Page 43 of His Grip

“What’s more important?” Nina asked pointedly. “Your relationship or his right to know the truth about his family?”

The question hit Sofia like a slap. Nina softened her tone. “Look, I know you care about Viktor—maybe more than you want to admit. But keeping this from him will only make things worse in the long run.”

Sofia ran a hand through her hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. “What if he hates me for not telling him sooner? Or worse—what if he can’t handle it?”

“You’re not responsible for his reaction,” Nina said firmly. “You’re responsible for being honest. The rest is up to him.”

Sofia closed her eyes, letting Nina’s words sink in. She knew her friend was right. The truth was a ticking time bomb, and every moment she delayed was another second closer to detonation.

But knowing that didn’t make the decision any easier.

CHAPTER 16

Viktor

Viktor's day began with a familiar chill. The chaos swirling around him was nothing new, but his growing feelings for Sofia were an unwelcome disruption. As he reviewed the intelligence reports on Alexei’s latest moves, her image kept invading—her sharp eyes, her quick thinking during the last ambush. She was an asset, no doubt, but also a liability. A dangerous one.

Sergei entered the room, carrying a folder thick with updates. "Alexei’s trying to push into Brighton Beach. His men raided one of our distribution sites last night."

Viktor glanced up, his expression cold. "And the retaliation?"

"Already underway," Sergei assured him. "But there’s chatter—he’s planning something bigger."

Before Viktor could respond, the door opened, and Sofia walked in, her steps purposeful. She was dressed simply, but there was an edge to her appearance that commanded attention. Viktor didn't miss the way Sergei stiffened, his unease palpable.

"Sofia," Viktor greeted her coolly. "I didn’t call for you."

She arched a brow. "I thought you’d want to know about Alexei’s plans. I overheard something useful during the ambush."

Sergei shot Viktor a questioning glance, but Viktor waved him off. "Leave us," he ordered.

Once the door closed, Viktor leaned back, studying Sofia. "You’ve been listening in on things that don’t concern you?"

She crossed her arms, unflinching under his scrutiny. "If it doesn’t concern me, then why am I here? You want my help, don’t you?"

Her audacity both infuriated and intrigued him. Viktor gestured for her to continue.

"Alexei’s not just after territory," Sofia began. "He’s building alliances with smaller factions—ones you’ve ignored because they seemed insignificant. He’s banking on numbers, not strength."

Viktor narrowed his eyes. "And how do you know this?"

"I overheard Andrei," she admitted, her tone clipped. "He didn’t see me, but he was talking to one of Alexei’s men before the ambush. He mentioned pulling support from one of your suppliers in exchange for protection."

The mention of Andrei sent a surge of anger through Viktor, but he pushed it down. "Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?"

"I wasn’t sure if you’d believe me," Sofia said bluntly.

Her honesty was disarming. Viktor rose from his chair, stepping closer to her. "And what makes you think I believe you now?"

"Because you know I’m right. And because you need me more than you’re willing to admit."

The flames between them crackled, her words cutting through the armor he had spent years fortifying. He hated how she could see through him, how she could unsettle him so effortlessly.

"Be careful, Sofia," Viktor said, carrying a hint of warning. "Knowing too much can be dangerous."

"Funny," she shot back. "I was about to say the same thing to you."

Their eyes locked, the space between them charged. Viktor’s hand twitched at his side, the urge to close the distance almost overwhelming. But before he could act, his phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the moment.

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