Page 24 of Captured By the Bratva

“Get it together, Violet,” I mutter, grabbing some fresh underwear from the drawer. I slip them on and pull on a clean nightshirt, the cool fabric a comfort against my skin.

Back in my room, I climb into bed, feeling the exhaustion settle over me once more. The events of the night, the intensity of my feelings for Kirill, it all weighs heavily on me. But as I lay there, I know I need to rest, to regain my strength for whatever comes next.

I close my eyes, letting out a slow breath. The house is quiet now, the night wrapping around me like a blanket. I know the bodyguards are still there, watching, protecting. It’s a strange comfort, knowing they’re just outside.

As I start to drift off, thoughts of Kirill once again fill my mind. His voice, deep and commanding, his eyes, piercing and intense. I wonder what he’s doing right now, if he’s thinking about me too. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying.

Sleep finally claims me, my last conscious thought a whisper of his name—Kirill. The man who has turned my world upside down, who ignites a fire in me I can’t ignore. Whatever the future holds, I know one thing for certain—my life will never be the same.

Chapter Twelve - Kirill

I lean back against the wall, watching Dimitri and Ivan play pool. The dim lighting of the club casts shadows across their faces, highlighting their focused expressions. Ivan lines up his shot, his movements smooth and calculated, while Dimitri smirks, always ready with a quip or joke. I reach into my pocket and pop an AirPod into my ear. I haven’t heard from my little Malyshka for some time now, and it’s starting to gnaw at me.

One thing I didn’t tell Violet is that the GPS tracking bracelet also has an audio system. I can hear what she’s doing anytime I want. It’s for her own security, of course, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t add to my entertainment. There’s something about her voice, the way she speaks, that draws me in. I always want to know what she’s doing, who she’s talking to. It’s a way to keep her close, even when we’re apart.

I tap on my phone, activating the audio feed from her bracelet. Instantly, I can hear her voice, soft and clear, filling my ear. She’s talking to her friend, Sarah. I chuckle to myself, finding a strange comfort in her mundane conversations.

“What about that guy from the party. Nick, wasn’t it? He was totally into you.”

The mention of this Nick instantly gets my blood boiling. Who the fuck is Nick? I straighten up, my eyes narrowing as I listen more intently.

Violet hesitates, then sighs. “Yeah, Nick. He’s nice, but I’m not really interested anymore.”

I feel a sense of satisfaction at her response, but the anger still simmers beneath the surface. This Nick character better stay out of her way.

Dimitri looks up from the pool table, noticing my change in demeanor. “Everything alright, Boss?” he asks, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

I wave him off, not wanting to discuss it. “Just listening to something,” I mutter, my focus still on the conversation in my ear.

I watch as Dimitri sinks another shot, grinning at Ivan. “Looks like you owe us a round, Ivan,” Dimitri says, his voice full of mock triumph.

Ivan grumbles, lining up his shot. “You just got lucky this time.”

“Lucky? Please, it’s all skill,” Dimitri retorts, glancing over at me. “Right, Kirill? Tell him it’s all skill.”

I smirk, still half listening to the audio feed from Violet’s watch. “If that’s what you want to call it.”

Dimitri laughs, lining up for his final shot. “See, even the boss agrees with me.”

Ivan rolls his eyes but watches intently as Dimitri takes aim. The cue ball cracks against the eight ball, sending it smoothly into the corner pocket. Dimitri straightens up, a triumphant grin on his face. “And that, gentlemen, is game.”

Ivan shakes his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright. A round on me.”

“Make it two,” Dimitri quips, racking up the balls for the next game.

“So, Kirill,” Ivan says, chalking his cue. “You gonna join us for the next game, or are you too busy listening in on your little heiress?”

I shoot him a warning look, but there’s no malice in his words, just curiosity and a bit of teasing. “I’ll sit this one out. I’ve got other things on my mind.”

“Other things, huh?” Dimitri chuckles, setting up the balls. “Must be something serious to distract you from a game of pool.”

I don’t respond, just watching as Ivan breaks, sending the balls scattering across the table. The conversation shifts to more mundane topics—the latest club business, a recent deal that went particularly well, and Ivan’s complaints about the new supplier.

Dimitri wins the game quickly, his skill at pool undeniable. “Guess you’re buying another round, Ivan,” he says, clapping him on the shoulder.

Ivan groans dramatically. “You guys are gonna bankrupt me at this rate.”

“You’ll survive,” I say dryly. “Next time, maybe you’ll give Dimitri a run for his money.”

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