Page 58 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

He reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers. "As long as I'm with you, Crimson, I'll go anywhere."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck and quickly quip, "Even if it means trading in your designer suit for jeans and a t-shirt?"

"For you? I'd wear a clown costume if it made you happy."

I can't help but laugh at the mental image, and take his hand in mine. "Now that, I'd pay to see."

Chapter 21 - Vladimir

"Well," I say, clearing my throat, "I have to admit, you've outdone yourself. This is… quite the surprise."

"Good surprise, I hope?" There's a touch of vulnerability in her question that catches me off guard.

I reach out, gently squeezing her shoulder. "The very best kind. Thank you, Sofia."

***

I can't help but tease Sofia as we enter our lavish villa, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the turquoise lagoon. "And here I thought you didn’t like fancy."

Sofia arches an eyebrow, her green eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh? I like fancy, as long as it’s not a charade. The air kisses, whose diamond is bigger than the next, all that bullshit, you know?"

I chuckle, dropping our bags. "I didn’t peg you for the anti-establishment, Sof.”

"Well," she retorts, a smirk playing on her lips, "even ice queens need to thaw occasionally and let loose away from prying eyes. Don't worry, I'll try not to let it go to my head."

I find myself grinning from ear to ear. "I'll believe it when I see it."

As we settle in, a realization dawns on me. Here, thousands of miles from New York, from the Bratva, from all our responsibilities, we're just… us. No one knows who we are. No expectations, no reputations to uphold.

And finally, I understand why she chose this place. No one to recognize us here, no duties to fulfil. We could take a break from beingusand just be together.

Maybe this trip will reveal more surprises than just the destination.

***

The next few days become a blur of sun-soaked memories. I find myself loosening up in ways I never have before, surprised by how easily Sofia and I fall into a rhythm together.

One evening, we're swaying to the beat of a live band on the beach. Sofia's body moves gracefully against mine, her green eyes sparkling in the soft glow of tiki torches. I'm mesmerized by the way the sea breeze plays with her light blonde hair.

"You're not half bad at this," I tease, spinning her around.

She raises an eyebrow. "Careful, Vlad. That almost sounded like a compliment."

The following afternoon finds us snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Sofia's lithe form glides effortlessly through the water, and I can't help but admire her grace. When we surface, she's grinning, a rare sight that takes my breath away more than the dive did.

"Did you see that sea turtle?" she asks, excitement coloring her usually cool tone.

I nod, captivated more by her genuine smile than any marine life.

Later, as we lounge by the pool, Sofia suddenly sits up, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"I have an idea," she says, leaning closer. "How about we play a little game tonight?"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of game?"

"Let's pretend to be strangers," she suggests. "We'll dress up, use fake names, meet at the bar. Hit each other up."

The idea is absurd yet oddly appealing. "You want to roleplay as strangers? In disguise?"

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