Page 64 of Paid for By the Bratva

"Two men patrolling the other door,” I whisper.

"Can’t risk it," he says, communicating with hand gestures with one of his men behind the trees. Apparently, the men have nothing. "Let's circle around to the side. There might be another way in."

As we move silently along the perimeter of the building, my thoughts race with possible outcomes. What if we fail? The thought of losing Lara's brothers, of failing her, is unbearable. But I can't let fear control me now. For their sake—and hers—I must remain focused.

"Look," Fedor murmurs, pointing at an open window on the second floor. "That's our way in."

"Perfect," I say, grateful for the opportunity that fate has provided. "I'll climb up first and make sure it's safe."

Scaling the side of the warehouse, I manage to hoist myself up into the open window, my muscles straining with the effort. Once inside, I signal to Fedor to follow. He does so with ease, his agility impressing me as always.

"Let's find them quickly," he urges, his voice low but urgent.

He’s right. We should do this before anyone discovers us here.

Creeping through the dimly lit hallways, we keep our senses sharp, ready to react at any moment. It isn't long beforewe hear muffled voices coming from a closed door. I press my ear against it, straining to make out the conversation.

"Sounds like them," Fedor whispers to me.

"Good," I say. "Let's make our move."

With our plan of attack clear, we burst into the room, catching the rivals off guard. The element of surprise is on our side, and we waste no time in taking advantage of it. Our fists fly with precision and skill, and Lara’s brothers join in the fight, overpowering the opposition before they have a chance to react.

"Run!" I shout to Lara's brothers as we fend off the last of the attackers. "Get out of here!"

“Not without you,” Nikolai insists, joining us. We've done it—we've saved them. And they’re standing by us now, safe and sound.

But there's no time to celebrate; we must ensure all of us make it out alive.

"Let's go!" I yell to Fedor and Nikolai, who have just delivered brutal knockout punches to one of the remaining thugs.

"Right behind you," Nikolai grunts, his breathing heavy but determined.

***

The cold night air nips at my skin as we exit the warehouse, but a warmth blooms within me. Lara's brothers, still visibly shaken, keep their distance from Fedor and me. We exchange tense glances, but I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

"Thanks," Vladimir finally mutters, his voice gruff and hesitant. "For helping us out."

"Of course," I reply, trying to suppress my surprise at his gratitude. "We're all family now, aren't we?"

Mark nods, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Yeah, I guess we are."

Denis, on the other hand, rushes forward and envelopes me in a bear hug. “We were really stuck without you,” he says with humble honesty.

“Denis is right,” Nikolai says, shaking my hand, then Fedor’s. “We needed you guys tonight, no matter how much we wish otherwise.”

Vladimir smiles wryly. A glimmer of acceptance flickers in their eyes, and it feels like an unspoken truce has been reached.

“Come now,” I say, opening the doors to a spare SUV we brought for them. “Time to get you gentlemen home.”

We watch our driver leave with them before Fedor and I head our separate ways.

***

Later that night, when I return home, I find Lara waiting for me in the living room. Her eyes widen with concern as she takes in my disheveled appearance.

"Dima, what happened?" she asks, her voice trembling.

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