Page 44 of Bratva Baby

My fury spikes. “He’s not a safe man. You know that. Yet you defied me anyway.”

She rises from the bed, crossing her arms. “He’s my family, Grigor. No matter what history you have with him. You have no right to stop me from seeing him.”

My hands curl into fists at my sides. “I have every right when it comes to your safety. He’s proven he’ll hurt you if it suits him, and he’s up to his neck in shady dealings. You might be too blind to see it, but I’m not.”

“Blind?” she scoffs. “I’m not blind. I’m just not ready to abandon my sister. If my father needs something, maybe it’ll save her.”

The mention of Cecily tugs at some protective urge in me, but I refuse to let that soften my stance. “You didn’t even consider telling me. Instead, you snuck around like a guilty child.”

Her shoulders slump a fraction, though she keeps her voice firm. “Because I knew you wouldn’t allow it.”

“You’re damn right I wouldn’t.” My anger simmers, but the hurt overshadowing it is worse. I run a hand through my hair, pacing a short line. “From now on, the house is on maximum security. You’re not leaving without my permission or an armed escort. Am I clear?”

She bristles. “And if I do?”

I lock eyes with her. “I’ll kill whoever you’re meeting.”

Her breath catches. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’m entirely serious,” I growl. “No more secrets. No more going behind my back. If you do, I’ll assume whoever you’re meeting is an enemy, and I won’t show mercy.”

“Why are you so convinced they’re enemies? You barely trust me, let alone my father, and you—”

“I don’t trust your father an inch, especially after everything pointing to him as a potential traitor. And you—” I exhale, forcing my voice not to tremble. “You still protect him. That’s why I’m forced to do this.”

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “What if I can’t choose between you and my family?”

“Then I’ll choose for you,” I snap. “I won’t lose you to his manipulations.”

She shoves me away as anger breaks through her sorrow. “You’re so arrogant. It’s always your way or no way. Have youconsidered that he might be desperate, that Cecily’s life might be in danger?”

“Your father’s desperation usually leads him to sacrifice others for his gain, if I recall. If Cecily’s truly at risk, we can handle it together—without you sneaking around.”

She looks like she wants to argue, but the weight of my words seems to land. She remains silent, trembling with frustration. I rake my gaze over her, half expecting her to lash out again. Instead, her shoulders slump.

“Fine,” she mutters. “If that’s what you want, I’ll stay locked in this fortress of yours.”

“It’s not just what I want, it’s what needs to happen. I’m done giving you chances only to have you spit in my face.” My tone stays cold, but a pang of regret twists in my gut. I never wanted to speak to her like this, but she left me little choice.

“I never asked you to protect me in such an extreme way.”

“No, you didn’t,” I concede.

Before she can respond, my phone buzzes. An unfamiliar number glows on the screen, making me frown. I glance at her once more, then step away to answer.

“Barkov,” I say curtly.

A wheezing voice crackles through the line. “Boss, it’s Fyodor.”

I grit my teeth, recalling the insubordinate fool who challenged my authority. The last time I saw this idiot, I shot him in the leg. “What do you want?”

“I think I found something.”

“Speak.”

Fyodor’s ragged breath grates in my ear. “I’ve got a lead, Boss. The kind you’ll want to hear in person.”

“What kind of lead?” I glance toward Seraphina, who stands stiffly by the bed with her arms still crossed. She’s watching me, but she’s being careful not to show an ounce of emotion.

---