Page 51 of The Bratva's Plus-Size Bride

“But until then, we aren’t making any guarantees about the latter,” Alina added, eyes piercing into mine.

It was only the slightest comfort to know they weren’t planning on killing me right away since it gave Ben time to save me, but it didn’t do anything to shake that deeply rooted fear in me.

Terrified as I looked up at them, I swallowed back the dread that crept up my throat.

I silently cursed myself for every taking on that assignment, framing the Ivanovs, and submitting that article, but I knew it was pointless. Regret and remorse would only get me so far.

I hated how that one decision felt like a looming specter in my life, and the way it jeopardized virtually everything I cared about. How I had no business being involved with anything mob-related, and yet I found myself sucked right into the middle of it.

But even when I should’ve been angry with Ben for dragging me into that mess, I just didn’t have it in me. I didn’t hate him.

Above all else, I just wanted to see him, and I could only hope I’d get the chance to be with him again.

Chapter 26 - Benedikt

Tension kept my muscles tight as I pulled up to the scene, unable to shake the unrelenting worry and rage that gripped me like a vice.

After managing to get a more precise location for the Ivanovs, our teams were poised nearby, not engaging yet but keeping an eye on them to make sure they didn’t leave.

Although, they didn’t seem all that bothered. In fact, the place was low-key. I half expected it to be an all-out war, but from what I could tell at a distance, it was just the twins as they stood near an overpass, keeping themselves hidden on the outskirts of the city.

Despite how a sense of urgency kept me in a constant state of unease, I couldn’t move at first as I turned the engine off and looked down at them from our position. The parking lot overlooked a small ravine beneath the highway, where the twins were waiting on the concrete stoop that led down to the water as if they had all the time in the world.

I wanted to rush down there with all of our men at once, but something didn’t feel right about that. Even if it might’ve been the quickest route, it seemed like the wrong one.

Ari glanced between me and the twins below. “What are you thinking?”

I considered his question for a moment as I gripped the steering wheel absently. “They aren’t surrounded by manpower like they should be…and they’re waiting for us.”

“You don’t think they mean to trap us with an ambush?”

Evaluating the scene, I tried to see it from every angle, and while his support was evident in his company, I could sense the knowing in his tone. Like it was another test of both my judgment and my resolve.

I nodded. “We can’t go in guns blazing—not this time. Keep everyone on standby, but we’ll go in just the two of us. I have the feeling they’re scrambling for something to cling to…and if they’re holding Gemma hostage, then they’ll likely want to make a bargain of some kind.”

Ari offered me a measured nod and hummed. “Good inference. I think you’re onto something.”

There was a steady pride in those words, even if he kept his tone more reserved given the situation. It was validating, but I didn’t have time to think about it too hard. I had spent enough time deliberating already.

“I’ve waited long enough now,” I said, popping the door open as I drew my pistol and made sure it was fully loaded. “I need to see Gemma with my own eyes.”

Ari pulled out his gun, checking it over quickly before he followed my lead and propped the passenger door open. But he hesitated before heading out as he met my gaze. “Remember, Benedikt. Don’t fold just because they have Gemma. Keep your head clear and bargain as you need to. Consider every aspect before you agree to anything.”

Taking in his words, I didn’t feel an ounce of doubt or indifference from his tone—only the reminder of his complete faith in my ability to navigate the difficult situation. It was a genuine piece of advice that I stored in my mind.

“I will. Because of this, any association they might hope to have with us will be axed to preserve our own business, but I’ll do whatever I can to get her back.”

There was no denying how precarious the situation was—I had to balance both aspects of my life to not only maintain the integrity of the family business but also to make sure that my wife was safe.

I understood that seeing Gemma might weaken my resolve and encourage me to make a brash decision just to get her back, but I had no intention of giving the Ivanovs that satisfaction.

Both pieces had their place in the forefront of my mind, and I felt centered enough to handle it.

I didn’t have much of a choice at that point. I had to be careful, and I needed to make sure I didn’t let the scales tip too far in one particular direction.

The outcome of the situation was resting on my shoulders, and I didn’t take that lightly.

Understanding, Ari nodded. “Then let’s give them hell. I’m behind you.”

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