Page 32 of Veil of Shadows

Chapter Fifteen – Alyssa

The files spread across my desk like a battlefield, the scattered papers reflecting my tumultuous thoughts. Each case detail, each photograph, tells a story—some dark, some twisted—but all scream for justice. Yet, here I sit, feeling claustrophobic in my own apartment, a place that used to feel like a sanctuary. Now, it feels stifling, the air thick with a sense of dread that weighs heavily on my chest.

I lean back in my chair, rubbing my temples, trying to ease the tension that has built up since my last encounter with Viktor. His presence haunts me, not just because he’s a part of the Bratva but because of the inexplicable connection that flickers between us—a dangerous spark that could ignite at any moment.

The ticking of the clock on the wall amplifies my anxiety. I know I’m in over my head, that I should probably abandon this investigation before I plunge deeper into the dark underbelly of the city. The warnings echo in my mind: “Stay away from Viktor Volkov.” But the truth is, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m on the verge of a breakthrough, and abandoning this now feels like surrendering to fear.

With a deep breath, I push the papers aside and focus on the next file, but my thoughts drift back to Viktor—his intense gaze, the way he makes me feel both terrified and alive. The conflicting emotions are exhausting. I need to confront him, to demand answers about why he’s so invested in my investigation. But a part of me worries about what I might discover.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door makes me jump. My heart races as I glance at the clock. It’s late—too late for casual visits. The pit in my stomach tightens as I approach the door, my instincts on high alert.

“Who is it?” I call out, trying to keep my voice steady.

“It’s me.”

I exhale, recognizing Viktor’s deep voice. The tension in my body eases slightly, but I’m still wary. I open the door to find him standing there, looking imposing yet undeniably magnetic. His dark hair is slightly disheveled, and there’s a seriousness in his expression that sends a shiver down my spine.

“Can I come in?” he asks, his tone soft but firm.

I step aside, allowing him to enter. The moment he crosses the threshold, the atmosphere shifts, filling the room with an electric tension. “You shouldn’t be here,” I say, closing the door behind him.

“Why not? We need to talk,” he replies, turning to face me.

I cross my arms, trying to maintain some semblance of control. “About what? The fact that you’ve been following me? Or maybe about how you’re part of a criminal organization?”

Viktor’s jaw tightens, his eyes darkening. “You’re in danger, Alyssa. More than you realize.”

My pulse quickens, not just from fear but from the way he looks at me—intense and possessive. “What do you mean?” I demand, forcing myself to stand tall despite the rising anxiety.

“I’m not here to manipulate you. I want to protect you,” he insists, stepping closer. The warmth of his body radiates toward me, pulling me in.

“Protect me from what?” I challenge, heart racing. “Your own people?”

He pauses, and I see the conflict in his eyes. “There are those in the Bratva who don’t want you digging into things you don’t understand.”

The weight of his words sinks in, and I swallow hard. “And what’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying they’ll hurt me?”

Viktor’s expression darkens. “If they find out how close you are to uncovering the truth… yes.”

My breath hitches, and I feel a surge of frustration. “You’re just going to let them hurt me?”

“No!” He steps closer, closing the distance between us, his voice dropping to a fierce whisper. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I meet his gaze, feeling the heat between us igniting. “Why should I trust you? You’re part of that world, Viktor. How can I know you’re not just using me?”

He hesitates, and for a moment, I can see the vulnerability in his eyes. “Because I care about you, Alyssa. More than I should.”

The confession hangs in the air, weighted with a truth neither of us is prepared to confront. I feel my heart race at his words, at the way he looks at me with a mixture of longing and restraint. “Then why not just tell me everything?” I press, my voice softer now.

“Because the truth is complicated. It puts you at risk.”

Before I can respond, he reaches for me, his hand brushing against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. My heart pounds in my chest, and I feel a mix of fear and excitement wash over me.

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin.

“I’m already in danger,” I whisper, leaning into his touch. “You can’t just come here and expect me to—”

But my words fade as he closes the gap, his lips crashing against mine. The kiss is urgent, filled with a wild desperation that leaves me breathless. It’s everything I’ve been fighting against, yet I can’t pull away. My body responds instinctively, craving the connection, the heat of him pressed against me.

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