Page 103 of Crave

“Hi, Alexei, come on in.” Sofia answers the door. Her maroon hair is almost a light shade of pink tonight.

“Maeve has been excited all day. It’s been a few weeks since Lara’s had the girls over. Since before the…” Her voice trails off.

“Kidnapping?” I finish for her. Why is it hard for people to talk about? It’s over.

“Yes. Anyways, Maeve’s had dinner, but she said she was saving room for popcorn.” Sofia turns and touches my wrist. “Please, for the love of God, Alexei, don’t give her candy right before bedtime.” Her eyebrows bunch in the middle of her forehead.

“You girls, so picky about your food. What is the big deal? I eat it, and I’m fine.” I smack my palm across my chest as a testament to my strength.

She rolls her eyes before handing me a small duffel bag. “It’s important to instill good eating habits when they’re little. Then they don’t have to fight food issues when they’re older.” She pats her belly for emphasis.

“You just had a baby and look fine. Do you do that thing that Lara does? Where she goes days without eating and then eats a huge meal but gets sick after?” I watch her pause.

Did I say the wrong thing?

“What are you talking about, Alexei? Starving and binging isn’t healthy either.” She chews on her lip. “Did that start after the, you know.” She waves her hand.

My face scrunches as I concentrate. “Um. I don’t think so? She’s always been weird about eating. But I know when she’s stressed out she can eat three big bacon cheeseburgers.” Which is why I think it’s even stranger when she only wanted a few leaves of spinach tonight for dinner.

“Alexei. I have a hard question for you.” Sofia takes both of my shoulders just as Jax comes down the stairs.

“Everything okay?” he asks as he steps past, raising the eyebrow with the piercing.

“Yep. Alexei and I are having an important conversation.” She keeps her gaze fixed on me.

“Gotcha.” He smiles at his wife before disappearing again.

“Alexei. When Lara eats a lot, does she get sick afterward, or does shemakeherself sick after?” Her dark eyes flick back and forth between mine.

This feels serious. “Um, I’m not sure. I don’t watch her. I do hear her sometimes, though.”

Sofia’s fingers dig into my biceps. “Alexei,” she asks quietly. “Is Lara talking to anyone?”

“That’s a stupid question. She talks all the time to everyone.” I shrug, pulling out of her grip.

“Not what I meant, Alexei.” Sofia crosses her arms and glares at me. “She needs to get help. Does she have a therapist?”

“No.” I glower back. “There’s nothing wrong with Lara. She’s perfect.” I sling the duffel over my back. “Just funny eating habits.” I turn to find Maeve working her way down the stairs. “I promise not to mess hers up.”

“‘Lexi!” Maeve runs and jumps into my arms.

Hoisting her up onto my hip, I give her a broad smile. “Ready for movies with Elena and Aunty Lara?”

Maeve bobs her round head, the dark curls bounce with her enthusiasm. “Yes!” Her chubby palms smack together in an excited clap.

“You have fun. And, Alexei? Think about what I said. I’ve wondered about it myself watching Lara.” Sofia reaches up and kisses Maeve’s cheek before backing away. “I worry about Lara, especially after everything she’s been through.”

That makes me pause. Is there something more that I’m not catching?

I want Lara forever. If she’s hurting herself, I need to help her to stop.

“Thank you. I’ll watch her.” I turn and head down the steps to the car.

Is what Sofia said true? What’s wrong with Lara?

CHAPTER 49

LARA

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