Page 12 of Till Death Saves Me

Anya laughs, but her expression softens. "He's not all bad. He's just seen some shit. He's very loyal to the Sokolovs, and that can change a person."

As we continue through the house, Anya shares more stories. Tales of family dinners, of Ivan teaching her to shoot, of the fierce protectiveness he's always shown her. With each anecdote, the image I had of the Bratva – and of Ivan – begins to shift.

"I never knew," I admit, sinking onto the couch in what Anya tells me is Ivan's favorite room. "Not really. I hadn't seen it firsthand like you. My dad always kept me separate from... all of this."

Anya sits beside me, her amber eyes serious. "That's understandable. He wanted to protect you." She sighs. "Sometimes I wish I hadn't been thrust into it all."

Tentatively, I ask, "Are you married?"

To my surprise, she throws her head back with a harsh laugh. When she finally meets my eyes, I can see that she genuinely thinks it was a funny question. "No." She shakes her head. "My papa tried to marry me off when I was 21, but the guy broke it off. Bratva men don't like their women so feisty."

She lifts her hand, showing me the empty finger. "And now that I'm 24, I'm practically becoming a spinster." She sighs. "Ivan takes care of me, though. I always told him he needed to find a wife I'd like because he was stuck with me."

My mouth quirked up. "I don't mind that one bit."

"Good." Anya's expression softens as she leans back on the couch. "Ever since our papa retired, I think everyone's given up hope I'll marry. It's not like I"ll do it voluntarily." She winces. "No offense."

"Don't worry about it." I shake my head, more focused on something else she said. "Your father's retired?" I ask, surprised. I'd always assumed Ivan's father was still deeply involved in the Bratva.

She nods. "Yeah, he used to be close with Nikolai and Lev's father, but now he's enjoying his golden years. Traveling the world, living it up."

I can't help but feel a pang of envy. "That sounds nice."

"It is," Anya agrees. "We don't see him often, but he's a good man. Always made sure we were taken care of."

There's a warmth in her voice that makes me ache for my own family. "That must be nice…" I sigh.

Her eyes narrow as she watches me. "What's wrong?"

Unease crawls through me. "What do you mean?"

"Your mood changed with that." She leans forward. "Is your papa not good to you?"

I shake my head. "No. He was very good. It's just…" Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, "I'm scared, Anya."

She reaches out, taking my hand in hers. "Of what?"

"The changes," I admit, the words tumbling out. "I was protected, sheltered. I knew what to expect. And your brother…" I swallowed hard. "He's not at all like what I'm used to."

Anya squeezes my hand. "It'll be okay. I promise you that he's not as mean as he seems. He wouldn't hurt you." Her words assuage the fear I didn't want to voice. He is Bratva after all. "And besides, you have me now!"

I nod, chewing on everything she said. With a small smile, she adds, "He might not show it, but he cares deeply."

I scoff. "Could've fooled me."

"Give him time," Anya advises. "He's not great with change either."

As we continue talking, I find myself opening up more and more. Anya listens without judgment, offering gentle advice and support. For the first time since this whole ordeal began, I feel like someone truly understands.

By the time Anya leaves, a small spark of hope has ignited in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, I can find a place for myself here. Anya's kindness has shown me that not everyone in Ivan's family is as cold as I feared.

Feeling lighter than I have in days, I decide to take advantage of one of the luxuries my new life offers. I change into a swimsuit and head out to the pool, humming softly to myself.

7

IVAN

Istand at the window, my eyes fixed on Virginia as she lounges by the pool. The sun glints off her dark skin, droplets of water glistening on her curves. That damn bikini leaves little to the imagination. My jaw clenches as I fight the surge of lust coursing through my veins.

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