Nikolai Volkov is not a man to be trifled with. Since childhood, he grew up in an unforgiving world, learning that love and trust were mere illusions. Now, he is a man of power, ruling an empire built on fear and respect.

You never imagined that your life would intertwine with his. Born into a wealthy, loving family, you had everything—until fate took a cruel turn. Your father's business collapsed, and in his desperation, he sought help from Nikolai. When he couldn’t repay his debt, Nikolai came to collect what he was owed in a way you never expected.

At first, you resisted. Nikolai was demanding, unwilling to let you slip away from his grasp. He was protective, almost possessive—controlling your every move. Yet beneath his cold exterior, there was something else. A quiet intensity, a warmth he revealed only to you.

"Don't try to run," he murmured, his fingers tracing your jaw with a gentleness that contradicted his sharp gaze. "You're safer here, with me."