Page 18 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

"Really? A babysitter? Am I in kindergarten?" I shake my head.

"Think of it as a bodyguard," he corrects. "What if someone else tries to take you while you're out there?"

"Unlikely," I mutter.

“No,” he roars at me, taking me by surprise. “Not unlikely. I know you think I’m dangerous, Pippa. But I have enemies. If Lenny Ramsey told a soul about how I kidnapped you, word would have spread. You’re probably on my enemies’ radar, and if they find you alone, they could take you and use you to learn secrets about us, The Zolotovs. If you think you have it bad now, just wait until you fall into the hands of the wrong crowd,” he tells me, rage flickering in his eyes, an edge of protectiveness etched into each word.

I flinch at his sudden outburst, the intensity of his warning sinking in. Despite the anger and defiance I've held onto, there's a flicker of something else in Lev's eyes—genuine concern. It catches me off guard, and for a brief moment, I see a different side to him, a man fiercely protective of those he claims as his own.

"I… I never thought of it that way," I say reluctantly. "But if your guy interferes with my education in any way, I'm holding you responsible."

"Fair enough," Lev agrees, and there's a hint of respect in his eyes that makes me feel a strange sense of accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to get through to him.

Chapter 7 - Lev

The next morning, I sip coffee on the dining table, waiting and thinking about her. The last week, walking by her door, without seeing her, was pure misery. I promised myself I won’t do that again, to her or myself. I was so thrilled to see her again, to spar with her, to get my blood running, that I didn’t think twice before letting my emotions get the better of me.

She tried to run again yesterday, but when she told me how she doesn’t have a future unless she can build it, I saw a fighter in her I didn’t want to quell. It was a split second decision, to let her have her dreams, but I only hope she doesn’t get herself in too much trouble while she’s out of my sight.

Not that it matters, I can bring more trouble wherever any arises. If anything happens, I know I can deal with it. After a few more minutes of thinking about her, Pippa joins me at the breakfast table. She’s wearing dark blue slacks, an oversized button-down shirt, and Oxford shoes.

“Okay!” She grins from ear-to-ear, clutching her books and laptop bag in her hand. “Thanks for arranging this computer for me. It’s insanely fast.”

“You’re welcome,” I tell her.

“Lucky you had a spare one lying around.”

“Lucky indeed,” I lean forward and pour her a coffee. Little does she know I had one of my men buy it yesterday.

“So, I’ll see you later!” She claps her hands in glee.

“Pippaaaa,” I let out a warning.

“What?” she says, turning from the door.

“Eat,” I point at her untouched plate.

“Ugh,” she groans, and comes back down to grab a piece of toast in her hand. “I’ll eat it on the way, I swear.”

I smile and shake my head. She’s so excited to get back to class—it’s kind of sweet.

I stand and follow her out. “Dmitri here will drive you to college, and shadow you today.”

A small frown crosses her face, but she wipes it off. Dmitri opens the door to the backseat and she glides in. She rolls down the window when Dmitri takes his seat and turns on the car. “Alright then. I’ll see you in the evening!” she says, gleefully waving at me.

I wave back and watch as the car drives off. The minute it gets out of sight, I slide into mine.

***

The crowd swallows me as I trail Pippa and Dmitri from a distance, keeping my eyes locked on her flowing brown hair. I know she’d be mad if she finds me here, but I just can’t help myself. I’ve observed her all I can within the confines of my house. Now, I’m curious to learn just who Pippa Anderson is, when she’s not a captive in my house.

One single donation made to the university over the weekend, and the dean was more than happy to give me no-barred access to get a feel for the place, should I ever wish to donate toward another library wing.

It was money well spent.

Pippa scans the campus grounds as she strides purposefully toward the humanities building, books clutched to her chest. She walks alone, unlike everyone else, not seeming to notice or care about her solitude. I admire that resilience.

I hang back, blending into the students rushing between classes. Can't risk her spotting me. I need to make sure she’s truly intent on attending those classes and not trying to make another run for it. Also, I want to make sure she stays away from any trouble, well, trouble apart from what I bring her way of course.

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