Page 27 of Accidental Bratva Daddy

Alina blinks, taken aback by my vehemence. "What are you talking about? What danger?"

I clench my jaw, choosing my words carefully as I glance around to make sure we're not being overheard. "Your uncle, Viktor. He's not who you think he is. He's been using your family as a shield for his own criminal activities for years."

"That's ridiculous," Alina scoffs, but I can see doubt flickering in her eyes. "Uncle Viktor would never?—"

"He would, and he has," I interrupt. "Why do you think he's here tonight, talking to known members of a rival organization? Wake up, Alina. Your sister needs you now more than ever."

Guilt flashes across Alina's face, quickly replaced by determination. She turns to Natalia, who's been watching our exchange with wide, anxious eyes. "Is this true? Are you in danger?"

Natalia hesitates, then nods slowly. "It's... complicated, Alina. But yes, I think I am. We all are."

Alina's expression softens, and for a moment, I see the sister Natalia's been missing these past months. "Oh, Natalia," she sighs. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to," Natalia says, her voice thick with emotion. "But I couldn't risk putting you in danger too. Can you forgive me?"

The sisters embrace, and I step back, giving them a moment of privacy. As I scan the room, I finally spot Governor Ivanov near the terrace doors. He looks nervous, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for someone.

"I hate to interrupt," I say, touching Natalia's elbow gently. "But I need to speak with the Governor. Will you be alright?"

Natalia nods, wiping away a stray tear. "Go. Alina and I have a lot to catch up on."

I press a kiss to her forehead, inhaling the sweet scent of her perfume. "Be careful," I whisper against her skin. "And stay away from your uncle."

As I make my way across the crowded ballroom, I can feel eyes on me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, my instincts screaming danger. I quicken my pace, reaching the Governor just as he's about to slip out onto the terrace.

"Pavel," I say, gripping his arm firmly. "We need to talk. Now."

The color drains from his face as he recognizes me. "Luka, I—I wasn't expecting you tonight."

I smile, all teeth and no warmth. "Clearly. Somewhere more private, perhaps?"

Pavel nods jerkily, leading me through a hidden door and up a narrow staircase. We emerge in what can only be the master bedroom, all dark wood and opulent fabrics. As soon as the door clicks shut behind us, I drop all pretense of civility.

In one fluid motion, I draw my gun and press the barrel against Pavel's chest. "Where's my money, Governor?"

Pavel's eyes go wide with fear, his hands raised in surrender. "Luka, please, you don't understand?—"

"Then enlighten me," I growl, pressing the gun harder against his sternum.

"It was Viktor," Pavel gasps out, sweat beading on his brow. "He warned me not to pay. Said if I did, he'd expose everything. He wants to lure you out, Luka. The rival organization, they're here tonight. They're going to?—"

The bedroom door crashes open, cutting off Pavel's panicked confession. I whirl around, gun raised, just as a mountain of a man barrels towards me. I recognize him instantly—Sergei Volkov, no relation, known enforcer for the rival mafia.

I fire once, twice, but Sergei is on me before I can get off a third shot. We crash to the floor in a tangle of limbs, my gun skittering away across the polished hardwood. I hear Pavel's strangled cry, the sound of his footsteps as he flees the room.

Sergei's meaty fist connects with my jaw, stars exploding behind my eyes. I taste blood, copper and salt flooding my mouth. But the pain only sharpens my focus. I've been in worse scraps than this.

I have to get out of this, get to Natalia and warn her before Viktor can hurt her… or worse.

13

Natalia

The plush carpet of the guest room muffles our footsteps as Alina and I settle onto the edge of the bed. The room is cozy, all warm tones and soft fabrics, but the tension between us makes it feel claustrophobic. Alina's eyes, so like my own, bore into me with a mixture of hurt and confusion that makes my chest ache.

For a moment, we sit in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between us. I can hear the muffled sounds of the party downstairs, the laughter and music a stark contrast to the somber mood in this room. I fidget with the hem of my dress, trying to find the right words to explain the unexplainable.

Alina breaks the silence first, her voice trembling slightly. "You got married without even inviting us? And the timing... after everything with Dad?"

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