Page 68 of Forced Marriage to the Cruel Bratva Pakhan

“Yes.” I return my attention to the windows. “This is what war looks like, Serena. What I look like when my organization is under attack. If that changes how you see me—”

“It doesn’t.” Her grip tightens. “I’m just realizing the full scope of what you do. What you’re capable of.”

“Scared?”

“Terrified.” She doesn’t let go. “Somehow that makes me love you more, which is probably concerning from a psychological standpoint.”

Despite everything, I almost smile. “Very concerning.”

We clear the city limits without incident, the chaos fading behind us as we head into rural countryside. The safe house is located on forty acres of wooded property, accessible only by a single road that’s monitored by multiple security checkpoints.

It takes another fifteen minutes to reach the compound itself—a modern structure that looks like an expensive vacation home but functions as a fortress. Reinforced walls, bulletproof glass, underground bunker with independent power and water supplies.

Everything necessary to withstand siege conditions.

“Home sweet home,” I mutter as Viktor pulls into the secured garage.

The interior is equipped with everything we might need for an extended stay—full kitchen, comfortable living spaces, multiple bedrooms, and a command center that rivals the one at my main residence.

“Sweep the perimeter,” I order the security team. “Establish watch rotations and maintain constantcommunication with central command. Nothing gets within a mile of this property without my knowledge.”

They disperse efficiently while I guide Serena inside.

She takes in the safe house with quick, assessing glances. “How long are we staying here?”

“As long as necessary.” I move to the command center, pulling up surveillance feeds and tactical displays. “Until the Kravin threat is neutralized and it’s safe to return.”

“That could be days. Weeks, even.”

“Yes.” I’m already coordinating with Mikhail, reviewing the counterattack strategies he’s implementing. “Which is why this place is fully stocked and secured. You’ll be safe here, Serena. That’s what matters.”

She’s quiet for a moment, watching me work. “You’re planning to operate from here? Coordinate the entire war remotely?”

“I’m planning to keep you alive while managing operational necessities.” I pull up casualty reports, my jaw tightening at the numbers. “The war will be won or lost based on strategic decisions, not my physical presence out there.”

“You’d prefer to be there.”

“I’d prefer you weren’t a target that requires protecting.” The admission comes out rougher than intended. “Since Kravin has already demonstrated willingness to use you as leverage, keeping you isolated and secured is non-negotiable.”

“So we’re trapped here together until this is over.”

Something in her tone makes me look up. She’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

“Is that a problem?” I ask carefully.

“No.” She moves closer, her gaze traveling over the tactical displays. “Just observing that forced proximity seems to be a recurring theme in our relationship.”

“It keeps you alive.”

“It also means we’re going to be in very close quarters for an extended period.” She stops beside my chair. “With nowhere to go and nothing to distract from—” She gestures vaguely between us. “This.”

Thethisshe’s referring to is unmistakable. The tension that’s been simmering since the investigation began, compounded by danger and adrenaline and the reality of being confined together.

“We’ll manage,” I say, returning my attention to the screens.

“Will we?” Her hand settles on my shoulder.

“Serena.” I catch her wrist before she can distract me further. “I need to focus on coordinating the counterattack. People are dying because Kravin decided starting a war was preferable to accepting territorial losses.”