Page 54 of The Bratva Bosses' Surrogate

But that’s for later. For now, I need to reassure her she’s not dying on my watch.

“Alright, boys,” I finally break the silence, my tone carrying a deadly warning. “Enough of this shit.” I fix them with a pointed look then shift my gaze back to Sofia. “Time to go home.”

I nod, decisive. “Let’s get you discharged.” I move to the edge of the bed, ready to help her stand.

She accepts my hand, and I ease her up gently. Every move I make is careful, protective. I can feel Maxym and Viktor’s eyes on us, their banter silenced out of respect for the moment.

The walk to the car is slow. Sofia leans on me, her strength returning but still not full. She’s fragile in a way which reminds me how much she means to me.

The cool night air greets us as we step outside the hospital. It’s late; the world around us is quiet, almost peaceful. I help Sofia into the car, making sure she’s comfortable before softly closing her door.

I slide into the driver’s seat and glance over at her. The streetlights cast shadows across her face, but I can still see the traces of pain that linger. “Buckle up,” I say softly.

She looks up at me, a half-smile breaking through the discomfort. “Always looking out for me, huh?”

I can’t help but return her smile. “Always,” I affirm, the weight of my promise hanging heavy between us. The drive home is quiet, the stillness of the night enveloping us in a cocoon that feels removed from the rest of the world.

Chapter 21

Viktor

I’ve got a date with Sofia today. A date. Haven’t been on a fucking date since I was a teenager. Back then, it was all awkward conversations and clumsy kisses, a far cry from the world I’ve come to inhabit. A world where intimacy is often just another form of negotiation, where every interaction is a power play. But Sofia, she’s turned all that on its head.

As I get ready, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Me, Viktor, the guy who’s more comfortable with a gun in his hand than holding someone’s hand, about to go on a date. With Sofia, no less. The woman who’s managed to weave her way into our lives, into my thoughts, with her resilience and her fire.

I’m still chuckling to myself as I knot my tie in front of the mirror, staring back at my reflection with disbelief etched on my face. A mafia boss, all dressed up for some soft bullshit like a date. Hilarious.

The laughter dies on my lips as I think about Sofia. Sweet, stubborn Sofia who looks at me with those sultry eyes as if I’m something more than just a monster — as if I’m worth more than the blood on my hands. She unsettles me, stirs things inside me that make me want to claim and possess her.

The sun hasn’t even reached its zenith when I find myself standing at Sofia’s door, suited up with a tie that suddenly feels too tight around my neck. Our date isn’t the typical evening affair; it’s a surprise, something out of the ordinary which doesn’t involve clichéd dinners or predictable settings.

Yet, here I am, dressed like I’m about to broker a deal rather than spend a day with a woman who’s been on my mind more than I care to admit.

The moment Sofia swings the door open, it feels as if the world tilts, her presence commanding the space with understated grace. She stands there, the embodiment of summer in a white dress that dances just above her knees, the fabric catching the faint evening light. Her feet, bare, seem to whisper tales of freedom and wild, untamed paths. Waves of hair frame her face in a soft, inviting cascade, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheekbones. In her gaze, a spark of curiosity flickers, mingling with a warmth which sends a surge of anticipation through my veins. She drops her sparkling sandals to the floor and slips her feet into them with a grace that makes my chest clutch.

“You seem dressed for a somber occasion rather than our date,” she quips, her voice laced with amusement and a hint of challenge.

The corner of my mouth quirks up, unable to resist the pull of her light-hearted barb. “Ah, but you know me—prepared for every eventuality. However, you,” my words trail off for a heartbeat, allowing my eyes to drink in her appearance fully, “are nothing short of stunning.”

Her laughter rings out, clear and vibrant, cutting through the evening’s stillness. “A smooth talker as always, Viktor. But I’m curious, where does this mysterious journey take us tonight?”

Extending my arm towards her, an offer of partnership rather than mere courtesy, I smile. “A venture into the unexpected. Trust me, it’s an experience far beyond the ordinary.”

Her eyes widen a touch. The reaction is immediate and gratifying. It always feels good to shake her up a bit. I don’t miss the slight tremble in her hands either as she secures her seatbelt.

The drive is filled with Sofia’s attempts to guess our destination, each guess more outrageous than the last. “Are we skydiving? Is it a hot air balloon ride?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Your imagination is wild, Sofia. But this is even wilder.”

The journey is a whirlwind of tension and anticipation. Sofia keeps making these wild guesses about our destination that are so far off, they’re comical. The guessing game only adds to the thrill. Her light banter acts like a balm to my tormented mind, keeping the darkness at bay if only for a moment.

Stepping out of the car, I step in front of the shark diving sign. A wicked grin spreads across my face. This is where I’ve decided to bring Sofia today. A bold move, but then again, I am a bold man.

“Where are we?” she asks.

“We’re going to take a little jaunt under the waves, Sofia,” I tell her, and step to the side to reveal the sign. My voice is husky with anticipation.

Her mouth drops open, the shock clear in her eyes. “You’re kidding, right?”

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