Page 59 of Captured By the Bratva

I turn back to Violet, who is still crouched behind the table, her face pale and her eyes wide with shock. I rush to her side, pulling her into my arms. “It’s okay,” I whisper, holding her close. “It’s almost over.”

She clings to me, her body shaking. “I was so scared, Kirill. I thought… I thought we were going to die.”

The sounds of gunfire still echo around us, and I keep a vigilant eye on our surroundings, ready to protect her from any lingering threats. Despite the chaos, I try to comfort her, my arms strong and steady around her.

Suddenly, a man emerges from the shadows, his gun aimed directly at us. The bullet hits the table with a loud thud, splinters flying. Without flinching, I raise my gun and fire. Blood splatters as he collapses, brain matter spraying across the floor.

Violet looks like she might throw up.

“It’s okay,” I repeat, my voice firm and reassuring. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Finally, the gunfire dies down, and the room falls into an eerie silence. The only sounds are the heavy breathing of those who fought and the occasional groan from the injured. I help Violet to her feet, steadying her as she stands on shaky legs.

She hugs me tightly, her face buried in my chest. I hold her close for a moment, feeling her warmth and the rapid beat of her heart. “You did great,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her hair.

Violet pulls back slightly, looking up at me with tears in her eyes. “If you say so. Thank you for saving me.”

I nod, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “It’s my duty. More than that, it’s what I want to do.”

She turns her head, and her eyes widen as she spots Joe across the room. He’s on his feet, looking dazed but unharmed. “Uncle Joe!” she cries, breaking away from me and running towards him.

Joe opens his arms, and Violet crashes into him, holding him tightly. They embrace, their relief palpable. I watch them, my heart heavy with the weight of what we’ve been through but also lightened by the sight of their reunion.

Joe looks over Violet’s shoulder at me, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Kirill. You saved us.”

I nod, my expression somber. “We still have a lot to sort out. For now, you’re safe.”

Violet pulls back slightly, looking up at Joe with tear-filled eyes. “We’ll get through this together, Uncle Joe. We’ll find a way to rebuild.”

Joe nods, his face etched with determination. “We will.”

As they hold each other, I stand guard, my eyes scanning the room for any remaining threats. But for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s a sense of peace, however fragile it may be. We survived, and together, we’ll face whatever comes next.

As Violet and Joe embrace, I scan the room, my gaze landing on Dimitri holding Caleb at gunpoint. Caleb’s smug grin is gone, replaced by a look of defeat and fury. I stride over, my eyes locked on Caleb, determination fueling my every step.

Dimitri looks up as I approach, his grip on Caleb unyielding. “Kirill, what do you want to do with him?”

I stop in front of Caleb, my gun still in my hand. “Would you like any last words, Caleb?” I ask, my voice cold and devoid of mercy.

Caleb’s eyes flash with anger, and before I can react, he slips from Dimitri’s grasp, lunging at me. The force of his tackle knocks the gun from my hand, sending it skidding across the floor. We crash to the floor, grappling for control.

Caleb’s hands are around my throat, squeezing hard. I struggle to breathe, the world narrowing to the fierce struggle between us. Summoning my strength, I slam my elbow into his side, loosening his grip just enough to shove him off.

We both scramble to our feet, circling each other like predators. Caleb’s face is twisted with rage, and he lunges again, but this time I’m ready. I sidestep his attack, reaching into my jacket and pulling out a knife. The blade glints in the dim light as I hold it steady, my eyes never leaving Caleb.

“Fuck you!”

I’m not sure which one of us says it. Maybe both.

He rushes at me, and I duck, driving the knife into his side. Caleb cries out, his hands flying to the wound as blood begins to seep through his fingers. He stumbles, his strength waning, and collapses to the floor, writhing in pain.

I stand over him, breathing heavily, the knife still clenched in my hand. “This is the end, Caleb,” I say, my voice cold and final.

Caleb looks up at me, his eyes wide with pain and fear. “You… you won’t get away with this….”

I crouch down, meeting his gaze. “I already have.”

I turn away from him, my heart pounding with adrenaline. I look over at Violet and Joe, their faces pale and eyes wide with horror. “Don’t look,” I say, my voice softer now. “It will be fast.”

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