Page 61 of Plus-Size Curves for the Bratva

I stumble to my feet, my legs shaky. "We have to do something," I say, my voice stronger than I feel. "We can't just sit here while he's in danger."

Sofia nods, her expression grim. "Come on," she says, taking my arm. "Let's go see what your brothers have planned."

As we hurry toward the house, I can't shake the image of Denis's face from my mind. Please, I think desperately. Please let him be alright.

***

My heart pounds as I follow Sofia through the house, each step bringing a new realization crashing over me. The fear coursing through my veins isn't just concern for a friend or an obligation to my husband. It's something deeper, more primal. I love him. The thought hits me like a punch to the gut, stealing my breath.

"Oh god," I whisper, stumbling slightly. Sofia steadies me with a worried glance, but I barely notice. My mind races, memories flashing by in rapid succession. Denis's protective embrace, his gentle touch, the way his gray eyes soften when they meet mine. How could I have been so blind?

"I love him," I murmur, the words feeling strange and perfect on my tongue. "I actually love him."

Sofia squeezes my arm, her voice gentle. "I know, Sweetheart. I've seen it growing between you two."

We reach the living room, and I burst through the door without hesitation. My brothers look up, their faces etched with worry and determination. Nikolai is pacing, phone in hand, while Dima leans over a laptop, brow furrowed in concentration.

"I'm coming with you," I announce, my voice steadier than I expected. "Whatever you're planning to help Denis, I need to be there."

Artyom shakes his head. "Natalia, it's too dangerous. We can't risk—"

"I don't care," I interrupt, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I love him. Do you understand? I love him, and I won't sit here wondering if he's hurt or… or worse." My voice cracks on the last word, but I push on. "Please, let me help. I need to be there for him."

The room falls silent, my brothers exchanging loaded glances. I hold my breath, praying they'll understand. After what feels like an eternity, Nikolai nods slowly.

"Okay," he says, his voice gruff. "But you stay close to us, and you follow every order without question. Got it?"

I nod vigorously, relief and determination flooding through me. "I promise. Thank you."

Chapter 24 - Denis

My lungs burn as I sprint through the smoke-filled corridors, my voice hoarse from shouting orders. "Move, now! To the exits!" I yell, gesturing frantically at the panicked workers stumbling through the haze. So many people, so many lives at stake. I need to get everyone out.

"Boss, the south wing is clear!" a voice calls out.

"Good! Help with the east side!" I bark back, my mind racing to account for every employee in this godforsaken building. The smoke started so damn fast.

My eyes sting and I pause for a split second, taking in the chaos around me. The flames lick hungrily at the walls, nearly blinding my sight. An ominous creak echoes above, and I instinctively look up. Shit. The structure won't hold much longer.

"Move your asses!" I roar, my voice carrying over the crackling fire. "This place is coming down!"

I usher the last group toward safety, but a nagging thought tugs at me. What if someone's still trapped? The idea of leaving anyone behind claws at my chest, more painful than the smoke filling my lungs.

I spin around, ready to plunge back into the inferno. A worker grabs my arm. "Sir, it's too dangerous!"

I shake him off and scream. "Get out. I'll be right behind you."

When I step back into the smoke, I can't help but think of Natalia. What would she say if she could see me now? Probably call me a reckless idiot. A sadness tugs at my heart—what if I never see her again?

Well, perhaps then, she’ll see that I died for a good reason. I died to save a life.

With that, I go back into the fire.

The heat gets stronger, and a strong thirst for water forms in my throat.

Suddenly, a faint cry pierces through the roar of the flames. My head snaps toward the sound, my heart rate spiking. Someone's still in here.

"Hey!" I shout, my voice hoarse from the smoke. "Where are you?"

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