Page 17 of Innocent Bratva Hostage

“You’re actually hoping she’ll try to escape, aren’t you?” His grin returns, sharper this time.

“It could be entertaining,” I say, letting a faint smirk curl my lips.

Andrei chuckles, shaking his head like I’ve told some kind of joke. “You’re something else, Boss. Should I have someone stationed nearby, just in case she bolts?”

“No.” My tone leaves no room for argument. “If she tries something, I’ll handle it myself.”

He looks like he wants to argue, but then shrugs, a trace of amusement still lingering in his eyes. “Fair enough.” He signals to the guards standing outside the door. “Let’s get her moved, then.”

The guards step inside, lifting the girl carefully as they carry her out of the basement. She doesn’t stir, her head lolling against her shoulder, and I follow at a steady pace, my footsteps echoing through the dim corridor.

As we reach the main hall, Andrei glances at me again, his tone lighter now. “You know this is risky, right? She’s got fire. She could cause trouble.”

“I’m counting on it,” I reply, the words laced with dry amusement.

He laughs, shaking his head as he walks off to oversee the preparations.

Once they’re out of sight, I take a moment to linger in the quiet hall, my thoughts focused on the girl. There’s something about her—something that doesn’t fit into the usual pattern of pawns and players in my world.

I make my way to my study, the familiar scent of leather and whiskey greeting me as I step inside. Closing the doorbehind me, I cross to the desk and pick up the phone, dialing a number I know by heart.

“Vera,” I say when the call connects.

“Mr. Sharov,” she answers, her voice steady and efficient, as always.

“I need you to keep an eye on our guest,” I tell her, leaning back in my chair. “She’ll be moved to one of the upstairs bedrooms shortly.”

There’s a pause on the other end before she replies. “The girl from earlier?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “She’ll be scared when she wakes up. Befriend her. Be kind. Answer her questions if she asks.”

Vera doesn’t question me, though I can hear the faint hesitation in her voice. “Understood, sir.”

“Let her think you’re there to help,” I continue, my tone measured. “In a way, you are. If she plans something—anything—you tell me immediately.”

“I’ll watch her closely,” she promises.

I nod, though she can’t see it. “Don’t press too hard. Let her come to you.”

“Of course,” Vera says.

There’s a pause, the sound of her breath steady on the other end of the line before she speaks again. “Mr. Sharov… of course, I’ll do what you’ve asked, but I want to say something.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by her uncharacteristic boldness. “Go on.”

“I won’t have to fake kindness with her,” Vera says quietly. “She’s just a girl. Scared. Alone. I don’t know what she did to cross your path, but… I’ll help her because it’s the right thing to do.”

There’s no challenge in her tone, no defiance. Just honesty.

For a moment, I say nothing, my fingers tapping against the desk as I consider her words. Vera has always been dependable—loyal to the Sharovs, discreet, and skilled at reading situations. That insight of hers is why I trust her with tasks like this.

“That’s good,” I say finally, my voice calm. “Her fear might make her reckless. If she trusts you, it will be easier to keep her from doing something stupid.”

“I understand,” Vera replies. “Trust isn’t something you can command. It has to be earned.”

I let out a quiet chuckle. “You’re confident you can earn it?”

“I’m confident I can try,” she answers.

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