Captured by the Bratva (Sharov Bratva #3)

Chapter Eight - Kirill

I glance at my watch, noting the time with a twinge of impatience. She isn’t here yet. Did she decide to dip at the last moment? I scan the restaurant, the quiet hum of morning activity doing little to ease my restlessness.

For someone in her position, she should know better than to be late. My fingers drum on the table, and I let out a breath, trying to keep my thoughts in check.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see her. Violet Harrison walks in, her eyes scanning the room before landing on me. She approaches with a purposeful stride, and I can’t help but notice how even in a modest mid-length dress, she exudes an understated elegance. The dress hugs her curves just enough for me to appreciate her figure without being overtly revealing. It’s a delicate balance, one that she manages effortlessly.

“Good morning,” she greets as she sits down opposite me, her voice steady but betraying a hint of nerves.

“Good morning, Malyshka,” I respond, the endearment slipping out naturally. There’s something about her that demands a nickname. It means baby girl.

Violet raises an eyebrow at the nickname but doesn’t comment on it. I can read emotions well, and despite her confident front, I see the flicker of nervousness in her eyes, the slight tension in her shoulders.

“You’re in danger,” I say without preamble, watching her reaction closely.

She tilts her head slightly, a skeptical smile forming on her lips. “Why should I believe you? How do you even know anything about my family’s business?”

I lean forward, my eyes locking on to hers. “Your father reached out to me before he passed away. He paid me a handsome amount to protect you, Violet. This isn’t a bluff or a game. He trusted me with your safety, and now it’s my duty to ensure you stay safe.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I hold up a hand to stop her. “You may not like it, but for me to fulfill my role, you need to follow my rules. This is not negotiable.”

Violet’s eyes flash with defiance, but she remains silent, weighing my words. I can see her mind working, trying to piece together the situation.

“Why would my father trust you?” she finally asks, her voice softer now, the skepticism giving way to genuine curiosity.

“He knew I could handle threats that go beyond the law,” I reply. “He knew I have the resources and the network to protect you in ways others can’t. Your father was a smart man. He saw the value in what I offer.”

Violet sits back, processing this. I take the opportunity to study her more closely. Her brown hair frames her face perfectly, and her eyes, despite the fear and uncertainty, hold a depth that’s captivating. There’s a strength in her that I admire, even if she doesn’t fully realize it yet.

“I don’t like this,” she admits after a moment. She scoffs in disbelief, crossing her arms over her chest. “You have no right over me,” she says, her tone calm but laced with a feisty edge. “I can very much protect myself, and I don’t believe for a second that my father reached out to you. You’re playing some sort of game, and I don’t want any part of it.”

With that, she gets up, her movements graceful yet determined. “I don’t need your protection, and I certainly don’t need you telling me what to do,” she adds, her eyes flashing with defiance.

She then turns on her heel and walks away, her back straight and her chin held high. I watch her go, a grin spreading across my face. She’s an interesting one, no doubt about it. There’s a fire in her that’s both intriguing and challenging.

Just as Violet exits the restaurant, Dimitri walks over to me, a questioning look on his face. “What’s the plan?” he asks, his tone respectful but curious.

“Keep a keen eye on her,” I say, my grin widening. “She’s determined to do things her way, but she doesn’t realize the danger she’s in. We need to make sure she’s protected, even if she doesn’t want it.”

Dimitri nods, understanding the unspoken orders behind my words. “I’ll have our best men on it. She won’t even know they’re there.”

“Good,” I reply, leaning back in my chair. “Make sure they’re discreet. We don’t want to spook her more than she already is.”

As Dimitri walks away to carry out my orders, I take a moment to reflect on the encounter. Violet’s strength and independence are admirable, but they also make her vulnerable in ways she doesn’t yet understand. She’s used to being in control, to handling things on her own terms. I suspect, however, this situation is far beyond anything she’s dealt with before.

I glance out the window, watching as Violet disappears into the bustling crowd outside. Her determination to stand on her own is clear, but so is her naivety about the dangers lurking in the shadows. She may not trust me now, but she’ll come to see that my presence in her life is not optional—it’s essential.

I sip my coffee, my thoughts lingering on her fiery spirit. Protecting her will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than ready to take on. There’s more at stake here than just fulfilling a promise to her father. There’s a deep-seated need within me to see this through, to ensure her safety and to unravel the mysteries surrounding her father’s death.

***

As the morning rushes by, I make my way back to the Black Orchid Club. The familiar surroundings offer a sense of comfort and control.

Once in my office, I go over the security arrangements Dimitri has set up. He’s efficient and thorough, as always. Violet will be under constant surveillance, with a team of our best men ensuring her safety. She may not like it, but it’s necessary.

Dimitri returns, his expression serious. “Everything’s in place. She won’t be able to make a move without us knowing.”

“Perfect,” I reply, nodding in satisfaction. “Keep me updated on her whereabouts and any potential threats. We need to stay one step ahead.”

He leaves again, and I sit back, my mind drifting to Violet once more. Her resistance is expected, but it’s only a matter of time before she realizes the gravity of the situation. The threats against her are real, and her stubborn independence won’t be enough to keep her safe.

As the day turns into evening, I find myself restless, the need to ensure her safety gnawing at me. There’s a part of me that’s drawn to her strength and defiance, but there’s also a part that wants to protect her from the harsh realities she’s about to face. I can’t shake the image of her fiery eyes and determined stance from my mind.

Before leaving the office, I decide to reach out to her. Pulling out my phone, I type a message.

We need to talk further. Your safety is paramount. Let me know when you’re available.

I hit send and wait, my fingers tapping restlessly on the desk. It doesn’t take long for her to respond.

There’s nothing more to discuss. I told you, I can take care of myself.

Her curt reply brings a grin to my face. Even in text, her fire is unmistakable. I can almost hear the sharp edge in her voice, the defiance that makes her both a challenge and a temptation.

This isn’t about what you can do alone. It’s about ensuring you have the protection you need.

There’s a pause before her next message comes through.

I don’t need your protection, and I certainly don’t need you in my life. Stay away from me.

I laugh softly to myself. She’s angry, and I can sense her frustration. It’s that very fire that makes her so intriguing. It’s been a long time since anyone has spoken to me like this, with such bold defiance.

You may not like it, but I’m not going anywhere. Your father entrusted me with your safety, and I intend to fulfill that promise.

Her reply is almost immediate, the words practically leaping off the screen.

My father’s dead. He’s not here to make decisions for me anymore.

I feel a twinge of sympathy for her loss, but it’s overshadowed by the thrill of the challenge she presents. She’s a storm, wild and untamed, and I find myself irresistibly drawn to her chaos.

Nevertheless, I’m here. I will protect you, whether you like it or not.

There’s no response this time, and I can almost picture her fuming on the other end. The thought brings a smirk to my lips. I gather my things, the echo of our conversation lingering in my mind as I head home.

As soon as I step into my apartment, I feel the weight of the day begin to lift. The quiet solitude of my home is a stark contrast to the intensity of my thoughts. I pour myself a drink and settle into my favorite chair, the image of Violet still vivid in my mind.

Her defiance, her fire, the way she stood up to me—all of it is incredibly alluring. I close my eyes, letting the images play out in my mind. Her voice, sharp and clear, challenging me. Her body, lithe and graceful, moving with a confidence that only she possesses.

I can’t help but let my thoughts wander to more intimate fantasies. The way her dress hugged her curves, the way her eyes sparked with anger—it’s all too enticing. My hand drifts lower, the need to release the tension building within me overwhelming. My cock is already stiff and waiting.

I imagine her beneath me, her defiance melting into desire, her voice a soft whisper of my name as she grinds into me. The thought of claiming that fire, of turning her anger into passion, drives me wild. My breath quickens as I pump myself, my mind lost in the fantasy of Violet, and the pleasure is intense, almost overwhelming.

Afterward, as I lie there in the quiet of my room, I realize just how deeply she’s gotten under my skin. It’s not just about protecting her anymore. It’s about the challenge, the thrill of her defiance, and the undeniable attraction I feel for her.

She’s a storm I want to tame, a fire I want to control.