Page 22 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

“I was at a bar a few months ago. It was quiet. I overheard some guys talking about bringing down the Orlovs, and when people talk like that, there’s only one family they can mean.”

“Yours.” He nods decidedly.

“Mine,” I whisper. “I pretended to be someone else, cozied up to them. Over the past few months, I figured they want to bring down my brothers. They steal shipments, and they blow up warehouses. Sometimes, I convince them otherwise. Sometimes, they keep me in the dark. But it’s only when I seem interested, play around, party a little, that they open up to me.”

Vlad listens intently, his gaze never leaving my face. I can see the storm of emotions swirling in his eyes—concern, anger, disbelief. But there's something else there, too—a glimmer of respect shining through the tumult.

“So you’re saying you infiltrated the Crimson Crew all on your own?” Vlad’s voice is laced with both admiration and dismay.

“Something like that,” I shrug. “And that’s why the man tonight couldn’t see me with you. He might recognize you. To him, I’m just Kira.”

“Bloody hell.” Vladimir’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. “And you never went to your brothers with this information?”

“I couldn’t,” she shrugs. “They’d wage war. And wars in our world can kill. I just thought I’d make this problem go away in a level-headed manner.”

Vladimir contemplates my strategy. “And what exactly do you hope to achieve with this… mission of yours?"

I meet his gaze head-on. "Leverage, Vlad. The kind that ensures our families' safety and prosperity for generations to come."

He runs a hand through his hair, conflict evident in his eyes. "Christ, Sofia. You're playing a dangerous game here. If they find out—"

"They won't," I interject, my voice firm. "I know what I'm doing. Besides, this isn’t just about me,” I hold Vlad’s gaze, chin tilted up defiantly. It's about securing a future where our families don't have to constantly watch their backs."

Vlad's jaw clenches, his eyes searching mine. "And you think you can pull this off alone? Sofia, do you have any idea how dangerous this whole thing is?"

"I'm not naive, Vlad," I snap, my voice icy. "I've grown up in this world, same as you. I know the risks."

He stands abruptly, pacing the length of the room. I watch him, noting the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands clench and unclench at his sides. My heart races. I've laid all my cards on the table, and now everything hinges on his reaction.

"It's insane," he mutters, running a hand through his hair. "Absolutely fucking insane."

I remain silent, letting him process. After what feels like an eternity, he turns back to me, his expression a mix of frustration and grudging admiration.

"You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish," he says, shaking his head. "Maybe both."

I can't help the small smirk that tugs at my lips. "I prefer to think of it as strategic."

Vlad's eyes narrow, and he takes a step toward me. "Strategic or not, it's too dangerous. I can't let you do this." His voice drops, low and menacing. "I'll tell your brothers if I have to, Sofia. They need to know what you're risking."

My heart lurches, but I keep my face impassive. I've anticipated this, prepared for it. I meet his gaze unflinchingly, my voice steady as I counter, "And what do you think that will accomplish, Vlad? Besides them thinking you’re not capable of handling your wife’s affairs? That you don’t wish to take care of me?"

I stand now, walking up to him, closing the distance between us. "Think about it. If you tell them, they'll try to stop me. They'll interfere, and that will only draw more attention to our families. If they get in trouble, so could the Zolotovs, given our alliance. More risk, more danger. And don’t forget, they’ll wonder what the hell you were doing all this time to let me get into this situation. They’ll stop trusting you and our marriage.”

I pause, letting my words sink in. Then, with a calmness that surprises even me, I propose, "I have a better solution. A deal, if you will." I tilt my head, a hint of challenge in my eyes. "You keep my secret, and I ensure the safety of both our families. No one else needs to know; no one else needs to be put at risk.I’ll come to you if there’s any sign of serious trouble, and in exchange…" I add, “I’ll give you anything you want.”

“Anything?” he asks incredulously.

“Anything,” I say firmly. “I’ll owe you.”

Vlad's eyebrows shoot up, disbelief etched across his features. "You can't be serious."

"I'm deadly serious," I reply, my resolve unwavering. "This way, we control the situation and protect everyone we care about."

Vlad pauses, his dark eyes searching mine. I can almost see the gears turning in his head, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. The silence stretches between us, taut as a wire.

“I don’t know, Sof,” he says, at last, looking at me with haunted eyes. “I simply don’t know.”

And then, to my horror, he sighs and walks out without saying another word, rendering what I thought was my compelling argument to the graveyard.

---