Page 37 of Innocently Captured By the Bratva

Quinn finishes the dressing with careful precision and a gentle touch. She leans back slightly, studying her handiwork before meeting my gaze.

“Did he… was anyone hurt?”

“A few of our men died,” I say, with sadness.

She turns pale, and her voice trembles as she speaks. “I never thought he could be capable of such violence. To needlessly kill!”

“Charlie Letvin is a monster,” I say through gritted teeth, locking eyes with her. “Quinn, you have no idea what he’s done. I didn’t want to scare you, but there was always a reason I didn’t like him being around you. He’s dangerous.”

She listens to me in silence, the gravity of the situation sinking in as she processes what I say. Finally, she says, “I trust you, Mark,” her voice unwavering.

“You do?” I ask, surprised.

She nods, offering me a small, gentle smile. “You may have kidnapped me, but during my time here, you’ve done more for me than you realize. You’ve helped me with my business, created an office space, and done absolutely nothing to make me uncomfortable. I can’t believe I never said this, but… thank you for looking out for me.”

My chest tightens at her words, and her admission catches me off guard. I search her face, seeing the sincerity in her eyes and the vulnerability she rarely shows.

“You don't need to thank me, Quinn,” I reply, my voice soft. “Protecting you is...it's just something I do.”

She reaches out, her hand resting on mine, the contact sending a jolt of warmth through me. “I know,” she says, her gaze unwavering. “And I appreciate it more than you can imagine.”

For a moment, we sit in silence. I'm keenly aware of her hand on mine, each brush of her skin against me. It's both comforting and torturous, and I find myself craving more even though I know I shouldn't.

Our eyes meet, and I see her lips part, her breaths coming in short, raspy bursts. From where I sit, I can see a slight flush creeping up her cheeks. The last time she looked like that, I had my fingers inside her.

In this moment, I know without a doubt that she’s deceiving herself. She wants me just as much as I want her. Being near me ignites a fire within her. If I weren’t feeling soexhausted, I would have made a move. But this isn’t the right time. I won’t be able to give her what she truly deserves.

I break eye contact. Finally, she withdraws her hand and stands up to clear the space, her work finished. She comes back with some water and a pill. “A painkiller until we can get you to a doctor.”

I nod and down the pill. “Thank you.”

Quinn watches me with worry. “You're welcome. Just...don't scare me like that again, okay?”

I meet her gaze. There's something there, lurking beneath the surface. Something that makes my heart skip a beat.

“I'll try,” I murmur, tilting my head at her.

She smiles, but it's fleeting, gone as quickly as it appeared. She gives me her hand, helping me to my feet.

“You should rest,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “I'll help you to your room.”

I nod, suddenly too tired to argue.

Chapter 15 - Quinn

I step out of the house, hurrying toward the waiting car, excited for the date I've planned for Viktor Petrov and Elena Sokolov tonight. When I approach the sleek black vehicle, I'm surprised to see Mark standing there with his hand on the door handle.

“Mark? What are you doing here?” I ask, my brow furrowing when I don’t see my usual bodyguard. “Where's Sergei?”

Mark smiles. “I figured I'd tag along tonight to see what all the fuss is about with this matchmaking thing you’ve got going on.”

I narrow my eyes at him, suspecting there's more to it than that. “Is this about Charlie Letvin? Because I told you, I'm fine. Sergei can handle him.”

Mark shrugs, his eyes glinting in the fading light. “Can't a man be curious about his...friend's line of work? Besides, I figured you could use the extra security.”

I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. Mark's hovering is incessant, but there's something undeniably charming about his persistence. “Fine. But don't get in my way, Zolotov. I have a job to do.”

He grins, opening the car door for me with a flourish. “Wouldn't dream of it, Desmond.”

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