He wanted an heir. Not a heart.
When the Pakhan of the Dubovich Bratva commands his five nephews to produce heirs, Vitali obeys. He always obeys. A contract, a baby, and nothing more.
Charlotte seems like the perfect choice. She is quiet, untouched, invisible. A maid no one will miss. A woman who could use a way out of a life she had no hand in choosing.
But once she’s in his bed, Vitali’s control unravels. Every look tempts him. Every breath drives him closer to the edge. He wanted compliance. Now he wants possession.
And when the Pakhan’s order is fulfilled, Vitali discovers he doesn’t want to let her go. Not when she’s carrying his child. Not when she’s the only thing keeping the darkness in him from consuming everything else.
She was supposed to give him an heir. Instead, she became his obsession.