Page 75 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

"Forgive me if I don't jump for joy at the prospect," I say sarcastically, shooting him a disdainful look. "How do we know this isn't some elaborate setup?"

"Fair questions," Nikolai admits, nodding in acknowledgment. "But consider this: why would I reveal my involvement with Lenny if I had anything to hide? I could've kept my identity a secret, yet here I am, extending an olive branch."

"An olive branch with thorns," Boris mutters, clearly not convinced.

"Perhaps," Nikolai concedes. "But sometimes, taking a risk can lead to great rewards." He locks eyes with each of us in turn as if trying to gauge our thoughts and reactions.

"Rewards or betrayal," Damien murmurs, his gaze never leaving Nikolai's face.

“Or loyalty,” Nikolai says. “You need friends. In our world, we have plenty enemies to help cut us down at the roots. What we need is friends, won’t you think? After all, it was friendship that saved you and your girl, Pippa, the night Lenny was chasing you in his car.”

My eyes widen in surprise, and I glance at my brothers. They share my astonishment, their expressions as unreadable as mine. "You?" I ask, incredulous. "You were the one who saved us. Why?"

"Like I said before," he replies smoothly. “I hate traitors. What I forgot to mention was that I hate innocents being harmed. She was with you, your Pippa. She didn’t belong in that war.”

Nikolai's words hang heavy in the air, his confession weaving a new layer of complexity into our already tangled lives. Pippa's safety had been paramount that night, and to know that Nikolai had played a hand in ensuring it made me reassess my initial impression of him. Besides me, I hear my brothers exchange silent looks.

I know what all three of us are thinking. While we can’t trust Nikolai Ganzini with open hearts, we can test the waters… for now.

“So, an alliance, you say?” I ask.

"Exactly," he affirms, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that's almost unnerving. "Think about it, Lev. Our families may have been enemies in the past, but times have changed. We're both powerful forces in this city, and together, we could become unstoppable."

"Or destroy each other," Boris counters, his voice heavy with doubt.

"True," Nikolai agrees, nodding in acknowledgment. "But once you get to know me, you’ll find I don’t give my word lightly.”

"Seems like we've heard that one before," I quip, my mind racing with questions and doubts as I try to gauge this enigmatic man's true intentions.

"Maybe so," he concedes, his expression unreadable. "But the question remains: are you willing to take that risk?"

"Let's say we consider this alliance," I state, trying to maintain a semblance of control over the conversation. "What are the terms? What exactly do you want from us?"

"Mutual support," Nikolai explains, his voice steady and confident. "Protection, information sharing, and collaboration in business ventures. Together, we can rise above the competition and secure our places at the top."

I exchange glances with Boris and Damien, recognizing the gravity of the decision before us. Could we trust Nikolai Orlov? Or would accepting his offer lead us down a dangerous path?

"Fine," Boris concedes after a tense silence. "We'll consider your alliance. But know this, Mr. Orlov: we're not fools. If you betray us, there will be consequences."

"Understood," Nikolai replies, his expression inscrutable as he rises from his chair. "I look forward to our future collaboration."

As we leave the underground club, I can't help but wonder if accepting Nikolai Orlov's offer would be our salvation… or our doom. But one thing is certain: there's no doubt that we’ll be seeing a lot more of Nikolai Orlov and as for what comes of that? We’ll be watching.

Epilogue - Pippa

3 Years Later

There’s a celebration in every molecule in the air as I stand on stage, clutching my diploma. I feel such pride, such joy, as I look out at the sea of faces in the crowd. There they are—the entire Zolotov family, cheering me on like I'm one of their own. Lev's eyes catch mine, his gaze intense and full of admiration.

"Congratulations, Pippa!" The applause roars around me, making it almost impossible to hear my own thoughts. But the happiness in Lev's eyes is enough to drown out everything else.

"Thank you," I mouth back at him, overwhelmed by the love radiating from the entire family.

As the ceremony draws to a close, I make my way through the swarm of proud parents, beaming students, and enthusiastic professors. Boris unexpectedly appears before me, his smile wide and genuine. Ivan stands by his side.

"Congratulations, Pip." He pulls me into a warm embrace. "You've worked so incredibly hard for this moment."

"Thank you, Boris," I say, touched by his kind words. "I couldn't have done it without all your support and guidance. Truly."

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