Chapter 20

**Jules**


I forced the urge to slap Adrian as he sat on the edge of the bed. He smiled and took my hand. It made me sick to feel his skin against mine. But… I had to play the part. It’s the only way it would work to get Alexei, my baby, and I out safely.

“You look beautiful, darling.”

I forced a smile and said. “Thank you.”

Don’t kill him.
Not yet.

“We’re having dinner with Yuri tonight to celebrate our engagement. By this time tomorrow, everyone will know. Even Vadim.”

Oh no, Vadim!
He’s gonna think I’ve betrayed him.

“Good, I look forward to him receiving the news.” I’m such a liar.

It already broke me walking away from Alexei. Now, I’m going to have to act like I hate Vadim.

Adrian raised a brow. “Are you, Jules?”

“I hate them for lying to me. It will bring me great satisfaction knowing that he’ll be suffering.”

Adrian pulled me closer and kissed my cheek. “That’s what I like to hear, my beautiful gem.”

I forced the bile threatening to come up and gave him a smile. On the inside, I was plotting all the ways I’d make Adrian suffer. I’d save him and Yuri for last. I’d torture them slowly and make them pay for everything. For splitting up Alexei, Vadim, and I apart. For being heartless bastards. Lastly, I’d make Adrian think I was falling for him and rip his goddamn heart out. Then, he’d know how I felt when I had to walk away from the best thing that ever happened to me.

“Adrian…” I started. “I have a confession to make.”

“Tell me, my love.”

“I always had a thing for you. It was never Vadim and Alexei, it was always you.” I should win an award for the best performance of my life.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“Yes, each time Vadim was inside me, I imagined it was you… making love to me.” I confessed.

“Well, you won’t have to imagine me anymore. Tonight, I’ll make it reality.”

Could I do this?
Could I fuck him without throwing up?

Adrian cupped my cheeks and ran his thumbs over my skin. “Anytime you want my cock all you have to do is ask and I’ll gladly give it to you. Hard and fast. Slow and gentle. Whatever you want, it’s yours, my Queen.”

I’m sorry, Vadim.
So sorry I have to do this.
But… it’s all to survive.
And… for Alexei.

I heard a knock, making Adrian sigh. “I’ll be back.”

Adrian answered the door. The sight nearly knocked the breath out of me. Alexei was in a pair of silver boxers holding a tray of food. I met his eyes and I swear, I nearly gave in to run to him. I eyed the silver collar around his neck. A slave. Yuri had made him a slave. Just like I used to be.

He stepped into the room and set the tray down on the table. Nothing hurt worse than seeing him like this. I hope and pray he understands that this is all an act. Alexei frowned when Adrian tipped my head back and captured my lips with his. Adrian groaned when I deepened the kiss and wrapped my arms around his neck. I pulled away and glanced at Alexei. He’d averted his gaze and bowed his head. It killed me to hurt him.

“You can go now. My fiancée and I have some things to discuss. I’m sure Yuri is waiting for his toy to return to him.” Adrian threw Alexei a smirk.

Before Alexei turned to leave, I saw a tear roll down his cheek.

I wanted to scream out to him I’m sorry.
But… I couldn’t.

“Alina will be here shortly to get you ready for dinner.” He kissed my cheek and took my hand. He reached into his pocket and held a ring. He slid it onto my finger and kissed my knuckles.

“I can’t wait.” I forced myself to say.

“Tonight, you will learn all the secrets that have been kept from you. You will find out the truth behind Luciano’s murder. All the secrets will be revealed. Then, you can figure out how to proceed with your revenge against those who did you wrong.”

“He was really my brother?” I asked.

“Yes, and he really did try to protect you from this world. It’s such a shame I didn’t get to you sooner.”

I studied his expression. It was almost like he cared. No longer cold and emotionless. He softened his gaze and smiled sadly.

“Who killed him?” I wanted to know now.

“I must go, but Alina will be here soon to get you ready. I promise you’ll learn everything at dinner.”

“Please, tell me.”

“I’m sorry, but I promised Yuri I’d let him tell you. I want to but can’t.”

With that, he left my head spinning with questions.
Who really did kill Luciano?
And why did Adrian actually look like he cared?

I guess I’d find out later.
Or… perhaps this Alina knew.
But… would she tell me what I wanted to know, or… would…

Knock. Knock.

“You can do this, Jules. Be the Queen… stand up and protect what’s yours.”

A woman stepped into the room with a bag and dress and shoes. She smiled brightly. “Hi, I’m Alina and I’ll be your personal maid.”

“Maid?” I asked.

“Yes, whatever you need, just ask.” She replied.

It seemed like she was a kind person, but could I trust her?

“You know Adrian?” I pried.

“Yes, he saved me.”

“H-he saved you?”

“Yes, I grew up in one of Yuri’s brothels. I was only seventeen when he rescued me.” She whispered. Almost like she didn’t want anyone to hear.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“When he came back and revealed he had found the perfect woman, I thought he was joking. That man has loved you since he laid eyes on you.”

I jerked back. “What?”

“It’s true, he’s been in love with you since the very first time you met him. Right after… Luciano was murdered.”

“You knew Luciano?”

“Yes, he was… kind to me. He’s the one who told Adrian about my situation. Immediately, Adrian took me out of that dreadful house. Ever since then, Adrian has protected me. I have a…” Alina shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

She wiped her tears.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s just… after Luciano…”

“Alina, is she ready?” I heard Adrian call through the door.

“I have a son with Luciano.” She whispered.

“But I thought you were seventeen.”

“I was, but it’s not…”

“Alina, I’m coming in.” Adrian called.

“I’ll explain later.” She promised.

I nodded as she finished the last of my makeup.

“Meet me in here after dinner. I want to know everything.”

The door opened and Adrian stepped into the room. He sucked in a breath as he eyed me up and down. “You look beautiful, my Queen. Come, dinner awaits us.”

“Thank you, Alina.” I thanked her.

“Alina, you should get ready too. This is a family dinner.”

What!
Family dinner?

“Of course, Adrian.” She whispered and gathered her things.