Page 34 of Veil of Shadows

I feel my jaw tighten at the mention of her name. “She’s not a threat,” I assert, trying to keep my voice steady. “She’s investigating a case. We’re not the only players in this game.”

Lev’s expression hardens. “But she is investigating us. You can’t be so naive, Viktor. We have a code, and if you let personal feelings cloud your judgment, it could cost us everything.”

A part of me knows he’s right. Alyssa’s curiosity, her relentless pursuit of the truth, puts her directly in the line of fire. But I can’t shake the feeling that protecting her is the only choice I have left.

“Everything is under control,” I insist, though my tone betrays me. Lev can see through my facade.

“Control?” He laughs bitterly, shaking his head. “You’re losing your grip. I’ve heard the whispers, Viktor. You’re more involved with her than you should be. And that’s dangerous.”

I take a step closer, lowering my voice. “If you’re implying that I would betray the Bratva for her, you’re mistaken. But I won’t stand by and watch her get hurt either.”

Lev’s eyes narrow, and the tension between us escalates. “You think this is a game? There are consequences to your decisions. If you keep pursuing this path, it’ll lead to severe repercussions for both you and her.”

“And what do you propose I do? Hand her over to the wolves?” I counter, anger flaring in my chest. “I won’t let that happen.”

“Your loyalty is to the Bratva,” Lev emphasizes, his voice dropping. “You know what happens to those who betray that loyalty.”

I can feel the cold grip of reality tightening around my chest. “I’m not betraying anyone. I’m making a choice.”

“A choice that could put you on the other side of the table,” he warns. “Don’t make me remind you of the stakes.”

I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m not afraid of the consequences. Alyssa deserves to know the truth, and I will protect her.”

Lev’s silence speaks volumes, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. He knows I’m serious, yet he’s also acutely aware of the potential fallout. “You think you’re the only one with a stake in this? The Bratva won’t take kindly to your distractions. You risk everything for a woman who could endanger us all.”

“I risk everything for her safety, Lev,” I assert, my voice firm. “I won’t abandon her, and I won’t let you manipulate me into doing so.”

Lev steps back, assessing me. “Then you need to prepare yourself. If you continue down this path, it won’t just be Alyssa who faces the consequences. You’ll be putting a target on your own back.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air, and I feel the implications settle heavily on my shoulders. But despite the fear clawing at my insides, my resolve hardens. I’ve made my decision.

“I’m willing to face whatever comes next,” I say, my tone resolute. “I will protect Alyssa, no matter what it costs me.”

Lev’s expression shifts, a mixture of concern and something resembling respect. “Just remember, Viktor. Every choice has its price.”

I watch him walk away, the silence of the warehouse swallowing him up. Alone now, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. The reality of my situation sinks in, and for the first time, I feel the weight of my attachment to Alyssa as a burden.

The flickering light overhead casts eerie shadows on the walls as I pace the length of the warehouse, my mind racing with the implications of my choice. Protecting Alyssa means severing ties with the Bratva, an act that would undoubtedly mark me as a target. But there’s a rare sense of peace in my decision, as if for the first time, I’m allowing myself a glimpse of freedom.

The memories flood back—her defiance, her strength, the way she challenges me without hesitation. I can’t help but think about the way her eyes spark with determination and the way her laughter echoes in my mind. Alyssa is different. She’s more than just a distraction; she’s a reminder of everything I’ve kept buried for so long.

But as I contemplate the sacrifices I’m about to make, a chill runs down my spine. If I step away from the Bratva, I could lose everything—my power, my connections, my life as I know it. And yet, the thought of losing Alyssa feels unbearable.

I know I’m walking a tightrope. The Bratva’s loyalty is unyielding, and they will not take kindly to what they perceive as betrayal. But the prospect of standing by and doing nothing while she’s in danger? That’s not an option.

As the shadows lengthen around me, I steel myself for what’s to come. I can’t let fear dictate my choices any longer. Alyssa is worth the risk, and I refuse to let anyone, even Lev, dictate my actions.

I pull out my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen as I contemplate calling her. What would I say? Would she understand the depths of my commitment? Or would she see it as another manipulation from the man she’s learned to distrust?

With a deep breath, I text her instead: We need to talk. Meet me at the usual spot.

As I hit send, I feel a surge of determination. I won’t let anyone dictate my choices anymore. I’m taking control of my life, my choices, and my connection with Alyssa.

The sun has dipped below the horizon by the time I arrive at our usual meeting place—a secluded area near the docks, away from prying eyes. The air is thick with the smell of salt and the distant sounds of the city echo in the background. I lean against my car, waiting for Alyssa, my heart pounding in anticipation.

When she finally arrives, the tension in the air shifts. There’s an uncertainty in her steps, a hesitation that tightens my chest. I’ve seen her determined before, but tonight feels different. She approaches cautiously, her eyes scanning the area, and I can see the remnants of fear lingering in her gaze.

“Viktor,” she says, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that hangs between us. “What’s going on?”

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