Page 113 of Crave

“She said I’m going to Russia. Who’s going with me?” I twist my head back and forth between them.

“What about your, um, obligations here?” Mikhail’s eyes widen as his forehead furrows.

“It’s because of those I have to go.” I don’twantto leave.

But I need to make sure that Lara is safe. She’s the most important thing to me. Taking away the man who kidnapped her will help her to ease her fears.

She might not like me leaving, yet I can’t bear another day seeing her in pain.

I catch her crying, or running herself to exhaustion, and I know it’s because she’s worried she’s still being chased.

“If I die protecting her, it’s worth it that she can sleep again.” All those nights standing and watching her toss and turn, the cries that would wake her up, it’s too gut wrenching to continue.

That monster Kirill has already made things harder for her.

I’ve seen her obsessing over the scar on her cheek.

She doesn’t listen to me when I tell her I love it. It’s a badge to me of just how damn tough she is.

Her mark proves that she fought back. My Lara wouldn’t give in.

“I think you’re making a mistake. Let’s wait until we can catch him here, with our numbers. We can take him out.” Nikolai leans back and his lips thin.

“Who went with you to get Mila? You were willing to die to chase her down, and you left Elena here. Do you love your daughter?” I ask him angrily.

“Of fucking course I do.” His fists bunch on his thigh. “That was a different situation. She was in imminent danger.”

“You didn’t know that when you left!” My voice raises and I slam my palm down on Mikhail’s desk. “You chased her down for revenge. It isn’t much different than what I’m doing. Except I see Lara suffering every single day because that guy is still out there.” I jut my finger towards the wind for emphasis.

“She’s our sister.” Nikolai points to Mikhail. “Don’t you think we want to protect her, too? What’s gotten into you?”

Do I tell him it’s because I love her? What would he do if he knew? How can he not want to protect her? Kirill was just as fucked up to Mila, why isn’t Nikolai more worked up over that?

Mikhail stands up abruptly and moves between us. “He’s doing what’s right.” His heavy hand lands on my shoulder. “I’ll make sure you get there. Tell me what you need.” He turns me so I’m no longer facing Nikolai.

“He has a family, too,” he says quietly. “We all want what’s best for the people we love.” He gives me a slow, meaningful nod. “Go talk to Lara. Fill her in. See what she wants you to do.”

As I make it back to my bike, I kick a stone on the ground.

Maybe they are right?

Leaving Lara now, when things are so good? Doesn’t feel right.

Yet, this overwhelming need to protect her rages inside me.

I need to actually think this one through rather than acting on my impulse.

Lara is calming me.

CHAPTER 53

ALEXEI

My stomach grumblesas I stroke Lara’s hair. Her head rests on a pillow on my lap.

We’ve nearly finished Yellowstone. I’m gunna miss those cowboys.

I need to eat.

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