Page 9 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

I can't help but smirk. "I've noticed. She’s ice cold for sure."

"You say that now," Dima chuckles, "but wait until you're on the receiving end of her sharp tongue."

I straighten, my voice firm. "I can handle it. I respect her strength."

Nikolai nods slowly. "Very well, Vladimir. We’re open to this arrangement."

I dip my head in acquiescence. Relief washes over me. They've accepted the idea. I might have a chance to protect Sofia after all.

"Don't get your hopes up," Dima warns. "Our sister isn't easily swayed."

I meet his gaze steadily. "I wouldn't want her any other way."

As they continue discussing potential terms, I allow myself a moment of quiet satisfaction. This alliance could be the key to keeping Sofia safe from whatever danger she's involved in. And perhaps, in time, I might even crack that icy shell of hers.

***

I stride out of the Orlov brothers' office, my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. A sense of accomplishment courses through me, mingling with an unfamiliar anticipation. The hard part is over, but now comes the real challenge: Sofia.

"Mr. Zolotov," a voice calls out. It's Nikolai's assistant. "Your car is ready."

I nod curtly. "Thank you."

As I make my way to the exit, my mind races with thoughts of how to approach Sofia. Her reaction will be unpredictable at best, hostile at worst. I can almost hear her sarcastic tone already: "An arranged marriage? How quaint, Mr. Zolotov. Did we time travel back to the 1800s?"

"You're not going to make this easy, are you?" I murmur to the imaginary Sofia in my mind, a smile playing on my lips. The thing is, whatever danger she’s putting herself in is now my responsibility to keep her safe from, even if she fights me every step of the way.

Chapter 4 - Sofia

I trace my fingers along the worn pages of my favorite novel, losing myself in the familiar words. The library’s silence wraps around me like a comforting blanket, allowing my mind to wander far from everyday responsibilities.

The creak of the heavy oak door shatters my peace. My shoulders tense instinctively as I watch Nikolai and Dima enter with hesitant footsteps. Guilt is etched across their faces.

My eyes narrow. "Surely, you haven't come to join me in literary pursuits."

Nikolai clears his throat, exchanging a nervous glance with Dima. The pit in my stomach grows. Whatever they've come to tell me, it can't be good.

With a decisive snap, I close my book and fix them with an icy stare. "Out with it," I demand, arching an eyebrow. "What have you done now that requires my intervention?"

Dima shifts his weight from foot to foot, looking everywhere but at me. "Sofia, we… there's something we need to discuss."

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. "I'm listening," I say, my voice deceptively calm. "Though I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I hear."

Nikolai and Dima exchange another nervous glance, and I feel my patience wearing thin. “It’s okay. Take your time. We’ve got an entire lifetime to waste.”

Finally, Nikolai takes a deep breath and speaks.

"Sofia, we've… arranged a marriage for you.”

“You’ve done WHAT?” I scream, jumping up so fast that the chair rattles behind me, the sound echoing my fury. My brothers’ faces swim in and out of focus as my mind struggles to comprehend what they just said.

They both look startled, offering no more information.

"Now, what the hell were you saying about an arranged marriage?" I demand, my voice as cold as a Siberian winter. My hands clench into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms.

Nikolai recovers first, his face smoothing into a placating expression. "Sofia, please, let us explain—"

"Explain?" I spit the word out like poison. "Explain how you're selling me off like cattle to the highest bidder?"

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