Chapter 3 - The Fortress in Lake ForestThe black armored SUV glided silently through the iron security gates of the Markov Estate in Lake Forest, Illinois, at 1:30 AM.
The estate was a sprawling stone fortress perched on a cliff above Lake Michigan, surrounded by high walls, security cameras, and armed guards patrolling the manicured grounds.
Inside the back seat, Adrian sat beside me in silence, his coat unbuttoned, reviewing tactical updates on an encrypted tablet. His presence was vast, warm, and comforting against the freezing rain lashing the windows.
When the car stopped, Adrian opened my door himself, holding out his hand.
"Welcome to my home, Camilla," Adrian said quietly as we stepped into the grand marble foyer.
The interior of the manor was breathtaking—high wood-beamed ceilings, grand fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dark, churning waters of the lake.
An older, elegant woman in a dark dress hurried down the marble staircase. "Mr. Markov! We heard about the incident downtown. Is everyone uninjured?"
"We are fine, Katya," Adrian replied, taking off his coat and handing it to a guard. "Prepare the master suite in the east wing for Miss Camilla immediately."
Katya looked at me with a warm, welcoming smile. "Of course, sir. Right away."
Adrian guided me up the grand staircase toward the east wing. The suite was magnificent—a sunlit bedroom featuring a king-sized bed, a marble fireplace, and a private balcony overlooking the lake.
"You will be safe here, Camilla," Adrian promised, stopping near the doorway. "My men guard every corner of this property. No one will touch you."
I looked up at him—this feared Russian crime boss who had treated me with more respect in two hours than Trevor had in five years.
"Why are you protecting me like this, Adrian?" I asked softly. "You don't know anything about me."
May you like
Adrian walked slowly across the plush rug, stopping inches from where I stood. He reached out, his long fingers gently tucking a strand of dark hair behind my ear.
"I know that you walked up to the most dangerous man in the room tonight to reclaim your dignity," Adrian murmured, his voice dropping into a low, velvet baritone. "And I know that once I take something under my protection... I never let it go."
Related Stories
