Page 72 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"We need thermal imaging equipment," I call out. "And make sure everyone's armed. Volkov's not getting away this time."

A young tech approaches, tablet in hand. "Sir, we've mapped out potential routes based on the footage we got from the street cameras. Given traffic patterns and—"

"Good," I cut him off, scanning the data. "Cross-reference this with known Volkov and Crimson Crew properties. He'll want somewhere familiar, defendable."

As I turn, I think back to a moment earlier today—this morning when she put on a sequined jacket for a run. It was the mostridiculousjacket. How I’d laughed. Now, my throat tightens at the memory of her sarcastic quip this morning: "Worried I'll outshine you, old man?" Her voice echoes in my mind. God, what I wouldn't give to hear that snarky little tone right now.

"Brother?" Mark's voice pulls me back. "We're ready to move."

I nod sharply, pushing down the fear threatening to overwhelm me. "Let's go."

Stepping out of the tent, the cool night air hits my face. Our team falls in behind me, a dozen of our most trusted men, armed and ready. The weight of my pistol at my hip is reassuring.

Chapter 26 - Sofia

A dull throb pulses through my temples as I blink awake, consciousness seeping in like a slow dawn. The room swims into focus—stark concrete walls, a single bulb swinging overhead. Panic claws at my throat as I try to move, only to find my wrists bound tightly behind me.

"What the—" I mutter, my normally composed voice cracking.

That's when I hear it—Alexei's low rumble from somewhere behind me. My blood runs cold as memories come flooding back. The ambush. The struggle. Blackness.

"Yes, everything's on schedule," Alexei says smugly. "I've got the Orlov bitch trussed up nice and tight. She'll be ready for delivery within the hour."

Delivery? My mind races, piecing together the implications. The Crimson Crew. Of course. Those ruthless bastards want their revenge.

And what better revenge than to get ahold of the infiltrator?

Suddenly, cold, seeping fear washes over me. For a brief second, I freeze, thinking of Vlad. I’m in here, with no idea of what’s happening out there. If they’ve found me, what if they…

No. The thought of Vlad being in danger scares the hell out of me. Besides, chances are, he’s surrounded by his men. He’s safe—or so I pray.

At the same time, a small voice in my head begins to worry in self-preservation. No one knows where I am. No one will be able to find me.

In this moment, I realize I’m truly alone for the first time. My brothers, Vlad—I can depend on no rescue, for it might be hours before they trace me. And by then, Alexei could have me moved.

I can't afford to wait. The Adrenaline overcomes the panic. My stomach twists with dread, but I force myself to stay calm and think. As Alexei paces, still chattering away, I test my bindings. There has to be a way out of this. There always is.

My eyes dart around the dimly lit room, searching for anything I can use. There—a jagged edge on the rickety wooden table behind me. I inch my chair backward, careful not to make a sound. Alexei's still engrossed in his call, his back to me. Perfect.

I grit my teeth as I drag my bound wrists across the splintered wood, feeling the rope fray. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure Alexei will hear it, but I can't stop now. Not when freedom is so close.

Almost there,I think, willing my hands to steady as I work the last stubborn threads. Finally, with a muffled snap, the rope gives way. I have to stifle a gasp of relief.

Keeping my hands behind my back, I survey the room again. The door's only a few meters away, but the floorboards look ancient. One wrong step and I'm done for.

Alexei's voice drones on in the background. "Yes, yes. We'll make the exchange tonight. Don't worry, she's not going anywhere."

I almost snort. Shows what he knows.

Slowly, carefully, I rise from the chair. My legs are wobbly, but I force them to cooperate. One step. Two.

I'm mere steps from the door when a floorboard lets out a traitorous groan. Alexei whirls around, his eyes widening as he takes in my unbound state.

"You little bitch!" he snarls, lunging toward me with surprising speed.

I dive to the side, narrowly avoiding his grab as adrenaline courses through me. I can't let him catch me now, not when freedom is inches away. Besides, I’ve already learned that I can’t fight him.

I’m petrified, and I know my only option is to run as fast as I can.

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