Page 40 of Dark Obsession

Alexei leans back, his usual smirk replaced with something darker. “Yeah, it’s going to get ugly. Worse than we imagined.”

I clench my fists, my chest tight with guilt. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this and for putting Elena at risk. This was my personal business, and now it’s bleeding into everything.”

Lev shakes his head, leaning forward. “Don’t think that way. If Molina’s crew is in Chicago, it’s not just about you. They’ve had their eyes on this city for a while. There would’ve been a war either way.”

Yuri nods in agreement. “That’s right. The cartel’s presence here was inevitable. All we can do now is prepare for it, and fight when the time comes.”

I look at them, my brothers in everything but blood, feeling the weight of what’s coming. “I’m ready. I’ll lay down my life for Elena, and for the Ivanov Bratva.”

Lev’s lips curve into a slight smile, his gaze steady. “We know, Grigori. But don’t forget—we’re family. We fight together, and we’ll prevail together.”

I nod, a grim sense of relief washing over me.

Chapter 17

Elena

Isit on the hospital bed, looking down at the bandages on my arms, trying to process everything Grigori just laid out.After talking to my brothers, he came in and gave me the CliffsNotes version.

His past, the revenge, the fire, the cartel… I’m now stuck in the middle of it all. I catch him staring at my bandages, guilt written all over his face.

"This isn’t your fault, Grigori."

His jaw tightens, and I know he’s not buying it. "How could it not be?" he snaps, his voice rough. "Those men are trying to kill you because of what I did. Because I went after Molina, and worst of all..." He trails off, fists clenched, voice dropping lower. "I lied to you."

He pushes up from the chair and walks to the window, staring out like he can find answers there. His back is tense, his whole body coiled up like a spring about to snap. He’s pissed—at himself, mostly.

I push myself off the bed, crossing my arms as I speak. "You didn’t lie. You protected me. There’s a difference."

Grigori’s there in a flash, his hand gently on my arm, stopping me from moving any further. "You need to rest.”

I sigh, a little amused. Even now, after everything, he’s still in full-on protector mode. It’s kind of sweet.

"Okay, fine," I say. "Then come over here and sit with me."

He hesitates for a second but then does as I ask, sitting down gingerly on the edge of the bed. I reach out, placing my hand on his shoulder, feeling how solid and strong he feels under my fingers. It’s comforting.

“I didn’t know you’ve been carrying this guilt for so long,” I say softly.

He doesn’t look at me, his gaze still fixed on some invisible point in the room. “I’ve forgotten what it was likenotto have it.”

That hits harder than I expected, and I scoot closer, leaning into him, resting my head on his shoulder. There’s something about being close to him, feeling the heat from his body, that calms the storm in my mind. Maybe he’s used to the weight of his past, but I’m not about to let him carry it alone anymore.

I turn to face him, my eyes locking onto his. Those gorgeous eyes, dark and intense, always seeing through me. I glance toward the door—it’s shut. No interruptions.

“I need you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper but full of heat. “I need your kiss, right now.”

He doesn’t say a word, just leans in and kisses me hard.

The moment his lips crash into mine, I feel the tension leave my body. His mouth moves with that intensity and raw energy that only Grigori has.

It makes my head spin.

The kiss deepens, and I can feel the fire building between us. My body responds instantly, heat pooling low in my belly. I grab his hand and slide it between my thighs, moaning the second his fingers press against me. His touch sends waves of pleasure through me, and I can’t help but arch into him.

I need more. I always need more from him.

As his fingers start working me over, I reach for him, my hand trailing down his chest until I find his hardness. I stroke him through his jeans, feeling him growing harder under my touch.

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