Page 37 of Veil of Shadows

“Alyssa,” he says, closing the door behind him. “We need to talk.”

I cross my arms defensively, trying to maintain a semblance of control. “What is it? More warnings about the Bratva? More manipulation?”

He takes a step closer, and I can see the tension in his posture. “It’s not like that. You’re in danger, and I need you to understand why.”

“Why? Because you want to protect me, or because you want to control me?” I shoot back, my anger flaring.

“Both,” he admits, the honesty of his confession catching me off guard. “But mostly because I care about you, Alyssa. You have no idea what you’re getting into.”

“What I’m getting into?” I scoff, feeling my heart hammering in my chest. “I’m the one who’s been uncovering the truth, while you’re the one hiding behind the Bratva’s shadow.”

He flinches at my words, and for a brief moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. “It’s not that simple. I’m trying to protect you from forces you can’t even begin to comprehend.”

“Then why not just tell me?” I demand, my frustration spilling over. “If you care about me, why keep me in the dark?”

Viktor’s expression hardens, and I can see the internal battle he’s waging. “Because knowing could put you in even more danger. I can’t afford to lose you.”

“Losing me?” I echo, incredulous. “You’re the one who put me in this position in the first place.”

He steps closer, invading my personal space, and I can feel the heat radiating off him. “I never wanted this for you. But I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means putting myself at risk.”

“Why?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you willing to jeopardize everything?”

“Because,” he says, his voice dropping to a husky murmur, “you mean more to me than I ever intended.”

The words hang in the air between us, heavy and charged with unspoken emotions. My heart races as I search his gaze, desperately trying to read his intentions. “Viktor—”

Before I can finish, he closes the distance between us, his hands cupping my face as he leans in. Our lips crash together, igniting a fire that has been simmering between us since the moment we met. The kiss is fierce and desperate, filled with all the pent-up longing we’ve both tried to suppress.

I melt against him, wrapping my arms around his neck as I give in to the intensity of the moment. There’s a sense of urgency in his touch, a need that matches my own. The world around us fades away as we lose ourselves in each other, the weight of our circumstances momentarily forgotten.

But just as quickly, the kiss deepens, becoming more frantic and hungry, and I feel the reality of our situation crashing down around us. This is dangerous, and we both know it. I pull away, breathless and dazed, searching his eyes for answers.

“What are we doing?” I ask, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

“We’re acknowledging what’s between us,” he replies, his brow furrowing in concern. “But we can’t let it distract us from the reality of your situation.”

“Right,” I nod, swallowing hard as the gravity of our connection settles heavily on my chest. “I need to focus on the investigation.”

“Then let me help you,” he urges, his hands gripping my shoulders. “We can work together to expose them. But you need to promise me that you’ll stay safe.”

I nod, but a wave of anxiety washes over me as I consider what that might entail. “What if they find out? What if they come after you?”

“They won’t,” he says, his voice steady. “I won’t let them.”

“But Viktor,” I plead, “you’re part of that world. How can I trust that you can protect me from it?”

“Because I’m choosing you,” he says, his gaze unwavering. “I’m willing to fight against the Bratva if it means keeping you safe.”

The sincerity in his words sends a rush of warmth through me, but doubt lingers in the back of my mind. “What if that fight puts you in danger?”

“Then I’ll accept the consequences,” he replies, the intensity of his resolve sending a shiver down my spine.

I take a step back, my heart racing as I process his declaration. “And what about us? Can we really navigate this connection when we’re on opposite sides?”

He steps closer again, his presence wrapping around me like a shield. “I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out. Together.”

I feel a flicker of hope igniting in my chest, a spark that feels both exhilarating and terrifying. “Together,” I repeat, testing the word on my tongue. “I want to believe that.”

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