Page 35 of Dark Seduction
“Are you being cryptic on purpose?” I ask him.
He offers a smile. “The Ivanovs are a Bratva.”
The word sounds vaguely familiar. “Bratva?”
“Yes. Much like the Italian mafia, Russians also have powerful families, and the Ivanovs are among the most powerful of them all.”
The puzzle pieces start clicking into place. “Ah, I see.”
What the fuck have I gotten myself into?
Sensing my unease, Vlad goes on. “We are not criminals. We own businesses, legitimate ones, and try to give back to our community. The Bratva is a brotherhood, and we protect our own.”
I nod, urging him to continue.
"Here in Chicago, the Ivanov family is top dog. That should mean things are calm, stable. But apparently, someone's got an itch to stir the pot if that insanity the other night was any indication."
He leans in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a state secret. "And trust me, in this game, it's all about keeping your friends close and your enemies on speed dial. Sounds like someone's looking to reshuffle the deck."
His casual mention of espionage reminds me of all those twisty mob plots in the movies, except this is real life, and somehow, I’ve found myself in a supporting actress role.
"Between trying to decode Lev and dodging bullets, I think I've accidentally signed up for a spy thriller, not a job."
Vladimir nods solemnly. "What we witnessed the other night, Dalia, was a horrendous violation of Bratva code. Civilians, especially those uninvolved directly, are off-limits. Whoever orchestrated that stunt has essentially signed their own death warrant in our world."
He takes a sip of his coffee, his expression hardening. "Lev made me promise to spare you the gritty details, but you should know—he’s been scouring every corner of Chicago since the attack. He's hell-bent on unmasking whoever dared disrupt our peace."
I lean in, soaking up every word. It's like a window has become slightly ajar into Lev’s world, one that I've only glimpsed through veiled curtains until now. "So, that's where he’s been all week? Hunting ghosts in the underworld?"
"Exactly," Vladimir confirms. "It’s not just about retaliation; it’s about sending a message that the Ivanovs will not be challenged without consequence. He's determined, perhaps more than I've seen him in years. It’s a side of him that takes no prisoners."
He sets his cup down, his gaze meeting mine with intensity. "I know this world is new to you, and frankly, it’s not one I’d wish on anyone who values peace of mind over constant vigilance. But here you are, and here it is. Lev’s world is not just one of boardrooms and stock exchanges alone; it’s woven with loyalty, honor, and, at times, necessary brutality."
"I appreciate you filling me in. It helps a little, I guess."
"Lev is genuinely looking out for you. But, you know," he continues, his tone dipping into something a bit more solemn, "if you ever think this gig—or this crazy world—is too much, Lev would understand. He really would."
I let out a laugh, a bit sharper than I intended. "Bit late for that now," I say more to myself than to him.
He cocks an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my offhand remark.
Realizing I might've let too much slip, I quickly add, "I just mean, I’m already in deep, might as well see how the whole story unfolds, right?"
Vlad nods, though it's clear he's not totally buying it. "Well, if you need an out, remember you’ve got options," he says earnestly.
I stand up, feeling the need to escape before I really spill the beans. "Thanks for the tea, and the ear, Vlad. It helped more than you know," I say, putting on my best smile.
He returns the smile, warm yet tinged with a bit of concern. "Anytime, Dalia. Take care of yourself."
I make my way out, my thoughts racing faster than my heels can carry me.
Two things are crystal clear: my feelings for Lev are as messed up and complicated as ever, and there’s a new life on board for this wild ride I’ve found myself on.
Chapter 15
Lev
“Oh, this is them. No doubt about it,” Vanya says.