Page 69 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

"You have no idea what I've been through," he snarls, taking another step closer. I can smell smoke and cologne on him, a heady mix that makes my head spin. "Your husband's little power play cost me everything. I might have been low in the ranks, but the superiors were so damn pissed that they traced everything back to me. Now? Everything’s gone. My status, my respect, my future."

I listen, my mind racing. Is he here to hurt Vladimir? To hurt me? I need to stay calm, to make sure he does nothing to Vladimir.

"That's quite the sob story, Alexei," I say, injecting as much ice into my tone as possible. "But you made your own choices. We did what we had to—to protect our family."

His eyes flash dangerously. "You have no idea what really happened, little girl."

I square my shoulders, lifting my chin defiantly. "Then enlighten me. Or are you just here to whine about the past?"

Alexei's hand shoots out, gripping my arm. It's not painful, but it's firm enough to remind me of the danger I'm in. "Watch your mouth, Sofia. You're not as untouchable as you think."

I recall my training, ready to break his hold if necessary. But for now, I meet his gaze steadily. "Neither are you, Alexei. Times have changed. I'm not the same girl you knew."

His grip loosens slightly, and I see a flicker of something—curiosity?—in his eyes. "No," he murmurs, "you're certainly not."

The tension crackles between us, ready to rage war. I decide to make the first move, my fists flying with practicedprecision. My right hook aims for his jaw, but Alexei's reflexes are lightning-fast. He dodges, catching my wrist mid-swing.

"Is that the best you've got, princess?" he taunts, a smirk playing on his lips.

I grit my teeth, twisting to break his hold. "I'm just getting started."

My knee comes up, aiming for his gut, but Alexei anticipates it. He sidesteps, using my momentum to spin me around. Suddenly, I'm pressed against the alley wall, his body uncomfortably close to mine.

"You've learned some new tricks," he murmurs, his breath hot on my ear. "But you're still green, Sofia."

I struggle against his grip, my heart pounding. "Let go of me, you asshole!"

"Now, now," Alexei chuckles darkly. "Is that any way to talk to an old friend?"

His strength is overwhelming, his experience evident in every calculated move. My confidence begins to waver as I realize how outmatched I am. The world starts to blur at the edges, whether from fear or lack of oxygen, I'm not sure.

"I'm… not your friend," I gasp out, still fighting against his iron grip.

Alexei leans in closer, his voice a low rumble. "No, you're not. But you could be so much more, Sofia. If you'd just stop fighting me."

My vision swims, but I refuse to give in. "Never," I hiss, even as my strength begins to fade.

"We'll see about that," Alexei whispers, his tone almost gentle now. "We have all the time in the world to change your mind."

As the world starts to dim around me, a part of me wonders if there's more to Alexei's vendetta than I initially thought. But I can't dwell on it now. I need to focus on staying conscious, on finding a way out of this mess.

With one last surge of desperation, I thrash against Alexei's unyielding hold, my nails clawing at his arms. "I won't… let you win," I snarl, but my voice comes out weaker than I intend.

"Oh, Sofia," Alexei murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. "You've already lost."

My vision blurs, black spots dancing at the edges. I feel myself slipping, my body growing heavy in his arms.

"No," I whisper, more to myself than to him. "I can't… I have to…"

"Shh," Alexei soothes, and he sweeps me into his arms. "Just let go,Kira."

As consciousness fades and I feel him carrying me away, my thoughts turn to my family—to the mission I swore to complete. I see my sister's face, hear my brother's laughter, see Vladimir chuckle at a joke I crack.Please,I think, my heart aching.Let them be safe.

The alley grows silent, the world fading to black. My last sensation is Alexei's arms around me. And then, I slip into darkness.

Chapter 25 - Vladimir

The acrid smell of smoke stings my nostrils as I scan the chaos outside the factory. Workers mill about, their faces etched with fear and confusion. I force a reassuring smile, clasping shoulders and offering words of comfort.

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