Page 40 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"Oh my gosh, you're like, so funny!" I hear her high-pitched giggle through the bug we planted earlier. The sound grates on my nerves, so unlike Sofia's usual dry wit. On the one hand, I hate seeing her dumb herself down, pretending she’s all looks, no brains. On the other, I can’t help but feel proud of how she plays the game so damn well.

The burly man laughs. "You're not so bad yourself, Sweetheart." To my horror, he slides an arm around her waist. Sofia pretends to be shocked and shoos it away, playfully wagging a finger at him and flicking her hair over her shoulder.

Well, she’s learned fast how to keep him on his toes.

I grit my teeth at how freely she laughs, reminding myself it's all an act. Sofia knows what she's doing. She'sstrong, capable. But that doesn't stop the protective urge surging through me.

Sofia leans in conspiratorially. "So, when are you gonna show me where all the action happens? I bet it's super exciting!"

My hands tighten on the steering wheel. She's fishing for information, walking a dangerous line. One wrong move, and her cover could be blown.

"All in good time, Darlin'," the man replies, his voice a low rumble. "Gotta make sure you can be trusted first."

Sofia pouts and I can almost hear the eye roll in her voice. "Don't you trust me by now? I thought we were friends! I’m just so bored."

I check the clock again. 12:01 AM. She should be wrapping up soon. My foot hovers over the gas pedal, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

"Patience, Kira," the man chuckles. "Good things come to those who wait."

"Fine," Sofia sighs dramatically and goes in for a hug. "I guess I'll just have to keep imagining all the cool stuff you guys do. Anyway, I should probably get going. It's way past my bedtime, but promise me we’ll hang out soon?”

I grit my teeth as I watch her trip on her heel. She pulls back, grabbing at his lapel for support. He places his arms around her waist, holding her close and lingering a little too long.

“Anytime, Darling,” he says, beaming at her, staring into her eyes.My eyes.“You know I like the occasional wild night out.”

“Oh, I’m wild, alright.” Kira pulls away from his grip and gives him a wink and a quick air kiss on the cheek before turning around to walk toward the exit.

My muscles tense as I watch the door, waiting for her to emerge. The seconds stretch into eternity.

Finally, Sofia steps out into the night, her face a mask of vapid cheerfulness until she's sure she's out of sight. Then, like a switch being flipped, her features settle back into their usual cool composure.

As she approaches the car, I scan the area one last time, alert for any potential threats. Only when she's safely inside do I allow myself to relax slightly.

"Well?" I ask, unable to keep the tension from my voice.

Sofia's lips curl into a small, triumphant smile. She reaches into her pocket, producing a small, inconspicuous device.

"Got it planted right on his jacket lapel," she says, a hint of pride in her voice. "He didn't suspect a thing."

I can't help but feel a surge of admiration. "How'd you manage that?"

Sofia's green eyes glint with mischief. "Oh, you know. Just a little flirting, a strategically placed hand around his neck under the pretense of a goodbye hug…" She mimics the action, her fingers barely grazing my own shoulder. Even through my jacket, I feel a jolt at her touch.

"And then," she continues, "I pretended to lose my balance. Grabbed his lapel to 'steady' myself." She makes air quotes with her fingers, her usual sarcasm seeping back into her voice.

I grip the steering wheel tighter, pushing down a flare of jealousy. "Oh, so that’s what that hug was," I manage to say.

Sofia doesn’t miss a beat and rolls her eyes. "Please. As if I'd actually be interested in that neanderthal. It's called acting, Vlad."

As we approach a red light, I take the opportunity to scan our surroundings again. Force of habit. "No tail?" Sofia asks, her own gaze sweeping the area.

"Doesn't look like it," I reply, but I remain vigilant. Sofia might be ice, but I'm the shield that ensures she stays unmelted.

The light turns green, and as we accelerate, I feel a weight lift off my chest. Another successful mission. Another step closer to Sofia’s goal.

Our goal.

But as I glance at Sofia, her face illuminated by passing streetlights, I realize that maybe, just maybe, we're also a step closer to each other.

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