Mafia's Princess (Under Editing)

Chapter 31

Viktor Sergeyevich Volkov

The past few days had been exhausting, mentally more than anything. Every little thing seemed to irritate me, from the smallest inconvenience to something as trivial as failing to knot my tie properly. Frustration simmered constantly under my skin, tangled with anger, confusion... and something deeper I couldn't quite name. It felt like I was fighting a war within myself, one I didn't know how to win.

When I had finally come to terms with it—when I had admitted, even if only to myself, that I didn't find her annoying anymore but instead felt something entirely different... something that made me want her near me, made me crave her presence—she had dismissed it. Dismissed everything. The moment, the kiss... calling it nothing.

Nothing.

I had never been one for relationships. Hookups, yes; casual, detached, meaningless. But never once had I allowed any of those girls to kiss me. Not like that. Not on my lips. That had always been something I kept for myself, something I never thought I'd give away so easily.

And yet, I had.

To her.

I had always told myself I didn't do love. That it wasn't for me. But the moment I let myself feel something, admit that I liked her, she shut it down mercilessly, as if it meant absolutely nothing.

Normally, I was composed. In control. But lately, my temper had been slipping more often than I liked. Even my mother had noticed, scolding me more than once. And Katerina wasn't helping either, constantly talking about Ana, bringing her up in every other conversation. She mentioned her friends too, but it was Ana's name that hit differently... that stirred something inside me I couldn't ignore.

My plan had been simple: stay away for a while. Distance myself, clear my head, and then talk to her again. And if she still felt the same—if she still claimed it meant nothing—then maybe... just maybe, I would have to face my first heartbreak.

But avoidance wasn't an option anymore.

Christmas was here.

And with it came the tradition, the Romanos, the Harringtons, and the Volkovs all gathering in Spain. A rare break from the chaos of our lives, a time meant for family. But all I could think about was how I was supposed to face her.

Because every time she was near, my heart reacted in ways I didn't understand.

I leaned back in my seat with a quiet sigh, forcing my thoughts to settle as I glanced around the Romanos' living room. My family had arrived yesterday, along with the Harringtons. Only Uncle Alessandro's family was left—they were expected today.

The room buzzed with warmth and chatter. Conversations flowed easily, laughter echoing around as everyone caught up. Kate sat beside me, happily talking to Isabella, her happiness evident. She had found her place among them, and it showed.

"Oh, Ana and the rest are here!" Isabella suddenly exclaimed, jumping to her feet the moment the doorbell rang.

My heart reacted instantly.

Just hearing her name was enough.

A sharp, unexpected jolt ran through me, a mix of excitement and something dangerously close to anticipation. I reminded myself you're avoiding her. But even that thought felt weak now.

I hadn't seen her in weeks. Not properly. The last time was when she left our house, and I had been too angry to even look at her.

Isa and Kate hurried out, followed by a few others, while the elders remained seated. I stayed where I was, or at least I tried to. Isa and Kate returned, clinging to Aunt Alessia as they chatted happily and entered the living room. Uncle Alessandro and the boys came in as well, following the trio as they greeted everyone.

Moments passed, while everyone took a seat yet she wasn't there. Neither of her best friends seemed to notice, they probably weren't used to her being part of these gatherings yet.

I, however, noticed immediately.

Without a word, I stood up and walked out. No one paid attention, too engrossed in their conversations to notice either my absence or hers.

I moved through the hallway, my steps echoing faintly as I headed toward the front door.

Why hadn't she come inside? She had to be here. Don't tell me they didn't bring her along.

That's nonsense Viktor. She is here... Don't overthink it.

But I couldn't help it. I wanted to see her.

At this point, staying away felt impossible. She had this pull on me, one that made me act in ways I never thought I would. I was drawn to her, undeniably. Somewhere along the line, between the arguments and the tension, I had fallen.

And the thought of her with someone else?

Unacceptable.

My mind spun endlessly as I reached the door, my hand moving to the handle. I opened it—

And froze.

She had been about to open it too.

The sudden movement caused her to stumble forward, and before she could fall, my arms wrapped around her instinctively, pulling her against me. Her scent hit me instantly, familiar and intoxicating.

Her hand fisted my shirt, the other resting against my chest—right where my heart was pounding uncontrollably.

She was so close.

Too close.

Her grey eyes locked with mine, her breath brushing against my face. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. As cliche as it sounds, I could feel the tiny spark where she touched me and I didn't know what to say. What to do. All I knew was that I didn't want to let go.

But I did.

I forced my expression into something cold, something distant, masking everything I was feeling. Because no matter what my heart wanted, I was still hurt.

Still affected.

I cleared my throat and stepped back, gently straightening her as I put distance between us.

"You should see before you walk," I said, my tone deliberately cold, although, my heart was beating faster than a normal one would. I was still hurt from the rejection and wanted to be away from her as far as possible, but the undeniable spark, this feeling in me wanting to pursue her, to beg her to accept me to be mine... It was so hard to ignore.

However, I know she was anything but an easy person. And I couldn't help but blame myself once again for catching feelings for her when I had warned myself I would never do such a thing in my life. That I wasn't the one to do love but I fell.

Wait?? Did I say love? Oh No!!

Ana straightened herself on her feet while surprise flickered across her face at the coldness in my voice, but she masked it quickly, matching my tone.

"You should too."

The indifference in her voice stung more than I expected. She didn't even question my behavior. Didn't react the way I thought she would. It was as if she didn't care.

Maybe I had just assumed too much.

"Anaaa!" Romeo's voice rang out as he ran toward us, followed by Isa and Kate. We both turned our heads towards the approaching party, oblivious to the closeness between us.

And just like that—she changed.

Her entire demeanor softened, her face lighting up with a bright smile as she greeted them. Like her persona had done a 360.

I watched silently. Because I had seen that smile before. Only Once. And I wanted to see it again. That soft, genuine smile, the one that brought out her dimples, the one that felt rare... special.

I wanted it directed at me.

Only me.

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