Captured by the Bratva (Sharov Bratva #3)

Chapter Six - Kirill

As we drive away from the cemetery, the rain begins to fall more steadily, creating a rhythmic pattern on the car roof. Dimitri is at the wheel, navigating the streets with his usual efficiency. I sit in the back, staring out the window, lost in thought.

Violet Harrison. Even in her grief, she managed to captivate my attention. She stood out in the crowd with her natural beauty, her expressive brown eyes filled with sorrow, and her long hair that framed her face perfectly. She wore no makeup, her skin pale and flawless against the black of her mourning clothes. Despite her sadness, there was a strength in her posture, a quiet resilience that intrigued me.

Dimitri glances at me in the rearview mirror, a smirk playing on his lips. “She’s quite the looker, isn’t she?” he says, his tone light. “I’ll love this job.”

His words snap me out of my reverie, and a surge of irritation flares up inside me. Dimitri’s excited expression only fuels my anger. This is not just a job; it’s a serious responsibility. One that I cannot afford to take lightly.

I lean forward, my voice cold and authoritative. “This is not a job for you to enjoy, Dimitri. This is about protecting her, ensuring her safety. Make no mistake, I will handle this one myself.”

Dimitri’s smirk fades, replaced by a more serious expression. “Of course, Kirill. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

I settle back in my seat, my anger simmering down but not fully dissipating. “Good. Remember that.”

Dimitri nods, focusing back on the road. The rest of the drive is silent, but my mind is anything but. Violet Harrison is now under my protection, and I have to ensure she stays safe. Not just because it’s my duty, but because something about her compels me to take this personally.

I think back to the moment I first saw her, standing by her father’s grave, her face a mask of sorrow and strength. She has no idea what kind of danger she’s in, or why her father entrusted her safety to me. I’ll make sure she understands soon enough.

As the car continues down the wet streets, I can’t shake the image of her from my mind. Her vulnerability, her beauty, and the fire I glimpsed in her eyes all combine to create a portrait of someone worth protecting. And I will protect her, no matter what it takes.

We arrive back at the Black Orchid Club, the lights and music making my pulse thrum. I step out of the car, determination coursing through me. This mission is now my top priority, and I will see it through to the end. Violet Harrison will be safe under my watch, and I will find out who is behind the threats to her family.

As I enter the club, the sounds of laughter and music envelop me, but my focus remains sharp. I have a job to do, and I will not be distracted. Violet’s safety is my responsibility now, and I will ensure that she remains unharmed.

Dimitri turns to me, jolting me from my thoughts with a hint of mischief still in his eyes. “Shall I get us some drinks? Might help take the edge off.”

I shake my head, my voice firm. “No, Dimitri. Get back to work. We have a lot to do.”

Dimitri starts to argue, his tone edging on insubordination. “Come on, Kirill. It’s been a long day. Just one—”

“Enough,” I cut him off, my eyes narrowing. “I said get back to fucking work. Or do I need to remind you of your place?”

Dimitri swallows, his playful demeanor evaporating under my stern gaze. “Understood, Boss,” he replies, his tone now respectful. He turns and heads towards his office, his shoulders slightly hunched.

I watch him go, then make my way to the bar. The bartender pours a glass of my favorite whiskey. I take the glass, savoring the familiar burn as it slides down my throat, grounding me in the midst of the chaos.

With my drink in hand, I head to the elevator and press the button for the basement floor. My private space and office are located there, away from the prying eyes and noise of the club. As the elevator descends, I take a moment to collect my thoughts, preparing myself for the tasks ahead.

The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the dimly lit hallway that leads to my office. As I pass by Dimitri’s office, I glance inside. He’s already at his desk, focused on his computer screen. I pause at the doorway. “How are things going?”

Dimitri looks up, his expression serious. “Fine. Have you read my report on Violet?”

I shake my head, taking another sip of my whiskey. “Not yet. I will today. Make sure everything is in order. I don’t want any surprises.”

He nods, his eyes flickering with a mix of respect and concern. “You got it, Boss.”

I continue down the hall, my thoughts turning to Violet and the promise I made at her father’s grave. There’s something about her that stirs a sense of duty and protection in me, beyond the professional obligation. I can’t afford to let my guard down, especially now.

Reaching my office, I push open the heavy door and step inside. The room is a sanctuary of sorts, filled with dark wood furniture and leather chairs, the walls lined with books and mementos from a life lived in the shadows. I sit behind my desk, placing the whiskey glass beside a stack of files.

I open the top file, the one Dimitri prepared on Violet. As I begin to read, I let the details of her life wash over me.

Violet Harrison, twenty-three, heir to Jeff Harrison’s empire. Homeschooled from ages five to ten by Jeff Harrison himself and a team of private tutors; she then attended Whitmore Academy, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities.

Her personality traits jump off the page. Intelligent, articulate, and driven, she is known for her strong will and independence. Respected in social circles for her grace and poise, Violet’s involvement in charity work and her disciplined routines paint a picture of a woman who is caring and deeply connected to her community.

I linger on the details of her habits and routines. She starts her mornings with a run, followed by coffee and breakfast at her favorite spot, Le Petit Café. Her weekly schedule includes yoga classes on Mondays, volunteering at a local animal shelter on Wednesdays, and spending Sundays at home.

The report also outlines her close relationships. Sarah Williams, her best friend, often seen with her at various events, and Caleb Fanning, her father’s trusted employee, who acts as a protective brotherly figure. The dynamics here are clear: Sarah could be a potential weak point if someone were looking to get to Violet, while Caleb seems like he could be a valuable ally in protecting her.

I close the file, struck by Violet’s character. She is not just a pampered heiress; she is a woman of substance, someone who has been groomed to take over her father’s empire but has also forged her own path. Her strong will and independence will make her a formidable individual to protect, but also a challenging one to gain the trust of.

Taking another sip of my whiskey, I lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. Protecting Violet Harrison will require vigilance, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of her safety. The path ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: I won’t let anything happen to her. Not while I’m around.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. Dimitri steps in, curiosity and concern etched on his face. “Kirill, how’s the report?” he asks.

“Thorough,” I reply, setting the file down. “She’s not just any heiress. She’s intelligent, driven, and strong-willed. Protecting her won’t be easy.”

Dimitri nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “I knew you’d find it interesting. What’s the plan?”

“We keep a close watch on her. I want our best men on this, no mistakes. I need you to dig deeper into any potential threats, find out who’s targeting her and why. I’ll need to establish contact with her, make her understand the situation without alarming her.”

“Understood,” Dimitri says, his expression turning serious. “I’ll get right on it.”

“Good,” I reply, leaning forward, the intensity of the moment not lost on either of us. “I want updates every hour. This isn’t just about watching her; it’s about understanding her life and anticipating any threats. Make sure our men are discreet but thorough.”

Dimitri nods, jotting down notes in his small leather notebook. “I’ll deploy our best team. They’ll start by covering her usual spots—Central Park, Le Petit Café, the yoga studio.”

I take another sip of my whiskey, the burn a welcome distraction from the weight of the responsibility. “Dimitri, make sure Caleb Fanning is aware but doesn’t interfere. He’s protective of her, and we can use that to our advantage, but he needs to stay out of our way.”

“Understood. Caleb’s cooperation will be crucial, but I’ll handle it.” Dimitri stands, ready to leave, but pauses at the door. “What about direct contact with Violet? How do you plan to approach her?”

I lean back, considering the question. “We need to establish a relationship of trust. I’ll reach out to her soon, but not until we have a clearer picture of the threats. The last thing we need is to scare her or make her feel cornered.”

Dimitri nods, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “You’re right. She’s strong, but we need her to understand the gravity of the situation without feeling overwhelmed.”

As Dimitri turns to leave, I add, “Do I need to remind you to take this seriously?”

He pauses, the gravity of my words sinking in. “No, Boss.”

With that, Dimitri leaves my office, the door closing softly behind him. I sit back, my mind still on Violet. She’s unlike anyone I’ve encountered before—resilient, intelligent, and heartbreakingly vulnerable in her grief. Protecting her is more than a duty; it’s a promise.

As I finish my whiskey and prepare to dive back into my work, I can’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation. Meeting her, earning her trust, and keeping her safe will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than ready to face.