Page 31 of Captured By the Bratva

“That’s the exact duration of the deal I had with your father,” he explains calmly. “I was supposed to protect you for six months. Once you’re under the Bratva’s shadow, you will always be protected, no matter what.”

His words chill me. The idea of being under the Bratva’s protection feels like a double-edged sword. “So, after six months, what happens?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

He takes another drag from his cigar, letting the silence hang for a moment. “After six months, we can annul the marriage. You’ll be free to go your own way. During that time, you’ll be safe. No one will dare touch you.”

I swallow hard, trying to absorb what he’s saying. “What exactly do you get out of this, Kirill? Why go to such lengths?”

His gaze locks on to mine, intense and unwavering. “I owe it to your father. He trusted me to protect you. And beyond that, having you under my protection strengthens my position within the Bratva. It’s mutually beneficial.”

I shake my head, still struggling with the enormity of his proposal. “Why marriage? Can’t you just protect me without that?”

“Marriage makes it official. It ties you to me in a way that no one can dispute. It sends a clear message to our enemies and allies alike,” he explains. “In our world, it’s a bond that carries weight. It’s the safest way to ensure your protection.”

The logic in his words is undeniable, but my emotions are a turbulent mess. “I just… I don’t know, Kirill. This feels like too much.”

He leans forward, his eyes piercing into mine. “You need to listen to me. This is the best way to keep you safe. Think about it, Violet. Six months of security, and then you can go back to your life. Free from fear.”

I look away, staring out the window at the passing city lights. “What happens if I refuse?”

“You won’t refuse,” he says with certainty. “You’re too smart for that. You know this is the best option.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts. “What will this fake marriage entail? What do I have to do?”

“Just play the part,” he says, his tone softer now. “We’ll live together, attend events together. You’ll be seen with me, and that’s enough to keep you safe. There’s no need for anything beyond that. It’s purely for show.”

The idea of living with Kirill, of being by his side for six months, feels daunting. The alternative—living in constant fear—feels worse. “You must think I’m crazy to agree to this.”

As we pull up to the mansion, Kirill’s men trail behind us, their presence a constant reminder of the danger lurking just out of sight. The car comes to a stop, and the heavy silence between us continues. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

We step out of the car, the cool night air hitting me like a wave. Kirill gestures for his men to stay back, giving us a moment of privacy. As we walk toward the entrance, I can’t shake the feeling of being trapped. Once we’re inside the mansion’s grand foyer, I turn to face him, my resolve hardening.

“I can’t do this, Kirill,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion. “I cannot be married into the Mafia, even if it’s fake and for my own protection.”

He steps closer, his intense gaze locking on to mine. “Well, how about this? With my backing, you’ll have the influence you need to secure your place in your father’s company. Without it, you might never get the chance.”

I shake my head, trying to make sense of his words. “I don’t want power through fear. I want to earn it, to be respected for my abilities, not because I’m associated with the Bratva.”

His eyes harden, and he takes another step closer, his presence overwhelming. “You will earn it, but the reality is, you need leverage right now. Your uncle is already making moves against you. You need to show the shareholders that you have the strength and support to lead. My power can give you that.”

I swallow hard, my mouth dry. “How do you know about all of this?”

He smirks. “People talk, if you apply the right pressure, and Dimitri is very good at finding information.”

I can imagine what he means by that, and my mood sours further.

“Marrying you… it’s too much. I don’t want to live my life under the shadow of the Mafia. Even if it’s just for six months, it feels like a betrayal of everything I believe in.”

Kirill’s expression doesn’t soften. He remains stoic, his gaze unwavering. “This isn’t about your beliefs, Violet. This is about survival. The world you’re stepping into doesn’t play by the rules you’re used to. It’s ruthless, and if you want to come out on top, you need to play the game.”

The intensity of his words make me tremble. “You’re asking me to give up my principles.”

“I’m asking you to protect yourself,” he retorts, his voice cold and commanding. “It’s six months, Violet. Six months of playing a role to gain the power you need.”

I stand there, torn between anger and fear. “You don’t understand,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I can’t just throw away everything I believe in.”

“Believe what you want,” he says coldly, his eyes boring into mine. “Know this: the world you’re in now doesn’t care about your beliefs. It’s about survival, and I’m your best chance.”

I turn away, heading toward the front door of the mansion. I feel his presence behind me, a constant, unyielding shadow.

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