Page 61 of Captivated By the Bratva

I should’ve been scared. I should’ve been runningawayfrom Maxim. He was just another man in a criminal organization. In title and purpose, he was no different from Lev Avilov.

But he was. Maxim was nothing like that person I’d spent several years hiding from.

Maxim was charming. Generous. Protective. And he made my safety and satisfaction his priority even when other circumstances should’ve had him focusing on his duty and doing as hisPakhanordered.

Once he was off the phone, I cleared my throat and got his attention. We’d entered yet another sleek, dark car with tinted windows. Even though I was full of questions and worries about my future, it didn’t escape my notice how damn rich and well-off the Valkovs were. This level of wealth and convenience was a luxury I’d need to adjust to.

He glanced at me as he buckled in. “What? Sorry I was on the phone so long.”

I smiled. See? He made my comfort and happiness such a high goal. “No worries. It’s fine. I know you’ve got a lot to handle.”

He shrugged. “Not usually, though. I’m not a micromanager. The men I trust to handle the IT things are skilled. But therearea lot of things going on right now.”

“Never feel like you have to excuse yourself,” I reassured him. “I won’t be a clingy girlfriend needing to hog you nonstop.”

“Girlfriend?” He grinned with that teasing question.

“Well, what should I call myself?” Nerves kicked in. Did he not see me as his girlfriend? Was I a mistress? Just a lover?

“Girlfriendis fine for now.”

Now it was my turn to smile.For now?That sounded like he wanted to call me something more than just a girlfriend, and I wasn’t opposed to belonging to him in a different way.

A more permanent way.

I’d avoided the idea of a forced marriage with Lev forever. But with Maxim, oh, I’d be running into his arms if he proposed.

“The point is, don’t worry about me.”

He kissed my knuckles. “Too late.”

I smiled wider. “I’ll entertain myself.”

“With naps?”

I stretched as a yawn tugged at my lips. “I don’t think I’ve slept well for years. A tiny part of me was always on and anxious, even when I slept, that Lev would get me.”

“Not happening,” he vowed.

And that was what nagged me. “Alek is really okay with all this? Your stopping Lev from marrying me?”

He nodded. “It’s like I said before. He’s suspicious of the Avilovs.”

“Youdidn’tsay much before.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I don’t plan to keep things from you, but Alek asked for me to have faith in him. And I will. Investigations and covert operations take time and care.”

“I appreciate all the effort in getting me free.”

“But it’s not just that. Not anymore. I told Alek that I didn’t want you to marry Lev, and he would stand by me because he’s my brother. Because he’s suspicious of them, it’s a layered problem to attack.”

“How soon would he be able to…?” I furrowed my brow, not sure what I was asking. “Um, know how to handle the Avilovs?”

“He’ll let me know. He texted me after I spoke with him. He suggested coming here, actually, since it’s a property that we can trust is safe. Then it’s a waiting game of him updating me.”

“And all that time, your other brother is still missing.” I frowned at him, hating that he’d suffer.

“Dmitri will make it out. I’m sure of it,” he replied confidently.

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