Page 21 of Captured By the Bratva

Dimitri walks over, his usual smirk in place. “You’re getting soft, Boss,” he teases, his tone light. “All this fuss over one girl. Must be something special about her.”

I shoot him a cold look, not in the mood for his jokes. “She’s under my protection, Dimitri. That’s all you need to know.”

Dimitri raises an eyebrow, the smirk widening. “Right. Just protection. You have to admit, she’s got a certain… charm.”

“Enough,” I snap, my voice hardening. “This isn’t a game. Her life is at stake.”

Dimitri’s smirk fades slightly, though the amusement doesn’t completely leave his eyes. “I get it, Boss. Just saying, don’t let her make you soft. We need you sharp.”

I glare at him, annoyed by his casual attitude. “Go check on the men. Make sure everyone knows their positions.”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, backing away. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you to your brooding.” He turns and heads back to his car, still chuckling to himself.

I watch him go, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Dimitri’s loyalty is unquestionable, but his tendency to joke about everything can be grating. I know he means well, but the situation with Violet is too serious for jokes.

With a final glance at the mansion, I turn and walk back to my car. The night is still and quiet, the only sounds are the distant hum of the city and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. I get into my car, my thoughts still on Violet, and start the engine.

Dimitri falls in behind me as we drive back to our base. The ride is silent, my mind replaying the events of the evening. The fear in Violet’s eyes, the way she leaned on me for support—it’s a vulnerability I’m not used to seeing.

As we pull into the underground garage of the Black Orchid Club, I park and step out, my resolve hardening. I can’t afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment. Violet’s safety is my top priority, and I need to stay focused.

Dimitri catches up to me as we head inside, his earlier levity replaced by a more serious demeanor. “You know I’m just messing with you, right?” he says, his tone softer. “But seriously, she’s lucky to have you looking out for her.”

I nod, acknowledging his words without letting my guard down. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. Make sure everything is set for tomorrow.”

“Will do,” Dimitri replies, his usual confidence back in place. He heads off to brief the men, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I make my way to my office, the weight of the night settling over me. Protecting Violet isn’t just about fulfilling a promise—it’s become something more, something personal.

Chapter Eleven - Violet

I close the door behind me, the sound of the lock clicking into place echoing in the stillness of my room. It’s been a few days since that harrowing night, and while the guards outside give me a sense of security, an undercurrent of unease still lingers.

The memory of Kirill’s intense gaze and the way he commanded the situation remains fresh in my mind, confusing my feelings further.

I flop down onto my bed and pick up my phone, dialing Sarah’s number. The familiar ring brings a sense of normalcy, and soon enough, her cheerful voice fills my ear.

“Hey, Vi! It’s been forever!” Sarah chirps, her energy infectious even through the phone.

“Hey, Sarah. Yeah, it feels like it,” I reply, managing a smile despite my inner turmoil.

“So, catch me up! What’s new with you?” she asks.

I hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal. “Not much. Just dealing with some family stuff.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry to hear about your dad,” she says sympathetically. “How are you holding up?”

“I could do with a distraction, to be honest.”

I can hear Sarah’s smile as she replies, “Well, distraction I can do. Let me tell you all about the latest situationship drama.”

I settle back against my pillows, grateful for the distraction. “Okay, spill. Who’s the lucky guy this time?”

Sarah launches into a detailed account of her latest romantic entanglement, her voice animated and full of life. As she talks, I find myself momentarily forgetting about the stress and fear that have been plaguing me.

“…and then he totally ghosted me for three days! Can you believe that?” Sarah exclaims, her indignation clear.

“Wow, what a jerk,” I say, shaking my head. “You deserve so much better.”

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