Page 40 of Captured By the Bratva

I walk over to the window, staring out at the city below. The world continues to move, oblivious to the silent war being waged in the shadows. I am acutely aware of the dangers lurking, and I won’t rest until Violet is safe and Joe’s treachery is exposed.

As I stand by the window, contemplating my responsibilities, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see Violet’s name on the screen. A mix of curiosity and concern washes over me as I answer the call.

“Violet,” I say, trying to keep my tone neutral. “Is everything alright?”

“I need to talk to you,” she says, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. “When are you coming home?”

Her question catches me off guard. She usually keeps her distance, maintaining a cold but polite facade. “I’m not sure. It’s going to be a late night. Can’t we talk tomorrow?”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost hear her weighing her words. “No, it’s important. I really need to talk to you tonight.”

I sigh, a mix of frustration and worry building within me. “Can’t you just tell me now? What’s so urgent that it can’t wait until tomorrow?”

“It’s better if we talk in person,” she insists, her tone firm.

A flicker of irritation sparks in me. I’m used to people obeying my commands, not pushing back. “Violet, I’m very busy right now. If this isn’t an emergency, it can wait.”

“It’s important,” she repeats, not backing down. “Please, Kirill.”

The use of my name, the plea in her voice, it all chips away at my resolve. impatience presses down on me, making me snap. “Damn it, Violet! I don’t have time for this right now!”

There’s a moment of stunned silence on the other end, and I feel a pang of guilt—a new and unwelcome sensation. I’m not accustomed to feeling remorse for my outbursts, but something about her vulnerability, her insistence, makes me feel it.

“Fine,” I say, my tone still harsh but softened by a trace of guilt. “I’ll come home as soon as I can, but it might be late.”

“Thank you,” she replies quietly, and I can hear the strain in her voice. “I’ll be waiting.”

She hangs up, and I’m left staring at my phone, the residual anger mingling with guilt. I don’t like feeling out of control, and Violet has a way of pushing my buttons like no one else. I shake my head, trying to focus on the tasks at hand, but her voice lingers in my mind.

As I return to my desk, the conversation settles over me. What could be so important that she needs to talk to me tonight? The possibilities swirl in my mind, each more troubling than the last. Despite my irritation, I can’t ignore the feeling that something significant is brewing.

I try to refocus on the plans Dimitri and I have laid out, but it’s no use. My thoughts keep drifting back to Violet, to the urgency in her voice. The mix of anger and guilt gnaws at me, making it difficult to concentrate.

I stand up and start pacing the room. I’ve faced countless threats, navigated treacherous alliances, but dealing with Violet feels different.

Finally, as the hour grows late, I decide I’ve done all I can for the day. I inform Dimitri of my departure and gather my things, my mind still preoccupied with Violet’s call. As I head out of the office, I can’t shake the feeling that tonight’s conversation will be a turning point—one that could change everything.

The drive home is filled with a tension I can’t quite place. As much as I try to focus on the road, my thoughts keep drifting back to her. What does she need to tell me? Why did it sound so important?

When I finally pull up to the penthouse, I steel myself for whatever awaits inside. I’m determined to keep my composure, to not let my frustration get the best of me. As I step into the elevator and press the button for our floor, I can’t help but feel unease in the pit of my stomach.

Chapter Nineteen - Violet

When Kirill finally arrives at the penthouse, I can see the weight of the day’s work and frustration etched into his features. He takes a deep breath, collecting himself before stepping inside. The moment he walks in, our eyes lock, and I can tell he’s still irritated.

He walks over and sits opposite me, his gaze intense. “Alright, Violet. I’m here. What’s so important that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. This is important, and I need to make him understand why. “I need to do something about my position in the company,” I begin, trying to keep my voice steady despite the urgency I feel. “I need to remove Joe and take over.”

Kirill raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Go on.”

“Joe’s way of doing things is so different from my father’s,” I continue, leaning forward slightly. “He’s changing everything, making decisions that my father would never have agreed with. My father and Joe didn’t even get along that well when it came to business. Father wouldn’t have wanted this.”

I search his face for any sign of understanding, hoping he sees the gravity of the situation. “My father built that company from the ground up. He had a vision, and Joe is tearing it apart. I can’t let him do that. I’m more aligned with my father’s values and vision. I need to take control, but I can’t do it alone.”

Kirill nods, absorbing my words. There’s a moment of silence as he considers what I’ve said. “You want me to help you with this,” he states, his voice even.

“Yes,” I reply, my eyes pleading. “You promised to protect me, and this is part of that. I need your power and influence to sway the shareholders. They need to see that I’m capable, that I’m my father’s rightful successor.”

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