Page 73 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

“Stop, Sofia!" he bellows, chasing after me, running as fast as he can.

But I'm faster. I open the door and sprint down the corridor, heart pounding in my ears, desperation lending strength to my limbs. The hallway stretches on endlessly, lined with closed doors and ominous shadows. My mind races—where do I go? How do I get out?

“Bitch!” he screams after me.

I can’t help talk back, even though my heart is in my throat. "Careful, Alexei. Your hospitality is slipping," I scream over my shoulder.

His face contorts with rage as he continues chasing. "I'll teach you to respect—"

I see a door labeled exit, and I run toward it. I’m almost there—just a few more steps. Once outside, I can hail down a car, hide behind a tree, and buy some time.

Just when I’m near it, the door explodes inward with a deafening crack. Three figures burst into the room, theirpresence electric. My eyes lock onto Vlad, his face a mask of cold fury. On either side stand Denis and Mark.

“V…Vlad?” I whisper. The emotions of the day overcome every sense of self-preservation; I no longer have to worry. They’re here, the brothers who never fail to come through.

Vlad looks over me from head to toe, checking to see if I’m harmed. His eyes then turn to look behind me.

"Get away from her," Vlad growls, his voice low and dangerous. I look over my shoulder to see Alexei pale as a ghost.

Alexei freezes, his eyes darting between Vlad and me. "This isn't what it looks—"

“Denis, Mark, keep Sofia,” Vlad says without taking his eyes off Alexei. The next thing I know, Denis and Mark are by my side, each of them asking to see if I’m alright.

I nod, unable to form words, my eyes glued to the scene unfolding before us.

"You didn't think I'd let you get away that easily, did you?" Vlad growls, fury pulsing off him in waves as he walks toward Alexei.

“Listen, I swear, I wasn’t going to hurt—” Alexei starts to plead, but Vlad cuts him off with a cold sneer.

"Shut up!" he barks, his hand tightening into a fist. "You had no right to take her. You have no idea what you've put her through."

A muscle in Alexei's jaw twitches as he clenches his teeth, but he says nothing. His defeat is palpable, and it only fuels Vlad's anger further.

"Now," Vlad continues, his voice low and menacing, "I will decide what happens to you. You won't see the light of day again."

Beside me, I hear Denis whisper in my ear. “Look away, Sof.”

I shake my head. I realize now that wanting to be a part of this world means wanting to see it all. I watch as Vlad pulls out his gun. Alexei whimpers on the ground like the coward he is, and Vlad walks over to him, lowering the barrel.

"Your last words will be my choice, not yours." With a cold determination, Vlad fires.

Alexei's body jerks violently, his life extinguished in an instant. The impact is bone-jarring, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. Vlad stands over Alexei's body, his expression unreadable, but something burns in his eyes. He looks back at us and nods once, dismissing this unsavory business with finality.

I quickly look away as Denis had instructed, feeling sick and shaken. This is not what I wanted, but seeing Vlad's fierce determination to protect me fills me with an overwhelming sense of safety and love. In this moment, I realize I finally belong in the Bratva.

***

"Sofia," Vlad says moments later, walking up to me, his eyes softening as they meet mine. "Are you hurt?"

I don’t want to worry him, but my legs shake. "I'm fine," I manage, hating how small my voice sounds. "Just peachy. Nothing like a little kidnapping to liven up one's day."

Vlad's lips twitch, almost like he wants to smile, but concern wins out. He steps closer, his hand hovering near my arm. "It's over now. You're safe."

I nod, surprised by how much I want to lean into his touch. I see no reason not to, and allow him to wrap an arm around my waist.

Meanwhile, Denis, Mark, and the rest of the men spring into action. Someone secures the body while Mark scans the room for any remaining evidence, his eyes sharp.

"Clear the area," Denis orders, his voice clipped. "Leave no trace."

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