Page 22 of Veil of Shadows

I take a deep breath, weighing my words carefully. “I’m not here to threaten you. I’m here because I can’t let you get hurt. Not because of me.”

Her expression softens for just a moment, but then she shakes her head, determination returning. “You don’t get to decide that for me. I’m not afraid of you.”

“Then why do you feel that way?” I ask, stepping closer. “Why do you still look at me like I’m about to break you?”

She bites her lip, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Because you’re a part of a world I don’t belong to, Viktor! You’re dangerous.”

“Maybe,” I concede, “but you’re more than just a part of that world, Alyssa. You’re a threat to me, and I’m a threat to you.”

Her gaze sharpens. “What do you mean by that?”

I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “The more I’m around you, the more I realize what I stand to lose. You’re not just a case to me. You matter.”

For a moment, I think I see a flicker of understanding in her eyes, but it’s quickly replaced by anger. “You think this is some kind of game? You think you can just come in here and play with my emotions?”

I shake my head, frustration rising. “That’s not what I’m doing! I’m trying to protect you, even if it means confronting the things I’ve buried deep down.”

“By pushing me away?” she shoots back. “By acting like I’m just some problem to be solved?”

“No,” I snap, the words escaping before I can hold them back. “By trying to keep you safe from a world that doesn’t care about you.”

She takes a step back, her expression unreadable, and I can feel the distance growing between us again. “You don’t understand,” she says softly. “I’m not afraid of your world. I’m afraid of losing myself in it.”

The vulnerability in her voice cuts through me, and suddenly, the anger that had fueled our argument deflates. Ireach for her, wanting to bridge that gap, but she pulls away just as quickly.

“Viktor,” she whispers, eyes shining, “you’re a part of that world. How can I trust you?”

Before I can respond, the air between us shifts, and I feel the tension crackling like electricity. The fight fades, replaced by something far more potent. I want to pull her into my arms, to drown out the fear and the doubt that lingers between us, but I force myself to hold back.

“Because I’m here,” I say, my voice low and earnest. “I’m here because I want to protect you, even if it puts me at risk.”

The intensity of the moment hangs between us, thick with possibility. I step forward, closing the distance, and she doesn’t pull away this time. Instead, she meets me halfway, her breath hitching as I take her chin in my hand, tilting her face toward mine.

“I won’t let you go,” I whisper, brushing my thumb along her jawline, and she leans into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed.

“Viktor…” she murmurs, but the plea in her voice only fuels my desire. I close the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss ignites something fierce inside me, a tempest of longing and urgency that I’ve kept tightly leashed for far too long.

Alyssa responds with equal fervor, her hands finding their way to my hair, pulling me closer as if we’re trying to erase the world outside this moment. The kiss deepens, transforming from a spark into a wildfire. My hands grip her waist, lifting her slightly off the ground, drawing her body against mine.

As I set her back down, the kiss becomes a dance of tongues and breaths, exploring the depths of the feelings we’ve kept buried. I can feel the tension in her body ease, replaced by the heat of desire that envelops us both. It’s intoxicating, this connection that feels so raw, so real.

We break apart, breathless and dazed, but the moment of clarity only heightens the storm within me. I can see the conflict in her eyes, the way her vulnerability mixes with the strength I’ve always admired.

“Viktor,” she says, her voice shaky. “What are we doing?”

I take a step back, trying to regain my composure, but the heat of her body lingers on mine. “I don’t know,” I admit, my heart racing as I look into her eyes. “But I know I don’t want to let you go.”

The truth hangs heavy in the air between us. This connection, this undeniable pull, feels like a betrayal to the life I’ve built, yet I can’t help but lean into it. I’m drawn to her strength, her tenacity, and the fierce spirit that refuses to be broken.

Alyssa shakes her head, frustration returning. “You’re putting yourself in danger, Viktor. I can’t let you do that for me.”

“Do you really think I care about that?” I ask, my voice rising slightly. “You think I’m afraid of what the Bratva might do if they find out I’m involved with you? I’ve faced worse than that.”

Her gaze pierces through me, and I can see the fear beneath her bravado. “You don’t understand the stakes. This isn’t just about you and me. It’s about everything you’ve built. You can’t let me jeopardize that.”

“I’d rather risk it all than watch you walk away,” I reply fiercely, stepping closer again. “You’re worth fighting for, Alyssa.”

Her breath hitches, and for a brief moment, I can see the hesitation in her eyes—caught between fear and desire, duty and passion. I want to wipe away that fear, to show her that the feelings we share are stronger than any threat.

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