Page 27 of Veil of Shadows

“Then what do you propose?” I ask, my heart racing.

He steps even closer, and the heat between us is palpable. “I want to protect you, Alyssa.”

“Protect me? From what? You’re the biggest threat I’ve encountered!”

“I know what I am,” he replies, his voice low and rough. “But I’m willing to change that for you. I want to keep you safe.”

There’s a moment of silence, and I can feel the tension building again, the attraction simmering beneath the surface. “You don’t even know me,” I whisper, my heart pounding.

“I know enough,” he replies, taking another step closer. “You’re fierce, determined, and I can’t help but admire that.”

His words send a jolt of electricity through me, and I find myself leaning closer, my breath hitching in my throat. “Viktor…”

Before I can finish my thought, he closes the distance, his lips crashing against mine in a fierce, desperate kiss. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, a collision of need and urgency that leaves me breathless. My body responds instinctively, melting against him as I wrap my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

The world around us fades away, and it’s just us, locked in this moment of passion and conflict. I can feel the intensity ofhis desire, the hunger that drives him, and it ignites something primal within me.

But as quickly as it starts, the kiss pulls me into an abyss of uncertainty. I break away, gasping for breath, confusion clouding my mind. “What are we doing?” I ask, my voice trembling.

“I don’t know,” he admits, his eyes dark and intense. “But I can’t walk away from you.”

“I don’t want to be your distraction,” I say, my heart racing. “I can’t be.”

“I’m not asking you to be,” he replies, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. “But there’s something about you that I can’t ignore. And it terrifies me.”

My heart swells at his words, but I can’t let myself be swept away again. “We can’t ignore the consequences,” I remind him, my voice steady. “This isn’t just about us.”

He nods, his expression hardening. “I know, but I won’t let anyone harm you, Alyssa. Not while I’m around.”

The determination in his eyes stirs something within me. “Then what do we do now?” I ask softly, my heart racing.

Viktor takes a step back, the distance between us growing as he exhales deeply, his face tense with conflict. “We need to figure this out,” he says, his voice low. “I’ll protect you, but you need to be careful.”

“Careful?” I repeat, frustration boiling within me. “You’re the one who keeps complicating things!”

“I’m trying to keep you safe,” he snaps, and we’re back to that familiar tension, the argument flaring again.

“I don’t need your protection, Viktor! I can handle myself!” I shout, anger and fear clashing within me.

He steps closer again, his eyes fierce. “You don’t understand the forces at play here. I can’t just sit back and watch you walk into danger.”

My heart races as the weight of his words sinks in. “You think I’m just going to stop because you tell me to?” I challenge. “You think I’m going to back down?”

Viktor’s expression softens, and I can see the conflict churning within him. “No, but I can’t allow you to pursue this alone. I won’t lose you.”

“Then what are we supposed to do?” I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.

His gaze hardens, resolve returning. “We continue, but together. You need to trust me.”

I feel a rush of emotions at his words, torn between fear and an undeniable pull toward him. “I don’t know if I can trust you,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You don’t have to trust me completely. Just let me help you.”

We stand in silence, the air between us thick with unresolved tension. I can feel the weight of my choices pressing down on me. “Fine,” I say finally, my heart racing. “But I won’t back down from my investigation.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he replies, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes. “But we’ll do this together.”

The resolve in his voice ignites a spark of hope within me. “Okay,” I agree, my heart pounding in my chest. “Together.”

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