Page 29 of Captured By the Bratva

With my team mobilizing, I floor the accelerator, weaving through traffic with precision and speed. Every second counts. I call Violet again, placing the call on speaker, and she picks up on the second ring, Violet’s breathing and the sounds of the city filling the car.

“How are you holding up?” I ask.

“I’m trying to stay calm,” she says, her voice shaky. “I can still see the car in my rearview mirror. I think—wait, it’s leaving.”

“Good,” I reassure her. “Just keep driving straight. I’ll be there soon.”

As I navigate the streets, I can hear the tension in her breathing. The fear she feels is palpable, and it only fuels my determination to get to her as quickly as possible.

“Are you still heading towards the docks?” I ask, needing to ensure she’s following my instructions.

“Yes,” she replies, “I’m almost there. I can’t see the car.”

“Once you reach the old warehouse district, take a left and keep going until you see a large, empty lot. I’ll be waiting for you there.”

I cut through a side street, my car skidding slightly as I push it to its limits. The industrial area is just ahead, and I can already see Dimitri’s car parked inconspicuously near the rendezvous point.

“I’m here,” I tell her, pulling into the empty lot. “Where are you now?”

“I see the lot,” she says, her voice a mix of fear and relief. “I’m turning in now.”

Her car appears, alone. I exit my car, positioning myself between her and the threat. Dimitri and Ivan are already in place, ready to intercept.

As Violet’s car pulls into the safe parking lot, I wave her over to a spot where she can park. She stops the car and steps out, looking visibly shaken and scared. I move quickly to her side, my protective instincts kicking in.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice firm but gentle.

She nods, her eyes wide with fear. “I think so. The car stopped following me soon after I called you. Maybe they weren’t really following me. Maybe it was just my imagination. I’m just so paranoid now.”

I study her face, seeing the toll that the constant fear and stress are taking on her. She looks exhausted, her eyes red from holding back tears. I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her. “Better to be cautious than dead.”

She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I just don’t know anymore, Kirill. I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

I guide her towards the side of the parking lot, away from the cars. “There are real threats out there. You need to trust your instincts.”

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and gratitude. “Thank you for coming so quickly. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

I huff. “You don’t have to thank me, you just need to listen to what I’m about to say next.”

I turn to Dimitri and Ivan, who are standing nearby, ready to assist. “Stay close and keep an eye on things. Make sure we’re not followed.”

They nod, and I focus back on Violet, who looks both relieved and scared. I can’t help the frustration boiling inside me. “Why were you out alone, Violet?” I demand, my voice sharper than I intended. “You know it’s dangerous, and it was stupid of you to go alone.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, and then they narrow with a flash of defiance. “I needed some time alone, Kirill,” she snaps back. “With so much on my mind, I really just needed to breathe some fresh air. Besides, if I’m always curled up in my room, how can I ever lead my father’s company? I’ll lose each time like I did on Friday.”

I feel a surge of anger at her defiance. “This isn’t about leading a company right now. This is about your safety!” I explain, my voice rising, echoing in the otherwise quiet parking lot. “You can’t just wander around without protection. Do you understand how serious this is?”

She flinches at my tone, taking a step back. Her fear is evident, and it makes me realize how close I am to losing control. Her eyes are wide, and I can see the tension in her posture, the way her hands tremble slightly.

I take a deep breath, trying to reel myself back in. “Look,” I say more softly, though my voice still holds a stern edge. “You have to understand. Your life is in danger. You can’t afford to take risks like this.”

She swallows hard, the defiance in her eyes giving way to a mix of fear and determination. “I do understand, Kirill, but I can’t live my life in a cage. I have to find a balance. I can’t be a prisoner.”

I run a hand through my hair, struggling to find the right words. “I know it’s hard,” I say, trying to soften my tone further. “Until we know who is after you and why, you need to be careful. If you die, that’s on me.”

She’s pale. Shaking. “I’ll try to be more careful. You have to understand my side too. I need some semblance of normalcy.”

I let out a sigh, the tension easing slightly. “Normalcy is a luxury, Malyshka. You have to do as I say, or I might not be able to save your ass next time.”

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