Page 12 of The Lazarov Bratva

My stomach churns unexpectedly, and as Mara smiles coldly at me, I’m struck with the urge to slap the look right off her face.

“Alena does not know yet,” Mara says, “but she ran off with Mikhail, so I don’t believe she will mind.”

“It is her duty.” Aleksander drains his glass and gazes at me steadily, signaling that this is no longer up for discussion. “Alena knows this and she will do her duty without question. As do we all.”

I drain my glass in one gulp and set it down hard on the counter.

“Indeed. If you will excuse me.”

Aleksander nods, dismissing me, and his attention turns to Mara who drapes over him like a leech. I stride away before my distaste turns vocal.

The Kuznetsovs are useful, there’s no denying that, and their control of the weapon shipments makes them valuable, but the thought of Alena ending up with them turns my stomach. She’s too sweet and far too delicate to end up in the hands of a family so cruel.

And yet, deep down, I know that isn’t the only reason. My own desire for Alena is growing quickly, and in the back of my mind, it’s clear that if anyone is going to take Alena and subject her to the darkness in this world, then it should be me.

It has to be me.

I’m the only one who deserves her, the only one who would take her apart and put her back together with care.

My strides take me across the ballroom, and it’s not until I reach the hallway that I realize where I’m going, fueled by a jealous concern.

Alena and Mikhail left together.

If he’s touched her, I’ll kill him.

7

ALENA

“Where are we going?”

For the one who’s the next heir to all that weapon business, Mikhail doesn’t strike me as all that bright. Just my luck.

“Somewhere away from the crowds.”

Keeping ahold of his hand, I lead Mikhail past the gazebo and out toward the rock garden. With stone imported from all over the world, the garden is a place of beauty. Small lights litter the path on either side, providing a safe path past rocks and bushes toward a rock pool with stone imported all the way from Asia. The outside world doesn’t breach the high shrubs around the pool, and the jasmine pergola frames a cushioned loveseat where I spent many days wishing for a better life. With the seclusion of the leaves and the bubbling of the water, many fantasies were created here.

Anything with more freedom.

“You just want to get me alone, huh?” Mikhail smirks, and his grip tightens on my hand as we walk up the path.

“Something like that.” My mind lingers on Kristof. Was he jealous? Did he even notice? Or did he watch with the careful eye of a guardian and nothing more?

“Something like what, exactly?”

I glance up at him, and Mikhail leans in suddenly, his lips making a beeline for mine. I jerk back and pull my hand from his.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing? Why else would you bring me out here?” Mikhail casts an arm around the garden and scoffs. “It’s pretty private.”

“To talk?” I pause near the edge of the rock pool. “I thought we could get to know each other better.” A half-truth.

“Did your mother put you up to this?”

“My mother—what? No, of course not.” Why would he think such a thing? Then again, as much as it is my duty to be married off to someone, it is also their duty to accept me. I wouldn’t put it past her to have given some sort of speech to everyone who crossed the threshold tonight.

Alena is up for auction!

---