Page 67 of Forced Bratva Kidnapped Virgin
“Anyone involved in human trafficking.”
A pause.
I continued, “The girl’s good at what she does, and she’s not against us.” After a quick pause, I added, “She’s not a liability, Father. She’s an asset—one that can make all our legal problems go away in a flash.”
His lips curved into a faint grin. “She sounds resourceful. And more beneficial to the organization than that clown.”
The look on his face revealed something strange: intrigue. He found her rather fascinating.
“Exactly,” I said. “Silencing her would only validate Vika’s behavior. And we don’t want that. So let’s allow her to correct the damage he’s done.”
He didn’t speak. Just stared.
“After she wins the case, you can decide whether she’s good enough to protect our interests or not.”
“You sound confident that she’ll win.”
No reply.
He wasn’t wrong, though. I was overly confident in her ability to bury that asshole.
My father studied me for a moment, gently rocking his chair side to side. “You seem to have it all figured out.”
I did.
“So what’s your plan when senior members begin to oppose you?” he asked. “You do know the boy’s father won’t let this slide.”
“That’s where you come in.”
He arched his brows. “Me?”
“You’re just as powerful and feared as Uncle Vladimir. I’m sure you can handle him and a few senior members.”
He laughed lightly, as if shocked by my audacity. “Bold of you to try and manipulate me into sticking out my neck for you.”
“Your brother is doing the same for his disgrace of a son,” I answered, unflinching. “Will you sit back and do nothing to defend yours?”
He hesitated, a small grin playing on his lips. “You tricky bastard.” Father chuckled, and after a moment of thought, he said, “Fine. I’ll handle my brother and anyone else at the top who tries to interfere with her work.”
“Good.” I kept a straight face, even though his approval meant the world to me.
Mikhail rose to his feet, fastening the buttons of his coat. “I’ll see myself out.”
I gave a curt nod, and he did too.
Without another word, he turned around, whistling as he walked away.
Only then did I allow myself a brief, rare grin.
***
Later that evening, I was passing through the hallway when I noticed the library door was slightly ajar. The lights were on, indicating that someone was in there. When I drew closer, I found out it was her. Kiera. My little lawyer.
She sat on the floor, surrounded by files and notes, her hair tied in a messy bun. A red pen rested against her left ear as she scanned the pages of a book. Her brows drew together, underscoring the seriousness on her face.
I watched her quietly from the doorway, intrigued by her focus, her resolve, and the way she was fully absorbed in herwork. Her dedication to the job was remarkable, and for the first time, pride settled deep in my chest.
That incredible strength and fiery spirit of hers was exactly what I needed beside me. Because she had slithered her way into my stony heart, I began to look at her in a different light.
