Page 34 of Bratva Prisoner
How do I know Maksim isn’t just better at hiding his true nature?
The difference is obvious. Maksim has never shown me anything but kindness and respect, even when I’ve challenged him or questioned his motives. There was no questioning Troy.
But maybe that just means he’s more dangerous, not less.
I flop backward onto the mattress, staring at the ceiling while I try to untangle my emotions from logic. My heart is telling me that Maksim would never hurt me, that his feelings are genuine, and that whatever he does for a living doesn’t change the man he’s been with me.
My brain is screaming that I’m being naive, that criminals don’t get to compartmentalize their lives like that. Violence in one area always bleeds into others eventually.
The problem is, I don’t know which voice to listen to.
Hours pass in this internal debate. I ask to have my dinner in my room, but barely touch the food. I try reading my book, but can’t focus on the words. I take a hot shower and change into pajamas, hoping the routine will calm my racing thoughts.
Nothing works.
Around ten o’clock, a soft knock on my door makes me freeze. I know it’s him even before he speaks.
“Alyssa?” Maksim’s voice is muffled through the wood, gentler than I’ve ever heard it. “I know you asked me to leave you alone, but I wanted to apologize again.”
I debate not answering, pretending I’m asleep, but something in his tone makes me walk over and crack the door open just enough to see his face.
He looks exhausted. His hair is still messy, his usually perfect clothes are wrinkled, and there’s something defeated in his posture that seems so out of place on him.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to see that, and I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you the truth from the beginning. I shouldn’t have put you in this position. You deserved better from me.”
“Yes, I did.”
“I know you probably want me to arrange other accommodations for you—”
“Is that what you want?”
The question surprises us both. I’m not sure why I asked it, or what answer I’m hoping for.
“No,” he admits. “I want you to stay. But I understand if you can’t.”
“I need more time to think.”
“Take all the time you need.”
“What about Troy? What about the Serpents and all the people who want to hurt me?”
“That hasn’t changed. You’re still under my protection, regardless of how you feel about me personally.”
“And if I decide I can’t stay here?”
“Then I’ll find somewhere else for you to go. Somewhere safe.”
The fact that he’s willing to let me leave, even knowing it will complicate my safety, somehow makes me trust him a little more. A controlling man would use my situation to keep me trapped here.
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Okay?”
“I’ll stay for now. But I need space to figure this out.”
Relief floods his features. “Whatever you need.”
“Goodnight, Maksim.”
