I plan a quick internet search of the tats he has, only to be drawn deep into the meanings behind his tattoos. A crowned skull, inked on his forearm, signifies authority earned through ruthless power. Stars etched on his collarbones—prison tattoos—mark him as someone who bows to no one. The spiderweb ink over his elbow, a symbol of time served. And the one that has me most intrigued— intricate script on his knuckles spells out a phrase in Russian that translates to “Loyalty Until Death.”
If he’s faking, he’s gone to astonishing lengths to make it real.
Okay, let’s be rational here.
Either those are fake tattoos, or…
I go back to his screen and stare. I click the little triangle when I realize he’stalking.
“Come a little closer,” he whispers, gesturing to the camera and,oh my god, his voice.Rough and raspy, low and manly, andtinged with a Russian accent.
That’s it. Tomorrow, I’m quitting my day job and going full-time influencer.
So what, you’re a Bratva boss now? Should I start practicing my Russian?
Bratvabloodline
You tell me, kitten.
Ugh,why doI looooove thaaat?
I call bullshit.
Bratvabloodline
Careful.
My skin prickles. The word lands like a spark on dry kindling. There’s a warning in his tone I feel in my spine.
Why are you harassing me?
Bratvabloodline
You said you liked made men, kitten.
Kitten again. My fingers hover over the screen, poised to type an appropriately scathing reply, but nothing feels sharp enough.
You make it sound like I swiped you on a dating app. I was only…intrigued. Curious.
Bratvabloodline
Curiosity doesn’t have to be fatal. Not if you’re careful.
The audacity. My heart’s racing, but I’m not about to let him know that.
Oh, please. Are you trying to be mysterious, or is it just a side effect of all the brooding in your pics?
Bratvabloodline
Brooding? You wound me.
You’ll survive.
Bratvabloodline
You sound confident about that. Makes me wonder what else you think you know about me.
I can practically hear his voice in my head—low, teasing, infuriatingly smooth. This is just banter. Nothing more. Right?
