Page 47 of Captured By the Bratva

After a moment of silence, Kirill clears his throat and changes the topic. I feel him distancing himself, pulling away.

“Violet, there’s something else we need to discuss. We’re suspicious of your Uncle Joe. We believe he’s targeting you and was targeting your father, trying to take over the company.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I pull back slightly to look into his eyes, searching for any hint that he might be mistaken. But his expression is serious, and I know he wouldn’t say something like this without evidence. “Joe? My Uncle Joe?”

Kirill nods, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern. “We’ve been investigating, and all the signs point to him. We think he’s been making moves, trying to undermine you and your father’s legacy. He’s envious, and he sees an opportunity to take control.”

My heart breaks at the revelation. I knew Uncle Joe was always envious of my father’s success, but I never imagined he would stoop so low. The betrayal stings deeply, and I feel a wave of despair wash over me. Kirill was right—I really can’t trust anyone.

I look up at him, my eyes filled with tears. “Can I trust you?” The question hangs in the air, laden with all my fears and doubts.

Kirill’s expression softens in a way I’ve never seen before. He holds me close, his hand gently caressing my back. “Yes, Violet. You can trust me. I’m here to protect you, to stand by your side. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

His words are like a balm to my wounded heart. For the first time, I see the man beneath the tough exterior, the one who’s been shaped by pain and loss but who still has the capacity to care deeply. “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a sense of relief and comfort in his embrace.

He kisses my forehead, a tender gesture that makes me feel safe and cherished. “We’ll get through this, Malyshka. I promise you that.”

I nod, taking solace in his words and his presence. Despite the turmoil and the uncertainty, I feel a glimmer of hope. With Kirill by my side, I believe we can face whatever challenges come our way. The road ahead may be difficult, but together, we are strong.

“Kirill, I miss him so much,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I miss my father every day, and it makes me so angry that I’m in this situation. I’m grateful because I know you’ll keep your promise to keep me safe.”

He holds me tighter, his presence a steady anchor. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I bury my face in his chest, the warmth and strength of him comforting me. “It’s just… it’s so hard. Sometimes I feel so lost, like I’m just trying to keep my head above water.”

He strokes my hair, his touch gentle and soothing. “You’re stronger than you think, Malyshka.”

“That’s not what you said earlier.”

“Maybe I was wrong.” He chuckles. “You don’t have to do it alone,” he whispers. “We’ll face this together.”

Despite everything, I feel a sense of peace knowing that Kirill is by my side. The challenges we face are daunting, but with him, I know we can overcome them.

As the night wears on, exhaustion begins to take over. The wine has made me tipsy, and the emotional toll of the day leaves me feeling drained. “I’m so tired,” I murmur, my eyes growing heavy.

“Rest, Malyshka,” Kirill says softly. “I’ll be right here.”

I snuggle closer to him, my body relaxing in his embrace. The steady rhythm of his breathing lulls me into a state of tranquility, and I let myself drift off, feeling safe and protected.

Just before sleep takes me completely, I whisper, “I’m sorry for bringing it up, about your mother.”

He kisses the top of my head. “It’s okay, Violet. It’s part of who I am. You’re part of my life now.”

With those words, I fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, knowing that whatever comes next, we will face it together.

Chapter Twenty-Two - Kirill

As we cruise through the city streets, headed towards my family gathering, I steal a glance at Violet sitting beside me. She’s wearing a pretty dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. The way the fabric clings to her body, the elegance she exudes—it’s enough to make me hard just looking at her.

I shift in my seat, trying to focus on the road ahead. The gathering is important, a chance for her to meet my family, to understand more about where I come from. My mind keeps wandering back to her, to the way her dress rides up slightly when she crosses her legs, to the way she’s driving me absolutely insane without even trying.

Suddenly, her phone rings, breaking the silence. She glances at the screen, her face going pale. “Hello?” she answers, her voice tight with anxiety.

I watch as her jaw drops, her eyes widening in shock. “I’ll be there,” she says urgently, ending the call and turning to me. “Kirill, we need to change directions. Head to the hospital. Now.”

I don’t hesitate. Her concern is physical, her expression fearful, and whatever it is, it’s serious. I turn the car around, my mind racing with possibilities. “Who’s in trouble?” I ask, my voice low and controlled, but my mind already forming worst-case scenarios.

“Caleb got hurt,” she says, her voice breaking.

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