Page 36 of Till Death Saves Me

"What did you find out?" he asks, cutting straight to the chase.

I relay the information about the shipment and the deal in Queens, watching as Nikolai's expression hardens. But as I speak, I realize something's changed. My words are the same, cold and calculated as always, but the motivation behind them...

It's all for her now.

Every move, every strategy, every ounce of effort - it's all to keep Virginia safe. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. When the fuck did that happen?

"We need to hit them hard," Lev says, his voice pulling me back to the present. "Send a message."

I nod, but my mind's already racing ahead. "We need to beef up security too," I hear myself saying. "Not just for the shipments, but for our families."

Nikolai raises an eyebrow. "Worried about your new bride, Ivan?"

There's a hint of amusement in his tone that makes my jaw clench. I force myself to stay calm, to keep my face impassive. "The Red Serpents have shown they're willing to target our women. We can't take any chances if we're about to hit them."

Lev snorts, but I can tell he's thinking about Aleks. "Since when do you care about-"

I cut him off with a glare that could freeze hell itself. He shuts up, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. Fuck.

It's unsettling, this shift in priorities. I've always been loyal to the Bratva, always putting the family first. But now... now there's something - someone - that matters more.

Once the meeting is over, I decide it's time to head home. I grip the steering wheel tightly as I navigate through the city traffic, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The events of the past few days replay in my head on a loop - Virginia's smile, her laugh, the way she felt in my arms. Fuck, I can't shake her from my thoughts.

My phone rings, breaking through my reverie. It's Anya.

I answer, putting her on speaker. "What?" I grunt, eyes fixed on the road.

"Well, hello to you too, big brother," Anya's voice chirps. "Just left your place. Ginny seems to be doing really well."

I can hear the insinuation in her tone. "Spit it out, Anya."

She chuckles. "Looks like you took my advice. Ginny's happy. Like, really happy."

I grunt noncommittally, but internally, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. Virginia's happy. Because of me. Fuck, when did that start mattering so much?

Anya's voice softens. "How are you doing, Ivan?"

I hesitate, then decide to be honest. "She's... not so bad. Might make a good wife after all."

"Oh, Ivan," Anya says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. "It sounds like you actually like your wife. In fact, with the bookstores and art galleries, and how happy she was today... I'd say you might even be falling in love with her."

My heart rate spikes. "I don't have time for your ridiculous notions," I snap.

Anya just laughs. "You know I always call you on your shit." And before I can retort, she hangs up, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Fuck. She's right. My sister knows me too well. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut - I'm falling in love with Virginia.

Terror grips me. What the hell am I going to do? Love is a weakness in our world, a vulnerability that can be exploited. And yet... the thought of Virginia's smile, her warmth, her fierce spirit... it makes something inside me come alive.

This wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed to feel this way.

But I do. God help me, I do.

18

GINNY

Igrip the handle of my shopping bag tighter as Anya and I stroll down the bustling street. The sun beats down, but a chill runs through me. I can't shake the feeling of eyes on my back.

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