Page 32 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "You're wasting your time," I manage to say, but my voice lacks its usual bite.

Vlad leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "Am I? Your pulse says otherwise,Dorogaya."

My traitorous heart hammers in my chest, and I silently curse its betrayal. I force myself to take a steady breath, desperately clinging to my rapidly crumbling composure. This is just a game, I remind myself fiercely. He's trying to prove a point, nothing more.

But as Vlad's hand comes to rest lightly on the small of my back, guiding me to face him, I find my carefully constructed walls beginning to crack. His touch is gentle, almost reverent.

"You're trembling," he observes softly, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

"I'm not," I lie, even as I feel a telltale quiver run through my body. I meet his gaze defiantly, determined not to let him see how much he's affecting me.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "Nice try," I say, my voice miraculously even despite the storm raging inside me. "But you'll have to do better than that to break through my ice, Vlad."

My heart races, but I manage to keep my expression neutral, arching an eyebrow at him in a silent challenge. A flicker of triumph courses through me as I realize I've passed his little test. I've resisted his seduction, proving that I'm not as easily swayed as he thought.

But as I wait for his acknowledgment, for some sign that he's impressed by my resilience, I'm met with nothing but stony silence. Vlad's face is a mask of neutrality, his dark eyes revealing nothing as they sweep over me.

The triumph I felt moments ago sours into irritation. "Well?" I demand, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

Vlad's expression doesn't change. "About what, exactly?" he asks, his tone maddeningly calm.

I feel my eyes narrow, offense rising in my chest. "About the fact that I just proved you wrong," I snap. "I passed your little test. I didn't give in."

He tilts his head slightly, regarding me with an unreadable look. "And you think that deserves praise?"

The casual dismissal in his voice ignites a fire in my veins. "Why aren't you impressed?" I hiss, taking a step closer to him. "I just showed you that I can handle myself."

Vlad's lips quirk in what might be amusement, but his eyes remain serious. "Is that what you think this was about, Sofia? You being able to avoid advances?”

His words hit me like a slap, and I feel my cheeks flush with heat. "What else would it be about?" I retort, my voice dripping with icy sarcasm. "Enlighten me, oh wise one."

Vlad takes a step closer, his body now mere inches from mine. The proximity sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine, but I refuse to back down.

"You're not ready," he says, his tone firm yet challenging. "What you just demonstrated was basic resistance. In our world, that's not enough."

I clench my fists at my sides, frustration building inside me like a pressure cooker. "And what would be enough?" I spit out, my green eyes locked on his dark ones.

He doesn't flinch. "The ability to turn the tables. To not just resist, but to manipulate the situation to your advantage."

As much as I hate to admit it, his words spark something in my mind. A plan begins to form, fueled by my determination to prove him wrong.

"Fine," I say, my voice steadying as I gather my resolve. "You want to see me turn the tables? Let's make this interesting."

Vlad raises an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. "I'm listening."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to propose. "The bar. Tonight. You and me. We'll see if I can seduce you. If I succeed, I win."

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel a shift in the air between us. The challenge hangs there, electric and dangerous.What the hell did I just do?

A slow smile spreads across Vlad's face, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. His dark eyes glimmer with something that sends a shiver down my spine—intrigue, challenge, maybe even approval.

"Well, well," he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate through my chest. "It seems the ice princess has some fire after all."

I watch as he shifts his stance, his broad shoulders relaxing slightly. He takes a step closer, and I force myself to stand my ground, even as my heart rate kicks up a notch.

"Very well, Sofia," he continues, his gaze never leaving mine. "I accept your challenge. Tonight, we'll see what you're truly capable of."

Chapter 13 - Vladimir

---