Page 130 of Cruel Knots

“Leave that cake alone!” a third voice calls out.

Next moment, Mikhail cries out, straightening up so quickly, I’m nearly thrown off him.

“You’re such a bitch,” Mikhail bites out.

“Yeah?” Lilja challenges, stomping inside the kitchen. “You’re one too!”

I notice a thin needle sticking out of Mikhail’s left cheek. A tiny trickle of blood appears on his unblemished skin.

“Are you okay?” I ask anxiously.

“He’s fine,” Lilja mutters, walking over to us. She’s about to reach toward Mikhail but he swats her hand away, looking pissed.

“I told you not to do this,” Mikhail huffs, pulling the needle out. “You’re not fucking six anymore and it’s not cute!”

“You could do this at six?” I ask, absolutely impressed by her aim and talent.

“Stop sounding impressed,” Mikhail says through clenched teeth. “It’ll get into her head.” He stomps away and sinks into a chair at the dining table.

“Thanks,” I whisper, turning toward my friend.

Lilja winks at me and goes to join her brother. She spends the next several minutes trying to make it up to him and promising him ridiculous things like she’ll clean his motorcycles for a month if he didn’t tattle about the incident to Damien.

A smile comes onto my lips as I watch them. Suddenly, I’m glad the Volkov pack doesn’t send their daughters away like they do with their sons.

Lilja would’ve definitely stuck to her brothers if that happened. Cold washes over me just imagining how Callum would’ve hurt her if she’d been unlucky enough to meet me back then.

Maybe this is the only reason she doesn’t want to hurt me like the others. Her heart is still unscathed by betrayal and the need for revenge.

Damien and Leon come in last to join their siblings.

By the time they arrive, the cake and the chocolate sauce are ready to go as well.

“That looks amazing!” Lilja gasps as I carry the food to the table. “I’m sure I can have the entire bowl of this sauce.”

“Have a taste first and see if you like it,” I say, feeling nervous.

Lilja stands up and grabs the knife. Glee settles into her eyes as she cuts out a large chunk of the cake.

“Leave some for the rest of us,” Mikhail mutters, still looking disgruntled.

I hurry away to get the coffee and settle down at the table.

“This is so delicious!” Lilja croons, closing her eyes. “It’s so hard to find a good chocolate cake. This one hits the spot just right.”

“The secret is to splurge on all the chocolate you’ve got lying around,” I say with a chuckle.

“I don’t like sweets but this is good,” Leon says with a serious expression. “There’s a hint of bitterness that I’m enjoying.”

“I love my sweets,” Mikhail says, polishing off his piece quickly and grabbing another one.

I look toward Damien, waiting for his verdict.

He glances at me, a forkful of cake hovering at his lips. “It’s okay,” he says shortly.

“Just okay?” Leon asks, nudging him with his elbow.

“It tastes like home,” Damien says, staring right at me.

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