Page 57 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

I look up at him, really look at him for the first time—not as an enemy, not as a threat, but as someone who might actually care about me. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and I feel my walls crumbling.

"I… I think I'm starting to," I say softly, and a small tear comes to my mind.

Vlad's eyes light up at my words, then droop at the sight of my tears. He’s by my side within seconds, enveloping me in his strong arms as I nestle my face into his neck. His smell comforts me and his arms ground me.

“Don’t think I’ve forgiven you just yet,” I quip, just to lighten the mood, and he laughs, pulling back. I wipe away my tears, and he has a small smile on his lips.

"There's one more thing," he says mischievously. "I've bought this private plane. It's yours to use whenever you want, wherever you want to go. Here’s the paperwork."

He hands me the envelope.

Opening it, I find the documents for the private plane he mentioned, along with a set of keys.

My gaze flicks from the papers to him, a myriad of unspoken questions reflecting in my eyes.

"I don't understand," I whisper, looking up at him in shock. "Why would you do this?"

Vlad nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Because I care for you, Sofia, more than you know. I want you to have the freedom to go wherever your heart desires, with no restrictions. I want you to be free to choose your own path. I never want you to feel trapped or controlled.”

I'm taken aback by his gesture, by the thoughtfulness behind it. It's not something I expected from him, not after everything that has transpired between us. And yet, here he is, offering me not just protection but also a sense of liberation.

The realization hits me like a tidal wave. All this time, I've been so focused on seeing him as the enemy, on keeping mywalls up, that I've completely missed what was right in front of me. Vlad cares. He actually cares.

I feel the ice around my heart starting to melt, replaced by a warmth I haven't allowed myself to feel for a manever."Vlad, I…" I trail off, not quite sure how to express the conflicting emotions swirling inside me.

He doesn't push; he just stands there patiently, waiting for me to process everything. And in that moment, I see him not as the man working against me, but as a man who's laid his heart bare before me.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice barely audible as if afraid that speaking too loudly would shatter this fragile moment we're sharing.

I take a step closer to Vlad, my voice softening as I meet his gaze. "I… I appreciate everything you've done. For me, for my family, for my desire to dismantle the Crimson Crew." My heart leaps at the understanding that this could, in fact, be the fresh start Vlad so desires.I so desire."Maybe we can… move forward together?"

Vlad's eyes light up, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'd like that very much, Sofia."

The air between us shifts, charged with a new energy. I find myself drawn to him, my heart racing as I close the distance. "I've been so wrong about you," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

He reaches out, his hand hovering near my cheek, asking permission. I nod slightly, and his warm palm cups my face. "We both made assumptions," he murmurs. "But now we have a chance to start over."

I lean into his touch, surprised by how natural it feels. Our eyes lock, and I see our life flashing by in his eyes: a future, a real, solid future together. It's as if I'm truly seeing Vlad for the first time—as someone I owe my loyalty to.

"I never thought I'd say this," I breathe, a hint of my usual sass returning, "but I'm glad I was wrong about you, Vlad."

His thumb caresses my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. "And I'm grateful for the chance to prove myself to you, my love."

In this moment, with the walls between us crumbling, I realize that what we have is deeper than mere attraction. It's steeped in trust and security I never expected to find.

I take a step back, breaking the intensity of the moment with a playful smirk. "Well, Mr. Bratva, if we're going to do this…" I gesture between us, "I have one condition."

Vlad's eyebrow quirks up, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Oh? And what might that be, Crimson?"

I roll my eyes at the novel pet name but can't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "Our next date? I choose the location."

"Is that so?" Vlad's lips twitch with amusement.

"Mhmm," I nod, crossing my arms. "And it won't be anything like…" I wave my hand at our opulent surroundings, "all this. No private jets, no five-star restaurants. I'm thinking more along the lines of a greasy spoon diner or maybe a run-down arcade."

Vlad's rich laughter fills the room. "You drive a hard bargain, Sofia. But I accept."

"Good," I say, unable to keep the warmth from my voice. "Because I have a feeling you could use a little less caviar and a little more pizza in your life."

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