Page 12 of Accidental Bratva Daddy

My mind races, memories flashing before my eyes. All those hushed conversations, the whispered rumors about my family's connections to the underworld. I'd always dismissed them, convinced they were nothing but malicious gossip. But now...

"My father," I say, my voice barely audible. "You said he had ties to your organization. What kind of ties?"

Luka hesitates, and I can see him weighing how much to reveal. "It was a mutually beneficial arrangement," he says finally. "Your father provided connections in the political world, and in exchange, I offered protection for your family."

"Protection from who?" I ask, though I think I already know the answer.

"I can't say more," Luka replies, his expression apologetic but firm. "That's as much as I can tell you for now."

Anger bubbles up inside me, hot and volatile. Anger at Luka for taking my father's life, even if it was unintentional. Anger at myfather for keeping such monumental secrets. Anger at myself for being so blind to the truth for so long.

"So what happens now?" I ask, hating how small and uncertain my voice sounds. "Are you going to kill me too?"

Luka's eyes widen, genuine shock flashing across his face. "No," he says vehemently. "Never. I told you, Natalia, you're under my protection now."

"For how long?" I challenge. "Until I outlive my usefulness? Until I become a liability?"

Something dark and possessive flashes in Luka's eyes. He takes a step closer, closing the distance between us once more. "You will never be a liability to me," he says, his voice low and intense. "Do you understand?"

I should be terrified. This man is dangerous, a killer, a criminal. But instead, I feel a thrill of heat race through me at his words, at the naked want in his gaze. It's wrong, so wrong, to feel this attraction to the man responsible for my father's death. But I can't deny the pull between us, the electric current that seems to crackle in the air whenever we're close.

An idea begins to form in my mind—desperate, possibly insane, but potentially our best chance at survival. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to do.

"Marry me," I blurt out.

Luka blinks, genuine surprise crossing his face. "What?"

"Marry me," I repeat, more firmly this time. "It's the perfect solution. You need a connection to the political world, right? Well, I'm an Orlov. I have those connections. And in exchange, you protect my family—my mother, my sister. You keep themsafe from Viktor and anyone else who might want to harm them."

Luka studies me, his brow furrowed in confusion and suspicion. "Why would you do this? After everything that's happened..."

I lift my chin, meeting his gaze steadily. "Because I love my family. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Even if that means tying myself to someone likeyou."

For a long moment, Luka is silent, his eyes never leaving mine. I can almost see the gears turning in his mind, weighing the pros and cons of my offer.

"It would make things simpler," he muses, almost to himself. "A marriage to an Orlov would solidify my position, give me legitimacy in certain circles."

"Exactly," I say, seizing on his train of thought. "It's a win-win situation. You get the political connections you need, and I get assurance that my family will be protected."

Luka takes a step closer, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "And what about us, Natalia? Are you prepared for what a marriage to me would entail?"

My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze. Images flash through my mind—Luka's hands on my body, his lips on my skin, the way he'd made me feel that night in the hotel. I push the thoughts away, focusing on the matter at hand.

"I'm prepared to do whatever is necessary," I say, proud of how steady my voice sounds.

A slow smile spreads across Luka's face, equal parts admiration and something darker, more predatory. "Very well," he says. "I accept your proposal."

Relief washes over me, quickly followed by a new wave of anxiety. What have I just agreed to? A lifetime bound to this dangerous, enigmatic man?

As if reading my thoughts, Luka reaches out, his hand cupping my cheek. The touch is surprisingly gentle, at odds with the hardness in his eyes. "I'll take care of you, Natalia," he murmurs. "You and your family will want for nothing."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Luka's thumb traces the curve of my cheekbone, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Despite everything, I find myself leaning into his touch, craving more.

"We'll need to move quickly," Luka says, his voice taking on a businesslike tone even as his hand remains on my face. "I'll have my lawyer draw up the necessary paperwork. We'll need to stage a courtship, of course. We can't have people getting suspicious."

The sudden shift makes my head spin. "Right," I say faintly. "Of course."

Luka's eyes soften slightly, a hint of concern creeping into his expression. "Are you alright? I know this is a lot to take in."

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