Page 83 of The Bratva Enforcer and His Virgin Bride

I stare at the tablet still sitting on my desk. At Sofia’s file. At Creed’s secrets. At the mess Karl created.

I realize that since this whole situation began, the code isn’t what worries me.

It’s Sofia.

Because sooner or later, she’s going to learn the truth.

And I have a feeling that when she does, she won’t care why I stayed.

She’ll only remember why I came.

I stare at the closed office door long after Ben leaves.

His last words continue echoing in my head.

Eventually, you’re going to have to tell her.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

The problem isn’t the truth itself.

It’s what the truth will mean once Sofia hears it.

I lean back in my chair and rub a hand across my jaw.

A few weeks ago, this wouldn’t have bothered me.

I would have done what needed to be done.

The problem is that somewhere along the way, Sofia stopped feeling like a problem to solve.

I don’t know exactly when it happened.

Maybe the day she arrived.

Maybe when she unpacked that ridiculous box of books and treated them like treasure.

Maybe when she looked at me with genuine concern after I got her and she had to bandage my hands.

Or maybe it happened so gradually that I never noticed until now.

Whatever the reason, the result is the same.

I care what happens to her.

The realization settles heavily in my chest.

I stand and walk toward the window overlooking the grounds.

Guards move through the property below.

Patrol routes. Security positions. Controlled. Protected. Safe.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

The truth is, the moment I connected Sofia to Creed, the entire situation changed.