Page 22 of Twisted Vows

I giggled, filled with the kind of satisfaction I’d never experienced before. This was just the beginning, and I couldn’t wait to see what else Rurik and Malachi had in store for me.

I nodded. “I want to be with both of you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rurik’s eyes darkened with desire, and he leaned in to kiss me again. This time, his lips were soft and warm, and I melted into the kiss, responding instinctively. He pulled back after a moment, breathing harder than he had been. “I’ll make sure Malachi knows,” he said with a wide smile.

I nodded my agreement and saw him to the door a short time later, watching as he walked to the parking lot, barely resisting the urge to call him back. My mind was racing. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I’d never truly considered being with two men at once before, but the idea of being with Rurik and Malachi was intoxicating.

After closing and locking the door, I paced back and forth, trying to calm my erratic thoughts. I was unsure how to navigate my emotions. I was relieved I wouldn't have to choose between them because I didn't see how I could.

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. Could I handle the complexities of a relationship with two men? Would there be ugly judgments? Our small community of Russian immigrants was still mostly traditional. I wanted to fit in, but was I willing to conform with the cost of losing an opportunity with these two fabulous men?

I sat on my couch. It would be complicated. Being with bratva men was dangerous, and I couldn’t ignore the risks, but I also couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward them. I wanted to see what would happen, to explore this connection, and see where it would take me.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I probably shouldn't decide right now when my emotions were so heightened. I needed time to think, to weigh the pros and cons and decide what was best for me.

I stood up, pacing back and forth across my small living room. I thought about Rurik and Malachi, about the way they’d looked at me when they were in the cafe. There was a hunger in their eyes, and a desire that I couldn’t ignore. They wanted me, and the thought of being with them both was exhilarating.

But I also knew that being with them would come with risks; their world was dangerous and unpredictable. I didn’t know if I could handle the chaos that came with their lifestyle.

Eventually, I knew there was nothing to decide. I’d already made up my mind, and it was too late to change it now. I’d already made my decision, probably before either man had even come to me to tell me their thoughts. I wanted to see what would happen with Rurik and Malachi.

I stood up, determined. I wouldn't sit around and wait for the next step to happen. I needed to take control of the situation, to make a move and see where it would lead me.

Chapter Ten – Malachi

The air was thick with tension as I strode into the dimly lit meeting room. I scanned the area, taking in the familiar faces of my bratva brethren, their expressions running the gamut from grim determination to barely contained fury.

Rurik sat near the head of the table, his lean frame exuding a coiled intensity as he pored over a stack of documents. Valentina sat beside him, hammering away on her laptop, no doubt analyzing the latest intel on our escalating conflict with the Armenian gang.

Viktor presided over the gathering with an air of authority that demanded respect. His salt-and-pepper hair and weathered features belied the razor-sharp mind and steady nerves that had kept our organization thriving for decades. Beside him, Dmitri radiated youthful confidence, his piercing gaze sweeping the room as if daring anyone to challenge his place at the table.

“Gentlemen and Valentina,” Viktor’s gravelly voice cut through the silence, commanding our undivided attention. “The situation with the Armenians has escalated beyond our control. Their cyber-attacks have compromised our operations, and their foot soldiers grow bolder by the day.”

A murmur of discontent rippled through the room, punctuated by the sound of fists slamming against the table. I remained impassive, my jaw clenched as I awaited further instructions.

“Rurik,” Viktor turned to my partner, his tone laced with urgency, “What have you and Valentina uncovered?”

Rurik straightened as he brought up a series of encrypted files on the projector screen. “The Armenians have managed to infiltrate our systems, gaining access to sensitive information about our operations and personnel. We’re dealing with a skilled hacker, likely the elusive X we’ve been tracking.”

Valentina cleared her throat. “X is going to be nearly impossible to find. Various governments have been searching for this person and still haven't discovered his or her identity, so I don't think we will be able to either. Our time would be better spent focusing on stopping the Armenians, who are paying X rather than trying to find X.”

A collective hiss of anger filled the room, and though I already knew about the situation, my blood boiled at the thought of our security being breached so deeply. My gaze flickered to Dmitri, whose knuckles had turned white as he gripped the edge of the table.

“We need to strike back and strike hard.” The arrogance of youth laced his tongue. “Let’s hit them where it hurts and show them the consequences of crossing the Yelchin bratva.”

Viktor raised a hand, silencing his son’s outburst. “Patience, Dmitri. We can't afford to act rashly. Malachi, Rurik, you two have proven yourselves time and again. I’m putting you in charge of neutralizing this threat and restoring our operational security.” He nodded to Valentina. “I appreciate your perspective on it, but we're fighting a war on two fronts. X doesn't get to walk away from what they've done just because they've been paid by the Armenians and have no personal stake.”

It seemed like she might argue for a moment, but then she shrugged. “Of course, pakhan. I'll help however I can.”

I met Rurik’s gaze, a silent understanding passing between us. With a brief nod, I acknowledged the weight of the task before us.

“It will be done, pakhan. We’ll find X and make them pay for their transgressions,” said Rurik.

Viktor’s gaze swept the room, his expression hardening. “Make no mistake, gentlemen—this is war. The Armenians have drawn first blood, and we will respond in kind. No mercy, and no quarter given. We are the Yelchin bratva, and they'll pay.”

A chorus of grunts and murmurs echoed through the room in a collective affirmation of our resolve. As the meeting dispersed, I fell into step beside Rurik, our shoulders brushing in a silent show of solidarity.

“We have our orders,” I said, my voice low and gravelly. “Time to show these upstarts the true might of the bratva.”

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