Page 40 of Veil of Shadows

Alyssa nods, her gaze steady. “Then let’s face this together.”

The weight of our shared determination hangs between us, solidifying the bond we’ve forged in the midst of chaos. But even as I hold her close, I can’t shake the nagging fear that our connection will only make things more dangerous.

I know what I’m risking by bringing her here, but I also know that I would do anything to keep her safe. “Alyssa,” I say, my voice serious, “there’s something else you need to know.”

“What?” she asks, her expression shifting to one of concern.

“The Bratva is not the only threat,” I warn, the gravity of my words hanging heavy in the air. “There are others who want you gone, and they won’t hesitate to act if they think you’re getting too close.”

Alyssa’s eyes widen, the reality of my words settling in. “What do we do?”

“We stay alert, we stay together, and I promise to protect you,” I vow, squeezing her hand.

As I watch her process the weight of my confession, I feel a surge of determination. I will fight for her, no matter the cost. And as the tension simmers between us, I realize that I’m no longer just fighting for my past or my loyalty to the Bratva—I’m fighting for the future I want, the one that includes Alyssa.

“Let’s figure this out,” she says, her voice steady and resolute.

Chapter Nineteen – Alyssa

The storm rages outside the safe house, rain pounding against the windows like an insistent heartbeat. Each gust of wind rattles the glass, echoing the chaos swirling within me. I stand in the center of the dimly lit room, tension coiling tightly in my chest as I look over at Viktor, who is leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching the storm with an inscrutable expression.

“Viktor,” I say, my voice barely audible over the roar of the thunder. “We need to talk.”

He turns to face me, and for a moment, I see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. It’s a look I haven’t seen before, and it sends a surge of emotions through me. I take a step closer, needing to bridge the distance between us, both physical and emotional.

“I can’t keep pretending everything is fine when it’s not. You need to tell me what you’re planning with the Bratva.”

Viktor’s expression hardens slightly, and I feel the weight of his history pressing down on us. “You know I’m not tied to them the way I used to be,” he says, his voice steady but laced with an edge.

“But you still have ties, Viktor. You were raised in that world. Are you really willing to break away from all of it? Or is this just… temporary?”

He exhales sharply, frustration simmering just below the surface. “It’s not that simple, Alyssa. You think I want this life?You think I want to be constantly looking over my shoulder? Every day I survive, I’m reminded of the consequences of my choices.”

I step closer, my heart pounding as the storm continues to howl outside. “But what about us? If you’re still connected to the Bratva, how can I trust you? How can I trust that you won’t be pulled back in?”

His gaze softens, and for a moment, the tension between us eases. “You don’t understand the pull of that world. It’s not just a job; it’s survival. Loyalty is everything.”

“Loyalty?” I repeat, my voice rising slightly. “You want me to believe that your loyalty to the Bratva means more than what we have? That you wouldn’t choose me over them?”

Viktor takes a step forward, closing the distance between us. “You have no idea what you’re asking, Alyssa. I’ve sacrificed everything for that loyalty.”

“But what if you don’t have to anymore?” I challenge, feeling a mix of anger and desperation. “What if there’s a way out for you?”

He looks away, the conflict etched on his face. “I can’t just walk away. There are consequences. People will get hurt.”

“People are already getting hurt,” I reply, my voice trembling. “This isn’t just about you anymore. This is about me, too. I need to know where you stand.”

He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his movements. “You’re right. I’m torn, and I don’t know what the future holds. But I do know that I want to protect you, even if it means severing ties with the Bratva.”

The admission hits me like a bolt of lightning, both shocking and exhilarating. “You really mean that?” I ask, my voice softening.

He steps closer, his intensity palpable. “You’re worth it, Alyssa. You’ve shown me a glimpse of a life I never thought I could have.”

His words ignite a flicker of hope, but doubt still lingers. “And what if they come for us? What if you can’t protect me?”

Viktor’s expression hardens, determination replacing uncertainty. “Then I’ll fight. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

In that moment, something shifts inside me. I reach for him, but this time, I’m not the one who’s unsure—I’m the one in control. I pull him toward me with a force that surprises us both, my grip tight, unyielding. He stumbles slightly, taken aback, and I see the surprise in his eyes as he realizes I’m not about to let him take the lead.

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