Page 69 of Paid for By the Bratva

"There are many ways I can show you a good time, Sweetheart." Marv's hand creeps toward Lara's thigh, and it takes all my self-control not to burst in there and break every bone in his body.

But Lara deftly evades his grasp, waggling a finger at him in mock scolding. "Ah ah, not so fast. I don’t even know your full name!"

Marv waves a dismissive hand, clearly too far gone to recognize the warning signs. "Forget about names, Baby. I'll give you a night you'll never forget."

"My, my," Sofia murmurs. "Someone's feeling confident."

"With you two, who wouldn't be?" Marv leans back in his seat, eyeing them with the smug satisfaction of a man who thinks he's already won. “In fact, I’m confident I can show you a great time tonight—if you're interested, that is."

"Really?" Sofia feigns surprise, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's just say there's a little party happening as we speak—invite only." His gaze flickers between Sofia and Lara as he leans back in his seat, looking smug.

"Sounds intriguing," Lara chimes in for the first time, her voice sultry and seductive. "We love a good party, don't we, Betty?"

"Absolutely, Tara." Sofia nods before turning to Marv with a playful smirk.

I can hear Marv's eagerness through the listening device as he starts to divulge details about the exclusive gathering at a hotel nearby. He doesn't realize he's giving us exactly what we need. My pulse races, not only because of the valuable intel but also due to my anxiety for Sofia and Lara's safety.

My tension rises as Marv's hands wander, grasping at Sofia and Lara's arms and shoulders. He's growing bolder and more aggressive, fueled by drink and the prospect of an easy conquest.

Any second now, he could cross a line, and I'll have no choice but to intervene. But the girls need more time, need to get him alone so we can take him on without causing a scene and risking the loss of what we hope to gain.

“Come now,” he says, throwing cash at the table and giving both girls a hand up. I watch as he places lecherous arms around their waists. I notice Lara stiffen, and Sofia clench her fists, and jump from my seat, when Fedor pulls me down.

“This is what we need, Dima. The girls need him alone to get any dirt on him. Come on now, don’t throw the last leg of the game.”

I sit, against my instincts, knowing my brother is right.

"Let's go then, ladies. The night's still young,” Marv says, walking them out of the bar. "I think we're going to have a lot of fun together tonight."

***

As they disappear into a cab, I exhale a shaky breath, my fingers tapping an erratic rhythm against my knee. I know Sofia and Lara are together and safe with us watching over them, but I still hate the idea of letting them go with Marv. The fear of them getting hurt looms over me like a dark cloud.

All I can do is focus on the mission and trust them.

Fedor puts the van into gear, and we follow the live location we kept on both the girls’ phones.

Through the listening device, I can hear the low hum of conversation, music, and laughter. But, on the streets, the signal comes and goes, and I strain to make out their words, hoping for any indication that they're safe and successful in their deception.

"Marv, stop!" Sofia suddenly exclaims, her tone playful yet stern. "You promised us a party first, remember? Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Right, right," Marv chuckles, sounding slightly chastened. "Let's just enjoy each other's company for now."

I let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Sofia’s quick thinking and ability to defuse the situation. Yet, my hands shake. I don’t even want to imagine what he must have suggested.

The cab stops at the hotel, and we stop a few meters away, watching them walk in. When I see the last of Lara, I feel a strange ache in my chest.

“Fedor,” I say, gripping my hands. “I think we should go in.”

“Shh,” he whispers, ignoring me. “I’m trying to hear in.”

He’s right. We should focus. Now is not the time to be possessive.

“So, what room are we in again?” Lara asks slyly.

“Top floor, Baby Girl. Top floor. Room 316.” His lecherous voice comes through. I keep my attention on the listening device. At least I have a room number. That’s a relief, and something tells me Lara asked the question for my sake alone.

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