Page 64 of Forbidden Bratva Virgin

“Miron, do you know what happens to a man who looks back on a battlefield?”

“He’ll probably die.”

“You’re looking back. So, you know that you can get shot right in the head, and you wouldn’t know until you’re down on the ground.”

“Egor, I—”

“There is a lot at stake here. A lot to consider. It strikes as odd that you would choose such a delicate time to pull this stunt.” He was talking more to himself than to me. “Unless you’re in love with her?”

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

Love?

The word felt too small, too simple for what twisted inside me. It wasn’t just attraction. It wasn’t just need. It was darker, deeper. I wanted her safe. I wanted her close. I wanted her to know that no one—not even herself—would take her from me.

“Your silence says enough.” Egor chuckled again, shaking his head. “I promised you to Ivanova, and his daughter is preparing for a wedding next month, Miron. You know that this decision of yours would cost us heavily. Millions of dollars lost, good connections for future business dissolved. Most importantly, Alina’s pride. I doubt that Ivanova wouldn’t dare cross me, but the girl is wildfire.”

Alina? Easy. I could take care of her. Alina was not a threat. She was the least of my problems. What mattered was whether thePakhanwas on board or not.

With Egor’s question still plaguing my thoughts, I exhaled through my nose, unwilling to admit to something I wasn’t even sure of myself. “I have counted the costs, and I’m willing to work harder to restore every loss recurred in triplefold. What concerns me the most is your blessings, Egor. As I said, my loyalty lies with you, and always will. As for everything else, I’ve made my choice and will not change my mind.”

“You surprise me, Miron. Never would I have thought that you, of all people, would take these steps for a woman.” He studied me for a long moment before giving a slow nod. “As for my blessings, I give them to you. But I hope, for your sake, she’s worth all the hell that will break loose.”

I didn’t reply.

I already knew the answer to that.

Chapter 24 – Hazel

I balanced my phone between my ear and my shoulder as I shoved my arms into my jacket. My mom’s voice crackled in my ear, completely oblivious to my struggle.

“Are you taking your vitamins?” she asked.

I sighed, hopping on one foot as I tried to get my shoe on. “Yes, Mom. I am taking the vitamins.”

“The good ones? Not the cheap ones that just dissolve into nothing in your stomach?”

“Yes, the good ones.” I grabbed my bag and checked for my keys. Not in my pocket. Not in my bag. Not on the counter. Fantastic.

What was it with damn keys not being where they were supposed to be?

“Are you drinking enough water?”

I shoved my hand into the couch cushions, praying my keys weren’t lost in the abyss. “Yes, Mother. I am drinking enough water.”

“Not just coffee?”

“…yes.” To be honest, my caffeine intake was pretty decent. I properly balanced caffeine, water, and healthy smoothies.

There was a long pause on the other end, and I could hear the doubt radiating through the phone.

“Hazel.”

I sighed dramatically. “Fine. Maybe mostly coffee. Sometimes. But it has water in it, so technically—”

“Baby girl, that is not how that works. I have told you time and time again that too much caffeine in your system is bad for your health.”

“Yes,” I groaned. “Yes, Mother. I hear you.”

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