Page 46 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"Are you alright?" he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I nod, not trusting my voice. The enormity of what just happened is sinking in.

"Talk to me, Sofia," Vlad says softly, a hint of worry in his tone.

I take a shaky breath. "I'm fine. It's just… a lot."

His arms tighten around me. "I know. Thank you for trusting me with this."

Something in his voice makes me look up. There's an unexpected softness in his eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" I venture, curiosity overcoming my usual reserve.

Vlad nods. "Anything."

"Have you… done this often?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

He's quiet for a moment. "Not as often as you might think," he finally says. "And never like this."

"What do you mean?"

Vlad sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I've had partners, yes. But it was always… just a one-night thing. I’ve never slept with a woman more than once.”

His words stir something deep within me, a conflicting mix of warmth and jealousy. I try to mask it, but Vlad sees right through me.

"What's wrong?" he asks, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

I bite my lip, hating how vulnerable I feel. "It's nothing."

"Sofia," he says, his voice low and insistent. "Talk to me."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I just… I can't help but wonder about those other women. Were they prettier? More experienced?"

Vlad's eyes soften. He pulls me even closer, gently kissing my forehead. “If I can be so bold as to say,” he admits, staring deep into my eyes, “this is the first time it's meant something."

His honesty catches me off guard. I search his face, looking for any sign of deception, but find only raw vulnerability.

"Why me?" I whisper.

"Because you're different, Sofia," he says, cupping my cheek. "You challenge me. You're not afraid to stand up to me. And somehow, that makes me want to be better."

“But—”

He silences me with a kiss, deep and possessive. When he pulls back, his gaze is intense. "I'm yours, Sofia. Completely. Do you understand?"

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "I understand."

And then, limbs entangled, we fall into deep sleep. That night, I don’t dream. It’s a safe sleep, a secure sleep, one where nothing can possibly go wrong.

***

The week that follows is… unexpected. Vlad and I fall into a rhythm I never thought possible. Mornings start with shared coffee and playful banter.

"You're burning the eggs again," I tease one day, leaning against the kitchen counter.

Vlad shoots me a mock glare. "I'd like to see you do better, princess."

I raise an eyebrow, accepting the challenge. Soon, we're laughing as I demonstrate my superior egg-flipping skills.

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