TWISTED VOW

THE CO-RULERS

CHAPTER 5: THE CO-RULERS

Three months later.

The dark, heavy storm clouds that usually hung low over the harbor had finally cleared, leaving a crisp, cold winter night over the Volkov estate.

The sprawling compound was quiet, but it was no longer a gilded cage for Elena. When the long, dark armadas of armored sedans pulled through the massive steel gates each evening, the heavily armed guards stationed at the security posts didn't just bow their heads to Lev—they bowed just as low to Elena. They knew who held the keys to the logistics, and they knew who had taken out Moretti’s men on the bridge without flinching.

Inside the grand study on the top floor, the massive space had undergone a complete transformation. Behind the heavy mahogany desk, there was no longer just a single leather chair. There were two, sitting side-by-side in equal authority.

Elena sat in her chair, dressed in a sharp, tailored black suit with her silver-blonde hair pinned back in an elegant twist. Her finance degree was no longer an unused piece of paper on a wall or a secret kept from a manipulative father. Over the past ninety days, she had completely restructured the financial infrastructure of the Volkov empire. She had systematically tracked down every loose end, closed up money-laundering leaks, optimized their shipping logistics, and doubled their clean corporate revenue through legitimate holding companies.

Lev sat right beside her, a heavy crystal glass of aged scotch resting in his hand. He wasn't reviewing the computer screens in front of them. He was simply leaning back, his dark blue eyes fixed entirely on her face with that same intense, dirty hunger that had taken root on their wedding night—a hunger that had only grown wilder as she proved herself to be as lethal with her mind as he was with his hands.

"The Moretti family’s remaining assets in the lower harbor were officially dissolved this morning," Elena said, her fingers moving smoothly across her laptop keyboard as spreadsheets reflected in her blue eyes. "I transferred their warehouse titles directly into our holding company ten minutes ago. We now control ninety-five percent of the city's maritime trade."

Lev set his glass down on the desk with a quiet, deliberate thud. He turned his heavy leather chair toward her, reaching out his thick, calloused hand to cup the back of her neck, his thumb tracing the sensitive line of her jawline.

"You work too hard, Mrs. Volkova," Lev murmured, his baritone voice a low, rough rumble that sent a familiar shiver down her spine.

Elena leaned her cheek into his warm, firm palm, a small, dangerous smile touching her lips. "Someone has to keep your business running efficiently while you're out terrorizing the local gang leaders into line."

"They don't need much terrorizing these days," Lev said, his thumb running gently across her bottom lip. "Not after they heard how you handled Arthur and Moretti at The Obsidian. Half the syndicate leaders in the state think I married a dark angel."

"Let them think whatever keeps them quiet," Elena replied softly, turning her face to press a soft kiss against the inside of his wrist. "Respect is good, Lev. Fear is better. But total financial control means they can't even afford to betray us."

Lev let out a deep, low laugh—a sound that was reserved only for her behind these closed doors. He reached down, catching her under her thighs, and effortlessly lifted her out of her chair and pulled her straight onto his lap.

Elena wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, her fingers tangling in the short dark hair at the nape of his neck as she looked down at him. The tension that used to exist between them—the sharp, defensive edge of two predators trapped in the same room—had transformed into something thick, hot, and completely unbreakable.

"When your pathetic excuse for a father brought you to my study three months ago," Lev whispered, his dark eyes searching hers, "I thought I was taking in a helpless little pawn to clear a debt. I expected tears. I expected a broken girl I’d have to hide away in the east wing."

"And what did you end up with?" Elena teased gently, her breath hitching as his heavy hand slid down her waist, gripping her hip with possessive force.

Lev leaned up, pressing his lips against the soft skin of her throat, making her gasp as he bit down gently before moving up to capture her mouth in a slow, deep, devastating kiss. His tongue slid past her lips, claiming her with the same brutal confidence he brought to everything else, but underneath the rough power was a devotion that belonged entirely to her.

"I got my match," Lev growled against her lips as he pulled back just far enough to look into her eyes. "I got the woman who helps me rule this damn city."

Elena looked down at him, her heart beating steady and strong in her chest. The fear she had felt when her father first handed her away was ancient history now. She had taken the contract meant to e*****e her and used it to tear down her enemies, claim her family's stolen wealth, and earn the loyalty of the most feared mobster in the country.

"You didn't just get a match, Lev," Elena whispered, leaning down to press her lips against his jawline. "You got a co-ruler. The harbor is ours, the syndicate is ours, and anyone who tries to take it from us will learn why we belong together."

Lev’s eyes darkened, a wicked, filthy grin spreading across his face as he tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

"I look forward to watching them try," Lev said rough against her ear. "Now close the laptop, little bird. The empire can run itself for the rest of the night."

Elena didn't argue. She reached out, slapped the screen shut, and wrapped herself completely around her husband as the dark city stretched out beneath them—no longer her prison, but their kingdom.