Page 13 of Captured By the Bratva

“We keep a close watch on her. I want our best men on this, no mistakes. I need you to dig deeper into any potential threats, find out who’s targeting her and why. I’ll need to establish contact with her, make her understand the situation without alarming her.”

“Understood,” Dimitri says, his expression turning serious. “I’ll get right on it.”

“Good,” I reply, leaning forward, the intensity of the moment not lost on either of us. “I want updates every hour. This isn’t just about watching her; it’s about understanding her life and anticipating any threats. Make sure our men are discreet but thorough.”

Dimitri nods, jotting down notes in his small leather notebook. “I’ll deploy our best team. They’ll start by covering her usual spots—Central Park, Le Petit Café, the yoga studio.”

I take another sip of my whiskey, the burn a welcome distraction from the weight of the responsibility. “Dimitri, make sure Caleb Fanning is aware but doesn’t interfere. He’s protective of her, and we can use that to our advantage, but he needs to stay out of our way.”

“Understood. Caleb’s cooperation will be crucial, but I’ll handle it.” Dimitri stands, ready to leave, but pauses at the door. “What about direct contact with Violet? How do you plan to approach her?”

I lean back, considering the question. “We need to establish a relationship of trust. I’ll reach out to her soon, but not until we have a clearer picture of the threats. The last thing we need is to scare her or make her feel cornered.”

Dimitri nods, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “You’re right. She’s strong, but we need her to understand the gravity of the situation without feeling overwhelmed.”

As Dimitri turns to leave, I add, “Do I need to remind you to take this seriously?”

He pauses, the gravity of my words sinking in. “No, Boss.”

With that, Dimitri leaves my office, the door closing softly behind him. I sit back, my mind still on Violet. She’s unlike anyone I’ve encountered before—resilient, intelligent, and heartbreakingly vulnerable in her grief. Protecting her is more than a duty; it’s a promise.

As I finish my whiskey and prepare to dive back into my work, I can’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation. Meeting her, earning her trust, and keeping her safe will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than ready to face.

Chapter Seven - Violet

The Harrison mansion feels oppressively silent, the absence of my father casting a heavy pall over the grand, empty halls. The echoes of my footsteps sound hollow, and the once-comforting familiarity of the place now feels like a cold reminder of my isolation. I wander from room to room, the memories of happier times haunting me at every turn.

I eventually find myself in the living room, sinking into the plush armchair my father favored. It still holds a faint trace of his cologne, a bittersweet reminder of the man who is no longer here. The weight of my grief is almost unbearable, and the mansion, though large and luxurious, feels like a prison without my father’s presence.

Caleb stands nearby, his eyes watchful and filled with concern. He’s been a constant presence since the funeral, a silent guardian in the wake of my father’s death. I know he’s worried about me, but right now, I’m more concerned with the questions swirling in my mind.

“Caleb,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, “do you think Dad was scared of someone?”

Caleb shifts slightly, his expression guarded. “Why do you ask?”

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “He was so concerned about safety lately. It’s like he was expecting something to happen. He was always talking about security, making sure everything was in place. It’s almost as if he knew….”

Caleb’s face tightens, and he looks away, clearly struggling with how much to say.

I lean forward, desperate for answers. “Caleb, please. If you know something, you have to tell me. I need to understand what was going on with him.”

He hesitates for a long moment, then finally nods, his shoulders slumping as he gives in. “Your father was receiving threats, Violet. Not just written ones, but actual experiences that made him fear for his life.”

A chill runs down my spine. “Experiences…. What do you mean?”

Caleb sighs, running a hand through his hair. “There were incidents. Cars following him, strange phone calls, an assassination attempt. He didn’t want to alarm you, but he was scared. He was taking it all very seriously, which is why he ramped up security and made all those changes around here.”

I feel a knot forming in my stomach. “Why didn’t he tell me? I could have helped, or at least been more prepared.”

“He didn’t want you to worry,” Caleb says softly. “He thought he could handle it, that he could keep you safe without burdening you with the details. That’s why he was so focused on security, why he was always checking and double-checking everything.”

I lean back in the chair, trying to process this information. “Yet he still….” My voice trails off, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. “He still passed away. How could that happen if he was so careful?”

Caleb’s expression softens, and he takes a step closer. “Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, life takes unexpected turns. Your father did everything he could to protect himself and you. His heart gave out, Violet. It’s a tragedy, but it’s not something anyone could have prevented.”

Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink them away, refusing to let them fall. “He was so strong. He was always so strong for me.”

“I know,” Caleb says gently. “You have to be strong now, for him. He would want you to keep going, to be safe and live your life.”

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