Dark Seduction (Chicago Bratva)

Chapter 15

Lev

“ O h, this is them. No doubt about it,” Vanya says.

I'm in a dimly lit alley on Chicago's south side, riveted by a trio of scorched motorcycles.

Beside me, Vanya keeps a watchful eye on our surroundings.

I step closer to one of the bikes, noting the deep scratches on its charred metal. This was the same bike that had nearly ended Dalia's life, and the realization tightens my jaw with anger.

As I examine the wreckage, memories of that night flash through my mind. I had planned to subdue the rider, to extract every piece of information about who wanted to hurt us.

But when it came down to it, my focus had shifted instinctively to Dalia’s safety. Protecting her had overridden every other concern, pushing my need for interrogation aside.

Now, standing here among the remnants of that night’s terror, I feel a twinge of frustration for the lost opportunity to learn more from the assailant. Yet there’s no real regret—ensuring Dalia's safety had been the only choice that mattered at the moment.

In the gloom of the alley, a jittery voice breaks the silence.

"Is this what you guys were looking for?" I spin around to see Sam, the skinny informant who tipped us off about the location. His eyes dart around nervously.

"You look spooked, Sam. Talk to me."

"Yeah, hell yeah, I'm nervous," he blurts out, wiping sweat from his brow. "You'd be too if you saw what I did."

I narrow my eyes at him, stepping closer. "There’s more cash in it for you if you prove yourself useful. And let's not forget, staying on my good side is beneficial to you."

Sam swallows hard then nods, his resolve firming. "Alright. I didn’t just find these bikes. I saw three guys ditch 'em here. All in black, real tactical like. One of 'em was holding his shoulder. After they ditched them, these things went up like a damn bonfire."

Vanya, standing a few steps behind me, chimes in with his sharp analysis. "Gear like that isn’t cheap and neither are these bikes—there’s serious money behind this."

Sam nods vigorously. "Exactly, man. Whoever's behind this ain’t messing around."

I consider the information, my mind racing through potential adversaries with the resources to orchestrate such a move.

"Thanks, Sam. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut."

Sam nods again, eager to escape the chilling atmosphere.

Before he can disappear into the shadows of the alley, a thought occurs to me. "Sam, you got family out of town?" I ask.

"Yeah, got some folks down in St. Louis," he replies, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “Why?”

I pull out a thick stack of hundreds from my jacket, the bills crisp. Handing them over, I fix my gaze on him. "There’s extra in there for a little trip. Why don’t you visit them for a while?"

Sam's confusion shifts to a dawning realization. "Why's that?" he asks, his fingers tightening around the cash.

I let out a slow breath, the weight of impending conflict heavy on my shoulders. "I've got a feeling a storm’s brewing, possibly even a war. I don’t want you caught in the crossfire. Better safe than sorry."

Gratitude washes over Sam's face as he clutches the money closer. "Thanks, Mr. Ivanov. Really, thank you," he stutters, the sincerity in his voice clear.

He turns and nearly runs from the alley, the urgency of my warning fueling his swift departure. I watch him go, the gravity of the situation settling in. If trouble is coming, it's not just the immediate players in the game who are at risk—it's anyone connected to us.

Vanya watches me closely, a trace of concern etching his features. "Do you really think war is on the horizon?"

I nod without hesitation. "That attack was calculated, a decapitation strike aimed at throwing us into chaos. Going after Maura and Luk like that, making them dual targets... it was designed to maximize damage and disarray.”

Vanya shakes his head, his expression grim. "Nasty business, but we'll even the score.”

I stride over to one of the charred motorcycles, spotting a small compartment that appears to have been sealed shut by the fire. My instincts kick in. Pulling out the Leatherman I always carry, I wedge it into the tiny gap and pry. The compartment creaks, resisting at first, but with a firm twist, it pops open.

Inside, amidst the soot and debris, something gleams. I reach in, my fingers brushing against something metallic. Pulling it out, I examine the item, a clue that might lead us closer to those responsible for the attack. Vanya steps closer, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the find.

"This could be what we need to start unraveling this mess," I mutter, turning the object over in my hands.

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 until every 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.