Page 77 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

“Besides,” Lev pipes in. “Ever since you developed a taste for fast cars, I swear I can hardly get a hand on mine. You’re always driving them.”

Everyone starts to laugh.

"Come on, Pippa," Vanya urges, nudging me forward. "Go check it out!"

Overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and generosity, I squeal with delight and pull both of them into a tight hug, feeling more loved than ever before. "Thank you so much! This is beyond anything I could have imagined."

"Alright, that's enough hugging," Lev's teasing voice cuts in, drawing my attention away from my siblings-in-law. With a mischievous grin, he dangles the car keys in front of me. "Ready to test-drive your new ride?"

"Absolutely!" I reply eagerly, snatching the keys from his hand. As I slide into the driver's seat, I feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through me, followed by a sense of freedom unlike anything I've experienced before.

"Remember, Pippa, with great power comes great responsibility," Lev smirks, settling into the passenger seat beside me.

I roll my eyes playfully but can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "You're such a nerd. Pick a more relevant quote."

"Hey, you love me," he retorts, his blue-gray eyes locking onto mine for a moment, filled with warmth and affection.

“I do. I do love you,” I smile back.

He looks pleased with himself, until I tell him I was talking to the car.

He pretends to pout, and I laugh, reaching over to give his cheek a caress. He smiles at me and whispers: “Go on.”

I start the engine, the powerful roar sending shivers down my spine as I grip the steering wheel. "Let's see what this baby can do," I say, excitement racing through me.

"Careful now, Speed Racer," Lev teases, but I know that behind his sarcastic comments, he's just as excited as I am to see me behind the wheel of this incredible machine.

"Trust me, I've got this," I assure him. The engine purrs beneath me, ready to leap forward at my command. And in this moment, with Lev by my side and the Zolotov family cheering me on, I feel utterly unstoppable.

I’m ready for the ride of my life.

"Let's go!" I exclaim, and without hesitation, I press down on the accelerator.

The car leaps forward like a wild stallion, sending my hair streaming behind me as we speed through the city streets. The world blurs around me, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that only serve to heighten my exhilaration. I've never felt so alive, so free; it's as if the car is an extension of myself, responding to my every whim with unbridled power and grace.

"Damn, Pippa! You're a natural!" Lev shouts, gripping the door handle as we round a corner with ease. "Ever thought about becoming a race car driver?"

"Ha! It's tempting, but I think I'll stick to driving this beauty around town for now," I respond, my voice filled with glee.

Behind us, the Zolotov clan follows in a convoy of cars, their whoops and cheers filling the air. It's like we're the head of a parade, our own personal celebration of freedom and triumph. I can't help but smile as I hear Anoushka's laughter echoing from one of the cars, her joy infectious.

Finally, they all part ways, making their way home before we all reunite for dinner today.

"Thank you, Lev," I say softly, stealing a glance at him as we continue to drive through the streets. "This… all of this… it means more to me than words can express."

"Hey, you earned it," he replies, his voice sincere. "You're an incredible woman, Pippa, and I'm just happy to be along for the ride. I love you."

“I love you, too.” I tell him. “A million times over.”

The sun dips low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city streets now. I slow down a little, wanting to enjoy Lev’s company more than anything else. Besides, I have a little surprise for him too. Lev's hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze that sends a thrill up my spine.

“You know,” I begin. “I want to give you a little something too.”

“You do?” he asks, looking over me.

I nod.

“What is it?”

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