Mafia's Rebellious Bride: His Forbidden Obsession novel Chapter 28

My pulse pounded in my ears, and panic surged when I heard Nikolai's car honk. My grip on the album tightened, and suddenly, I felt suffocated.

My body still trembled from the flashes and the reality. I wasn't ready for Nikolai's arrival.

If Nikolai caught me here, everything would be over. He would never let me reach the truth. He would never let me see Dimitri.

My body instantly sprang into action instantly. I immediately shoved the album back into the file, from which I pulled it out. Every second that passed felt like a death sentence. My heart raced as I rushed to the study's door.

I needed to leave this place before Nikolai arrived. He would not spare me for touching his belongings without his permission. He is extremely possessive about everything.

Even though I was in a hurry, the logical part of my brain was active. I twisted the knob slowly and carefully, ensuring it made no noise.

My breath hitched when I heard the footsteps approaching me.

Nikolai was already inside the house.

God!

Closing the door behind me, my eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for a way to reach either the room or the kitchen.

And then my gaze landed on a tall window. Without a second thought, I rushed toward it, prying it open just enough to slip through.

My heart threatened to leap out of my chest as I landed on the corridor. I was releaved it hadn’t made much noise. The key in my pocket dug into my thigh. A yelp was about to pass my lips, but I pressed my palm to my mouth and rushed toward our room because it was the closest option. Nikolai would surely catch me if I ran to the kitchen, though that place might have given me a few minutes to collect myself.

I pressed my hand hard against my chest to slow my racing heart.

Breathe, Alessia. Just breathe.

My mouth parted wide to fill my lungs with the needed oxygen. I was out of breath.

I could barely compose myself when the door to the room opened, and I practically had to stop breathing when I was in dire need of air. My lungs began to burn.

My back faced Nikolai. I bit my lips and closed my eyes tightly, praying that he would leave me alone and mind his own business. But how foolish I could be to think like that when I knew Nikolai's first business is me.

"What's wrong with you?"

My eyes snapped wide open. He sounded irritated and pissed. My heart pounded in my chest even faster if possible, my palms turning cold.

Does he know about my little act?

God, please, no. I got the key with so much difficulty. If he found out, I would never get another chance.

"Is this the way to welcome your husband?"

My forehead frowned as I inhaled softly as I couldn't pant. Slowly, I let out the breath and turned around to face him.

I swallowed hard when his eyes narrowed at me, and he stepped forward. My whole body trembled when he started closing the distance between us. I had to fight my own body to stay still.

"Hmm?" One of his eyebrows rose as he stood at arm's distance from me with his hands shoved in his pants pocket.

"When husbands return from work, wives kiss them, hug them, ask about their day—not turn their backs on them."

I swallowed and looked away, refusing to meet his gaze. His voice was deceptively soft yet laced with that unspoken authority that sent a chill down my spine.

His hand reached out to take one of my hair strands in between his fingers and rolled it around. To make it worse, he leaned down, his breath now fanning my face.

"Are you hiding something from me, Dolcezza?"

My eyes snapped up to his.

A faint smirk played on his lips, the kind that sent warning bells ringing in my head.

Don’t tell me this is another one of his games. Once again, I have allowed myself to become a pawn.

No, not this time!

I held my chin high.

"You are a Mafia King. Nothing can be hidden from you. Isn't it?" I asked, and my voice came out sharper than I expected.

"Then why are you so flushed?" He asked, leaning further down, "Your red cheeks and labored breath are telling a different story."

I swallowed, my mind racing to concoct something.

My hands shot out, pressing against his chest as I pushed him back—not that it did much, considering he barely budged.