Page 31 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"You can't be serious," I scoff, my tone dripping with derision. "Seduction as a survival skill? What’s next, Vlad—pole dancing classes for self-defense?"

I cross my arms, my green eyes locking on his unflappable expression. That maddening calm only fuels my frustration.

"It's about power dynamics, Sofia," he replies evenly, his voice a low, deliberate drawl. "And wielding them to your advantage."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, how enlightening. I’m sure fluttering my lashes will save me in a fight."

A muscle tightens in his jaw, betraying the impact of my taunt. He steps closer, his gaze darkening. "It’s not about theatrics. It’s about reading people, controlling the room. Seduction isn’t just physical—it's psychological. And if you don’t master it, someone will use it against you."

He leans down, both hands braced on the chair's armrests. His scent—a maddening mix of spice and musk—envelops me. I hold my breath, caught in the pull of his proximity. My pulse quickens despite myself.

I pause, my fluttering heart making me feel every rib. When I talk, my voice comes out hoarser than I intend it to. "And I suppose you're the expert who's going to teach me?"

"I am," Vlad replies, his eyes darkening. "Because I’ve played these games, and know when to keep a woman sent by enemies at arm’s length. Now, I need to make sure no man gets close enough to hurt you.”

The possessive edge in his voice sends a jolt of electricity through me. I push it down, focusing on this lesson instead.

"Fine," I say coolly, accepting this challenge. "If you insist on this ridiculous lesson, let's get it over with. Show me what you've got."

I don’t know why I decide to go ahead with this insane plan. Maybe it’s his arrogance or my desperation to prove him wrong, to show that no man can affect me. Either way, the words spill out before I can stop them.

“Alright then,” he says and steps back. Suddenly, the room feelstoobig without him inches away from me. “Let’s start with what happened that night in the club.”

Vlad's eyes narrow, a flicker of something—anger? Concern?—passing over his features. "You shouldn't have had to be in that situation. Your technique was sloppy, leaving you vulnerable."

His criticism stings, igniting a fire in my chest. I stand and take a step closer. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was a proper etiquette for fending off unwanted advances. Please enlighten me on the finer points of rejection."

"This isn't a joke, Sofia," Vlad growls, closing the distance between us. The air crackles with tension, and I fight the urge to step back before I lose myself in this game. "Your safety is at stake."

“What would you have had me do?” I ask, defiantly.

His breath brushes my ear. “You let him dictate the terms. What you should have done…" His voice drops, sending shivers along my spine. "…is lead him on. Make him think he was winning until it was too late. A small slapping away of his hand with a laugh, the perfectly timed roll of an eye. Let him think you’re a tease, a gift to be unraveled… over time. He would be petrified of making a move before you do.”

The air when he speaks rustles against my neck, and I take a sharp breath, my legs trembling from the proximity. I close my eyes and bite my lower lip, trying to ground myself, trying to remind myself that I cannot seriously be affected by his words, by him.

But as Vlad continues to speak in that low, authoritative tone, my mind becomes a jumbled mess of confusion and desire. I fight the overwhelming urge to turn around, to see the expression on his face as he whispers these dangerous ideas in my ear.

"I think it's time for a practical lesson," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.

My eyes snap open at his words, my heart pounding erratically in my chest. Practical lesson? I whirl around to face him, a defiant spark igniting within me.

"And who's going to be the lucky target of this lesson?" I challenge, my voice surprisingly steady despite the wildfire blazing inside me.

Vlad's gaze darkens with something unreadable before a faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "You."

Before I can react, he takes a step closer, towering over me with an intensity that steals the air from my lungs. Every fiber of my being screams to retreat, to put distance between us, but a stubborn pride keeps me rooted in place. I tilt my chin up, meeting his gaze head-on, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

My heart pounds traitorously in my chest, but I force my voice to remain steady. "I guarantee you'll find me completely immune to your charms."

Vlad's eyes darken, a predatory gleam flickering in their depths. He takes a calculated step forward, his voice dropping to a low, velvety timbre that sends an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"Immune, are you?" he murmurs, his gaze never leaving mine. "We'll see about that,moya ledi."

I brace myself, expecting a direct approach, but Vlad surprises me. He circles slowly, like a wolf stalking its prey. "Tell me, Sofia," he says conversationally, "what do you desire most in this world?"

My mind races, searching for the trap in his words. "That's none of your business," I snap, trying to maintain my icy facade.

He chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "Oh, but it is. Everything about you is my business now." His fingers ghost along my arm, barely touching yet leaving a trail of fire in their wake. "Your hopes, your fears, your deepest longings—I want to know them all."

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