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

Chapter 16 - Sofia

The door slams behind us with an air of finality. Vlad's hand lingers on my lower back, guiding me further into the house, our urgent footsteps echoing in the silence. The charged air hums between us, our hurried breaths mingling as the outside world fades away.

On the way, one of Vlad’s men tries vying for his attention about something that happened at work.

“Not now,” Vlad growls, taking my hand and striding up the stairs. We head straight for his bedroom, my heart fluttering every step of the way.

He opens it, lets me pass, and follows, kicking the door shut behind him with a decisive thud.

His eyes blaze into mine, scorching in their intensity. Strong hands cup my face, thumbs brushing across my cheekbones. I wet my lips nervously as he leans in.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" His voice is a low rumble.

My pulse flutters. "Yes."

I inhale sharply as Vlad presses closer, his breath hot on my neck. "Sofia," he murmurs, voice husky.

A shiver runs through me. I want to maintain my cool, to not seem fazed, but heat pools in my core and I feel nervous beyond belief. "What are you waiting for?" I manage to say, aiming for sassy but my voice comes out breathy.

His mouth claims mine with demanding ferocity, his hands still cupping my cheeks. He’s kissing me so hard that I stumble back against the wall, and I swear I’ve never been kissed with such passion. I cling to him as though I want to etch myself to his skin, heat flooding my veins, threatening to consume me. He kisses me until I'm dizzy, drunk on his taste, his scent.

When we finally break for air, his gaze bores into me. "No going back after this."

A shiver races down my spine at the promise in those words. I lift my chin. "Good."

His answering smile is wicked and triumphant. And then his lips find mine again, and I stop thinking entirely.

Vlad's hands are everywhere as he backs me toward the bed, his touch both reverent and possessive. My knees hit the mattress, and I sink down onto the soft covers. My breath hitches as he hovers over me, his eyes roaming my face, my body, my curves.

"Nervous?" he asks, his voice low and husky.

I lift my chin defiantly. "Hardly," I retort, but my voice wavers slightly.

A knowing smile tugs at his lips. "It's okay to be," he murmurs, following me down. "I'll take care of you."

His weight presses me further into the bed as his mouth trails hot, open-mouthed kisses down my throat.

"You are so beautiful," he murmurs against my skin.

"Vlad," I breathe, my fingers tangling in his hair.

He takes his time, savoring each moment as if committing it to memory. The slow pace is maddening, stoking the fire building within me.

His hands slide down to the hem of my blouse, pausing there. "May I?" he asks, seeking permission.

I nod, not trusting my voice.

He carefully lifts the fabric, his fingertips grazing my skin as he removes it. The cool air hits my exposed flesh, causing goosebumps to erupt.

"Beautiful," Vlad whispers reverently, his gaze roaming my body.

The whispered praise sends heat pooling low in my belly. His fingers dance along my ribcage, leaving trails of fire in their wake as they move to unhook my bra. I arch my back to assist him, my usual composure slipping away with each passing second.

I gasp as he cups my bare breasts, thumbs grazing over the tightened peaks. Vlad's lips descend to my breast, placing a kiss on my nipple that sends shockwaves through my body. He continues to suckle on me. My back arches off the bed, pressing closer. His stubble rasps deliciously against my sensitive skin and I am lost, awash in sensation.

A soft gasp escapes me, my fingers tightening in his hair.

"Still not nervous?" he teases, looking up at me with a mixture of desire and affection that makes my heart stutter.

"Shut up," I manage to say, but there's no bite to my words. For once, I let my guard down, allowing myself to be swept away by the moment.

Vlad's lips curve into a smile against my skin as he trails kisses down my belly. His hands cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples that make me lose all control of my body, control that slips away with each touch.

"You're trembling," he murmurs, his breath hot against my navel. It’s an observation, not a question. He can see, feel, and hear how turned on I am. I don’t respond, knowing there are no words to express what he is making me feel.

He reaches the waistband of my skirt, fingers skimming along the skin just above it. I hold my breath, trembling with anticipation. His fingers find the zipper. I'm writhing beneath him now, craving more of his touch.

The skirt loosens around my hips. I lift my hips to help him slide the skirt off. Vlad's eyes are molten as he slides it down my legs, discarding it on the floor.

I'm left in just my lace panties now, laid bare before him. His heated gaze travels over me, and I flush, suddenly shy.

His hands ghost over my inner thighs, and I can't suppress a soft moan. "Vlad," I breathe, surprising myself with the need in my voice.

His hands grasp my knees, nudging them apart. I comply readily, too aroused to feel embarrassed.

Vlad trails his fingers up my inner thighs, and I shiver, pleasure coiling tight. When he finally brushes over the damp lace, I cry out.

"I need to taste you," he growls.

Before I can respond, he's dragging my panties down my legs. Then his mouth is on me, and coherent thought becomes impossible. His tongue strokes over my slick folds, and I shudder, fingers tangling in his hair to pull him closer.

My hips buck involuntarily, and I hear myself whimper.

"That's it," Vlad murmurs against me. "Let go, Sofia. I've got you."

The next thing I know, I feel his finger sliding inside me, stretching me in preparation for what's to come. My eyes clench shut as I struggle to contain my moans, but the sensation is too overwhelming.

His tongue now flicks against my clit, and he curves his finger, adding another. He circles inside me, making me feel at every angle, and I clench my legs, wanting to feel more.

His fingers hit the upper walls within, and suddenly, I lurch off the bed as a jolt of electricity passes through me. This pleasure, it’s a form I’ve never felt before. I fear it, for if it gets any better, I feel like I actually might cease to exist.

He fingers me harder, his tongue moving faster. I fall back down on the bed, and he places his hand on my stomach to keep me down, getting fiercer, hotter, wilder…

I'm breathing heavily, clinging to the sheets as my body thrashes in pleasure. He continues his relentless teasing, and I moan loudly, my hips lifting toward his mouth and against his fingers.

The next thing I know, I feel a heat beginning to grow within me, which seems to be the very center of the universe. The heat spirals outward, growing stronger and reaching every corner of my existence. Every sensation heightens, and every nerve ending is alive with a furious tide.

“Vlad!” I cry out his name. My eyes close shut and my entire body begins to tremble. Suddenly, I’m overflown, and I lurch off the bed with a groan, losing all sense of skin and bone. The world goes dark, and all I see are stars, my breath heaving, my muscles becoming water, and I fall back down.

Vlad stays between my legs, his fingers gently massaging me until the last of my orgasm passes.

At last, the world comes back. When I open my eyes, I see him looking up at me with wonder, a thin sheen of sweat trickling on his forehead.

I grab him by the lapel and bring him up to me, kissing him gently before begging for more.

He lifts his head, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "More?"

I grip his shoulders, nails digging in slightly. "You know what I mean," I say with hunger.

"Do I?" Vlad chuckles, nipping at my collarbone. "I think I'd like to hear you say it."

I narrow my eyes at him, but the effect is likely ruined by my flushed cheeks and heavy breathing.

His eyes darken at my expression, pure, unadulterated desire. "As you wish," he concedes, sitting back on his heels.

I watch, mesmerized, as Vlad begins to undress. There's no hesitation in his movements, just fluid confidence as he reveals tanned skin and taut muscles. My breath catches as he stands to remove his pants, and I can't help but stare.

"Like what you see?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I swallow hard.

Vlad laughs, a deep, rich sound that sends shivers down my spine. He reaches for something in the drawer of the nightstand—a condom, I realize—before he positions himself above me.

His expression softens as he brushes a strand of hair from my face. "Are you sure about this, Sofia?"

I nod, surprised by the tenderness in his touch. "Yes," I whisper. "I want this. I want you."

I hold my breath as Vlad positions himself at my entrance. His eyes lock with mine, intense and searching.

"Tell me if you need me to stop," he murmurs, his voice strained with restraint.

I nod, unable to form words as he slowly pushes inside. The stretch is intense, a burning sensation that's equal parts pleasure and pain. I gasp, my fingers digging into his shoulders.

"Breathe, my love," Vlad whispers, kissing my forehead. "I've got you."

His words, surprisingly gentle, help me relax. As he sinks deeper, a low moan escapes him. "God, Sofia. You feel incredible."

The fullness is overwhelming. I've never felt so connected to another person. "Vlad," I breathe, my voice trembling.

He stills, giving me time to adjust. "Are you okay?"

I nod, surprised by the vulnerability in his eyes. "Yes. Please… move."

Vlad starts with slow, shallow thrusts. His lips find mine in a deep kiss as he gradually increases his pace. One hand kneads my breast, thumb circling my nipple.

"More," I plead, arching into him. "Faster."

He obliges, his hips snapping forward with more force. The initial discomfort fades, replaced by waves of pleasure.

"Like this?" Vlad growls, his control slipping.

"Yes," I gasp. "Don't stop."

Our bodies move together, finding a rhythm. I'm lost in sensation, in the feeling of Vlad surrounding me, filling me. It's more intense than I ever imagined.

"Sofia," he groans. "You're perfect. So beautiful."

He feasts on me like a man starved, rotating and pounding until I am moaning continuously, my hips rocking mindlessly against his mouth. The pleasure crests higher and higher.

I close my eyes, and my nails rake down his back, and he lunges deeper, if that even was possible.

“Oh my god,” I mewl, clutching him as close as I possibly can. He nuzzles into my neck, his cock hitting that perfect spot.

I thrust my hips against his, my back arching off the bed.

“Fuck,” he growls. “You’re incredible. This is incredible.”

His words, combined with the friction of our bodies, push me closer to the edge. I cling to him, overwhelmed by the connection between us.

"Vlad, I'm close," I whimper, surprised by my own boldness.

He kisses me fiercely. "Let go. I've got you."

A tingling warmth builds low in my belly, spreading outward. I gasp as it intensifies, my body tensing. "Oh god, Vlad… I'm—”

The sensation explodes, radiating through me in pulsing waves. My back arches, fingers digging into Vlad's shoulders as I cry out. Every nerve feels electrified.

"That's it, beautiful," Vlad growls, his thrusts becoming erratic. "I'm close, too. Fuck, Sofia…"

His cock throbs inside me, and I feel him swell even larger. With a guttural moan, he buries himself deep. "I'm cumming," he gasps against my neck.

We cling to each other, trembling and breathless as our shared climax washes over us. For a moment, the world narrows to just us—our racing hearts, our mingled breaths.

As the intensity fades, Vlad carefully withdraws, disposing of the condom before gathering me into his arms. I curl against his chest, feeling strangely vulnerable.

"Are you alright?" he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I nod, not trusting my voice. The enormity of what just happened is sinking in.

"Talk to me, Sofia," Vlad says softly, a hint of worry in his tone.

I take a shaky breath. "I'm fine. It's just… a lot."

His arms tighten around me. "I know. Thank you for trusting me with this."

Something in his voice makes me look up. There's an unexpected softness in his eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" I venture, curiosity overcoming my usual reserve.

Vlad nods. "Anything."

"Have you… done this often?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

He's quiet for a moment. "Not as often as you might think," he finally says. "And never like this."

"What do you mean?"

Vlad sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I've had partners, yes. But it was always… just a one-night thing. I’ve never slept with a woman more than once.”

His words stir something deep within me, a conflicting mix of warmth and jealousy. I try to mask it, but Vlad sees right through me.

"What's wrong?" he asks, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

I bite my lip, hating how vulnerable I feel. "It's nothing."

"Sofia," he says, his voice low and insistent. "Talk to me."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I just… I can't help but wonder about those other women. Were they prettier? More experienced?"

Vlad's eyes soften. He pulls me even closer, gently kissing my forehead. “If I can be so bold as to say,” he admits, staring deep into my eyes, “this is the first time it's meant something."

His honesty catches me off guard. I search his face, looking for any sign of deception, but find only raw vulnerability.

"Why me?" I whisper.

"Because you're different, Sofia," he says, cupping my cheek. "You challenge me. You're not afraid to stand up to me. And somehow, that makes me want to be better."

“But—”

He silences me with a kiss, deep and possessive. When he pulls back, his gaze is intense. "I'm yours, Sofia. Completely. Do you understand?"

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "I understand."

And then, limbs entangled, we fall into deep sleep. That night, I don’t dream. It’s a safe sleep, a secure sleep, one where nothing can possibly go wrong.

***

The week that follows is… unexpected. Vlad and I fall into a rhythm I never thought possible. Mornings start with shared coffee and playful banter.

"You're burning the eggs again," I tease one day, leaning against the kitchen counter.

Vlad shoots me a mock glare. "I'd like to see you do better, princess."

I raise an eyebrow, accepting the challenge. Soon, we're laughing as I demonstrate my superior egg-flipping skills.

Our evenings are filled with quiet moments. Sometimes, we read in companionable silence; other times, Vlad teaches me chess, his patience surprising me. More than once, he carries me up to the bedroom. Every night, we make love until way past midnight.

"Checkmate," I announce triumphantly on our third night.

Vlad's eyes narrow. "You've been holding out on me, haven't you?"

I shrug, unable to hide my smirk. "A girl's got to have some secrets."

He pulls me into his lap, nuzzling my neck. "I look forward to uncovering every single one."

As the days pass, I find myself opening up more, sharing stories of my childhood and my hopes for the future. Vlad listens intently, his fingers often intertwined with mine.

"I never thought I'd have this," I admit one night as we lay in bed.

Vlad props himself up on an elbow, studying my face. "Have what?"

I gesture vaguely between us. "This… connection. I always thought I was too much for most men. Intimidating, cold."

He brushes a strand of hair from my face. "You don't have to be anything but yourself with me, Sofia. I want all of you—the ice queen and the woman beneath."

His words warm me from the inside out, and I pull him down for a kiss, marveling at how quickly this man has become my safe harbor.

***

I'm lounging on the couch in Vlad's study, my legs draped over his lap as he types away on his laptop. The rhythmic click of keys is oddly soothing, but curiosity gets the better of me.

"Any news?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.

Vlad's fingers pause, and he looks up at me, his steel-gray eyes intense. "As a matter of fact, yes. My men have made significant progress infiltrating the Crimson Crew."

I sit up straighter, my heart racing. "Tell me everything."

He closes his laptop, giving me his full attention. "We've managed to place six of our most trusted operatives within their ranks. They've already uncovered some valuable information about their operations and hierarchy. They’ve weeded out the bad guys. Threatened the lower ranks, who turned on the higher in fear. We have removed three men in command who are threats to the Orlovs, and it’s been done in such a way that it can’t be traced back to us."

"That's… impressive," I admit, a mix of relief and satisfaction coursing through me. "I didn't expect results so quickly."

Vlad's hand finds my knee, his touch warm and reassuring. "I told you I'd take this seriously, Sofia. Your goals are my goals now."

I swallow hard, surprised by the lump forming in my throat. "Thank you," I whisper, covering his hand with mine.

His eyes soften. "You don't have to thank me. We're in this together."

***

One slow afternoon, while Vlad is away at work, I decide to make a list of changes I’d like to make to the house.

As I'm searching for a pen in Vlad's office to jot down some ideas, I can't help but reflect on how much has changed. My fingers brush against a folder tucked away in the first drawer I open, and I look down without thinking.

My brows furrow as I see my name scrawled across the top. "What the…" I mutter, flipping it open. My eyes widen as I scan the contents, my heart dropping to my stomach.

There, laid out as I open the folder, are photos of me with some of the Crimson Crew, taken the night of our family party. The night when I snuck out.

The night before Vlad reached out to my brothers, asking for my hand in marriage.

Suddenly, I feel a cold, clammy sensation envelop me. My breathing hitches, my hands trembling as I try to process what I'm seeing. Vlad knew about my plans before our marriage arrangement was even on the table.

What does this mean? Did he marry me to stop me from pursuing my goals with the Crimson Crew? To control and manipulate me?

To ensure he intervenes and stops me from pulling down the Crimson Crew? To mess up my plans.

My chest constricts, anger boiling in my veins like molten iron.

How could he do this to me? I felt like we were finally getting to know each other, opening up and sharing our deepest selves. And now, I realize he's been keeping things from me all along—things that not only betray my trust but also threaten the security of my family.

A bitter, twisted flame ignites in the pit of my stomach as I realize that I only thought I knew him. He’s been running on a different agenda altogether.

I slam the folder shut, hurling it back into the drawer with vicious force, the betrayal seeping deep into my soul.