An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva (Zolotov Bratva #10)

Chapter 12 - Sofia

"You can't be serious," I scoff, my tone dripping with derision. "Seduction as a survival skill? What’s next, Vlad—pole dancing classes for self-defense?"

I cross my arms, my green eyes locking on his unflappable expression. That maddening calm only fuels my frustration.

"It's about power dynamics, Sofia," he replies evenly, his voice a low, deliberate drawl. "And wielding them to your advantage."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, how enlightening. I’m sure fluttering my lashes will save me in a fight."

A muscle tightens in his jaw, betraying the impact of my taunt. He steps closer, his gaze darkening. "It’s not about theatrics. It’s about reading people, controlling the room. Seduction isn’t just physical—it's psychological. And if you don’t master it, someone will use it against you."

He leans down, both hands braced on the chair's armrests. His scent—a maddening mix of spice and musk—envelops me. I hold my breath, caught in the pull of his proximity. My pulse quickens despite myself.

I pause, my fluttering heart making me feel every rib. When I talk, my voice comes out hoarser than I intend it to. "And I suppose you're the expert who's going to teach me?"

"I am," Vlad replies, his eyes darkening. "Because I’ve played these games, and know when to keep a woman sent by enemies at arm’s length. Now, I need to make sure no man gets close enough to hurt you.”

The possessive edge in his voice sends a jolt of electricity through me. I push it down, focusing on this lesson instead.

"Fine," I say coolly, accepting this challenge. "If you insist on this ridiculous lesson, let's get it over with. Show me what you've got."

I don’t know why I decide to go ahead with this insane plan. Maybe it’s his arrogance or my desperation to prove him wrong, to show that no man can affect me. Either way, the words spill out before I can stop them.

“Alright then,” he says and steps back. Suddenly, the room feels too big without him inches away from me. “Let’s start with what happened that night in the club.”

Vlad's eyes narrow, a flicker of something—anger? Concern?—passing over his features. "You shouldn't have had to be in that situation. Your technique was sloppy, leaving you vulnerable."

His criticism stings, igniting a fire in my chest. I stand and take a step closer. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was a proper etiquette for fending off unwanted advances. Please enlighten me on the finer points of rejection."

"This isn't a joke, Sofia," Vlad growls, closing the distance between us. The air crackles with tension, and I fight the urge to step back before I lose myself in this game. "Your safety is at stake."

“What would you have had me do?” I ask, defiantly.

His breath brushes my ear. “You let him dictate the terms. What you should have done…" His voice drops, sending shivers along my spine. "…is lead him on. Make him think he was winning until it was too late. A small slapping away of his hand with a laugh, the perfectly timed roll of an eye. Let him think you’re a tease, a gift to be unraveled… over time. He would be petrified of making a move before you do.”

The air when he speaks rustles against my neck, and I take a sharp breath, my legs trembling from the proximity. I close my eyes and bite my lower lip, trying to ground myself, trying to remind myself that I cannot seriously be affected by his words, by him.

But as Vlad continues to speak in that low, authoritative tone, my mind becomes a jumbled mess of confusion and desire. I fight the overwhelming urge to turn around, to see the expression on his face as he whispers these dangerous ideas in my ear.

"I think it's time for a practical lesson," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.

My eyes snap open at his words, my heart pounding erratically in my chest. Practical lesson? I whirl around to face him, a defiant spark igniting within me.

"And who's going to be the lucky target of this lesson?" I challenge, my voice surprisingly steady despite the wildfire blazing inside me.

Vlad's gaze darkens with something unreadable before a faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "You."

Before I can react, he takes a step closer, towering over me with an intensity that steals the air from my lungs. Every fiber of my being screams to retreat, to put distance between us, but a stubborn pride keeps me rooted in place. I tilt my chin up, meeting his gaze head-on, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

My heart pounds traitorously in my chest, but I force my voice to remain steady. "I guarantee you'll find me completely immune to your charms."

Vlad's eyes darken, a predatory gleam flickering in their depths. He takes a calculated step forward, his voice dropping to a low, velvety timbre that sends an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"Immune, are you?" he murmurs, his gaze never leaving mine. "We'll see about that, moya ledi ."

I brace myself, expecting a direct approach, but Vlad surprises me. He circles slowly, like a wolf stalking its prey. "Tell me, Sofia," he says conversationally, "what do you desire most in this world?"

My mind races, searching for the trap in his words. "That's none of your business," I snap, trying to maintain my icy facade.

He chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "Oh, but it is. Everything about you is my business now." His fingers ghost along my arm, barely touching yet leaving a trail of fire in their wake. "Your hopes, your fears, your deepest longings—I want to know them all."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "You're wasting your time," I manage to say, but my voice lacks its usual bite.

Vlad leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "Am I? Your pulse says otherwise, Dorogaya ."

My traitorous heart hammers in my chest, and I silently curse its betrayal. I force myself to take a steady breath, desperately clinging to my rapidly crumbling composure. This is just a game, I remind myself fiercely. He's trying to prove a point, nothing more.

But as Vlad's hand comes to rest lightly on the small of my back, guiding me to face him, I find my carefully constructed walls beginning to crack. His touch is gentle, almost reverent.

"You're trembling," he observes softly, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

"I'm not," I lie, even as I feel a telltale quiver run through my body. I meet his gaze defiantly, determined not to let him see how much he's affecting me.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "Nice try," I say, my voice miraculously even despite the storm raging inside me. "But you'll have to do better than that to break through my ice, Vlad."

My heart races, but I manage to keep my expression neutral, arching an eyebrow at him in a silent challenge. A flicker of triumph courses through me as I realize I've passed his little test. I've resisted his seduction, proving that I'm not as easily swayed as he thought.

But as I wait for his acknowledgment, for some sign that he's impressed by my resilience, I'm met with nothing but stony silence. Vlad's face is a mask of neutrality, his dark eyes revealing nothing as they sweep over me.

The triumph I felt moments ago sours into irritation. "Well?" I demand, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

Vlad's expression doesn't change. "About what, exactly?" he asks, his tone maddeningly calm.

I feel my eyes narrow, offense rising in my chest. "About the fact that I just proved you wrong," I snap. "I passed your little test. I didn't give in."

He tilts his head slightly, regarding me with an unreadable look. "And you think that deserves praise?"

The casual dismissal in his voice ignites a fire in my veins. "Why aren't you impressed?" I hiss, taking a step closer to him. "I just showed you that I can handle myself."

Vlad's lips quirk in what might be amusement, but his eyes remain serious. "Is that what you think this was about, Sofia? You being able to avoid advances?”

His words hit me like a slap, and I feel my cheeks flush with heat. "What else would it be about?" I retort, my voice dripping with icy sarcasm. "Enlighten me, oh wise one."

Vlad takes a step closer, his body now mere inches from mine. The proximity sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine, but I refuse to back down.

"You're not ready," he says, his tone firm yet challenging. "What you just demonstrated was basic resistance. In our world, that's not enough."

I clench my fists at my sides, frustration building inside me like a pressure cooker. "And what would be enough?" I spit out, my green eyes locked on his dark ones.

He doesn't flinch. "The ability to turn the tables. To not just resist, but to manipulate the situation to your advantage."

As much as I hate to admit it, his words spark something in my mind. A plan begins to form, fueled by my determination to prove him wrong.

"Fine," I say, my voice steadying as I gather my resolve. "You want to see me turn the tables? Let's make this interesting."

Vlad raises an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. "I'm listening."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to propose. "The bar. Tonight. You and me. We'll see if I can seduce you. If I succeed, I win."

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel a shift in the air between us. The challenge hangs there, electric and dangerous. What the hell did I just do?

A slow smile spreads across Vlad's face, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. His dark eyes glimmer with something that sends a shiver down my spine—intrigue, challenge, maybe even approval.

"Well, well," he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate through my chest. "It seems the ice princess has some fire after all."

I watch as he shifts his stance, his broad shoulders relaxing slightly. He takes a step closer, and I force myself to stand my ground, even as my heart rate kicks up a notch.

"Very well, Sofia," he continues, his gaze never leaving mine. "I accept your challenge. Tonight, we'll see what you're truly capable of."