairs, her energy evident in her quick steps. “Mommy, guess what? The aquarium is finally open again! Can we go there today and swim with the whales?”
I attempt to muster enthusiasm for her suggestion, but a sudden wave of nausea hits me like a ton of bricks. Clutching my stomach, I fight the urge to gag, my face contorting in discomfort.
“Are you okay, Mommy?” Gina asks, concern etching her features as she reaches out to touch my arm. It’s moments like these that remind me just how strong our bond is, even in the toughest of times.
“Y-yeah,” I stammer, trying to catch my breath. “I’m fine, sweetie. Just not feeling so great right now.”
“Maybe we can go to the aquarium another time?” Franny suggests, her soft voice full of understanding and empathy.
“Of course, baby girl,” I reply, forcing a smile once more. “We’ll definitely go soon.”
But as I sit there, trying to hold myself together amidst the unsettling sensations coursing through my body, I can’t shake the sinking feeling that something is very wrong. And with the dangerous world of the bratva lurking in the shadows, I know I must do everything in my power to protect my children—no matter the cost.
The room spins as I push back my chair, staggering to my feet. My heart pounds in my chest, and every breath feels like a struggle. “I just need some air,” I whisper, more to myself than to my daughters.
“Mommy?” Gina’s concerned voice barely reaches my ears as the edges of my vision blur, my legs suddenly weak beneath me.
“Anna—” is all I hear before the world goes black, and I crash to the floor, unconscious.
Cold, sterile air fills my lungs as I blink open my eyes, disoriented and confused. The scent of bleach assaults my nostrils, making me grimace. Glancing around, I realize I’m lying in a bed, unfamiliar white walls surrounding me. Panic claws at my chest, but then I see her—Gina, my sweet Gina, sitting beside me, holding my hand.
“Mommy, you’re awake!” she exclaims, relief flooding her features. “You scared us when you fainted. We brought you to Dr. Langford.”
“Wh-what happened?” I croak, my throat parched and raw. My mind races, trying to put the pieces together while my body trembles with residual fear.
“You were feeling really bad, and then you fell down,” she explains, her little eyebrows furrowing in concern. “Franny and I were so worried, but Auntie Bella said we needed to get you to our private doctor right away.”
“Thank you for taking care of me, sweetheart,” I tell her, squeezing her hand gently. My heart swells with gratitude and love for my brave little girls, who faced such a terrifying situation head-on. But worry gnaws at me as well—our lives are so entwined with the bratva, and the danger it brings. How can I keep my children safe?
“Mommy, are you going to be okay?” Gina’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, her blue eyes filled with concern.
“Of course I will be,” I reassure her, mustering a smile despite the unease churning within me. “We’ll figure this out, together.”
