Page 47 of The Bratva Bosses' Surrogate

She looks at me, her mouth slightly open, as if she’s trying to process the offer. After a moment, she replies, “No, I don’t think I want to see him again. Even though, I would really have wanted to, up until I was fifteen.”

“What changed at fifteen, then?”

Sofia takes a deep breath, her fingers absently playing with the string of pearls. “When I was fifteen, I realized that not having him in my life, well, it might have been for the best. I saw my friends with their fathers, and I used to be envious, you know? But then, I started seeing the other side. The arguments, the disappointments. I saw my mom, how she had grown stronger, more independent without him. And I thought, maybe it’s better this way. Maybe his absence was a blessing in disguise.”

“Do you want me to find him and kill him?” The words slip out, sharp and deadly, revealing a side of me that’s always lurking beneath the surface.

“You’re not serious, Ivan, are you?”

“He hurt you, didn’t he? He deserves to die, that motherfucker.” My voice is cold, a reflection of the icy rage that’s beginning to churn inside me. The thought of someone hurting her, even in the past, ignites a dark, protective fury within me.

“I, I don’t think that’s what I want, Ivan.”

I let out a deep breath, trying to reign in my emotions. “Alright, Sofia. If you’re sure.” But the desire to protect her, to ensure her safety and happiness, is almost overpowering.

She gives me a reassuring smile. “I am. It’s in the past now.”

“So, tell me about your mom. What was she like? Was she happy?”

Sofia’s eyes soften, a sadness creeping in. “She was strong. Very hardworking. She’d do anything for me. I wouldn’t be here without her, that’s for sure.”

“And yet she’s not here now, is she?” I say softly, my voice filled with understanding and sorrow. My own parents are long gone, too, but the pain of their loss never fades away completely.

I decide to change the topic. “You must tell me where Maxym took you,” I urge, a playful edge to my voice.

“Are you competing with him now, huh?”

I chuckle dryly, the sound rough like gravel. “He wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Sofia laughs, the sound light and airy, a contrast to the usual heaviness that surrounds us. “Oh? You sound a bit too confident.”

With a smirk, I lean in closer, our bodies almost touching. “Confidence comes naturally to me, Sofia. You’ll see it soonenough.” I can feel her pulse quicken at the proximity; even for a tough girl like her, the effect I have is not lost.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she throws back with a teasing smile.

Bracing an arm on the table next to us, pulling myself into her space, I murmur in a low voice that’s filled with dark promises. “Be careful what you wish for, darling. It may end up being too much for you to handle.”

Her response comes with a sassy edge, “Sure.” She extends her hand for the book. “Now, can I have my book back?”

I hold the book just out of her reach, a teasing glint in my eye. “Yes, with one condition.”

Her eyebrows rise in curiosity. “What is it?”

“That you will let me do whatever is written in that book to you later.”

She nods wordlessly, her breath hitching as she surrenders herself to me. The color rises in her cheeks, a beautiful blush that spreads across her face. It’s clear my words have an effect on her, stirring something within.

Without another word, I leave, the book back in her possession.

The night hasn’t even arrived yet, but I can already tell it’s going to be a fucking unforgettable one.

Chapter 19

Sofia

Nervous. I am nervous.

Where will Ivan take me? God, why am I this nervous? It’s not just because we’re going out. I’m nervous because I want to look perfect for him, just like how fucking perfect he is.

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