Page 37 of Dark Seduction

I carefully lift the lid of the metal container, revealing scraps of paper. Vanya leans in for a closer look.

"What's that?" he asks, reaching out a hand.

"Wait, don't touch," I snap, pulling the container back sharply. "This could be forensic evidence."

I take another look around at the charred bikes, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. The thought of the men who dared attack my family fuels a violent urge to exact vengeance.

Vanya, perceptive as ever, places a calming hand on my shoulder. "Lev, keep your head. There’s a time for revenge, but we need to be smart about this."

I stand up, my gaze fixed on the horizon as I consider our next move.

"You’re right," I concede, "but understand this—every moment we don't act, word spreads. Our enemies are watching, wondering if the Ivanovs have grown weak, ripe for the taking."

Vanya nods in agreeance, a serious glint in his eye. "We won’t let that happen. We'll strike back, but only when we have everything we need to crush them completely."

Turning the container in my hands, I make a decision. "I'll call my contacts at Chicago PD about this. They can run it through their labs."

Securing the container in my bag, I’m ready to take action. "Let's get this to the police. The sooner we know more, the sooner we can end this threat."

We exit the alley, making our way to the car parked discreetly nearby. Vanya slides into the driver’s seat while I settle into the back, pulling out my phone to make a crucial call.

"Diaz, it’s Lev Ivanov," I say, then wait for the Chicago PD detective to respond.

"Lev, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Detective Diaz’s voice is steady, professional.

"I need a favor. Forensic analysis, and I need it ASAP. Found something that could help us on a case—burnt bikes, possible clues to who’s behind a recent attack.”

"Understood. Meet me in an hour at the usual spot, bring whatever you've got.”

"Thanks, Diaz. I appreciate it.”

Vanya glances at me through the rearview mirror, his eyes serious yet supportive. "Well, that’s a start, right? At least we have something that might lead us to these bastards."

"Yeah," I agree, leaning back against the seat. "It’s a start. But there's a long road ahead. We can’t let our guard down, not untilevery one of them pays for what they tried to do."

Vanya smoothly pulls the car into traffic as we head toward our next move. "We'll get them, Lev. One step at a time."

We merge onto the Kennedy Expressway, the early fall sky heavy with threatening rain clouds. I lean back, my mind churning with more than just Bratva business.

As Vanya handles the traffic, I can't help but think about Dalia. The worry about her safety intertwines with excitement at the unexpected news of the baby. I've always wanted a family, something to ground me beyond the shadows of my Bratva life, but Dalia isn't just any woman, and our path to this point has been anything but typical.

We've catapulted past the stages that most couples slowly meander through. The intensity of our connection, both in private moments and the madness of our lives has left little room for traditional courtship, and I find myself unsure how to navigate these deeper waters.

I want her—more than just physically, but as a partner, as the mother of my child. I want to provide for her, protect her, and build something lasting.

But how do I bridge the gap between being the commanding Bratva COO and a man she can love and rely on, not just fear or desire in the shadow of power?

Rain begins to speckle the windshield. I need to find a way to show her that despite the control and demands, there’s a man who values her beyond the roles she plays in my life.

A man who needs her not just in his bed, but by his side, throughout all of life’s storms.

Chapter 16

Dalia

Islump against the cool tile, the relief from the nausea short-lived as reality sets back in.

Here I am, hunched over the porcelain throne, grateful for my private office bathroom, despite the circumstances.