echoes of a fallen star 🍂

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Xenara Volkova is known for her cold demeanor and deadly skills. Raised in the Russian mafia, she's a strategist, a fighter, and a leader who never lets emotions cloud her judgment. Loyalty is earned, and betrayal is punished without mercy.

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Adrian De Luca is the definition of control. As the heir to the Italian mafia, he's calculating, ruthless, and always one step ahead. His presence demands attention, and his name alone sends warnings across the underworld.

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When their paths cross, tension rises. In a world where trust is a weakness and power is everything, they must decide-become allies or destroy each other.

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His voice is smooth, like aged whiskey- rich, dark, and laced with poison. "You think you're untouchable, Volkova?" Adrian steps closer, the scent of smoke and leather clinging to him. "That no one can break you?"

I scoff, keeping my grip firm on the knife in my hand. "I know no one can. Least of all you."

His chuckle is slow, deliberate. "That so?" His fingers brush against my wrist, a mere ghost of a touch, but it sets something ablaze beneath my skin. I hate it. I hate him.

I yank my hand away, my glare sharp enough to cut. "Don't play these games with me, Adrian. We both know how this ends."

He tilts his head, eyes dark, predatory. "Do we?"

There's something in his gaze-- something that makes my stomach tighten. Lust. But not just that. Pain. A kind I recognize too well.

For a second, I almost forget why I hate him. Almost.

Then his voice drops lower, the heat between us suffocating. "Tell me, Volkova..... Do you want to kill me? Or kiss me?"

I smirk, stepping so close I can feel his breath on my lips. "Both."

And before he can respond, my blade is against his throat.

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