Page 138 of Crave

Everyone is so distracted by the growing pool of blood around Kirill’s splintered skull, no one seems to notice me slipping through the crowd.

“Hey. You promised.”

Well, one person caught me. The attendant stands in front of me with his palm out, the same bored look still dulling his features.

“Here’s a little extra to forget what I look like.” I wink and hand him a wad of bills.

Would I have liked to have Kirill tied to a frame to torture for days?

Sure.

But I want to get back to Lara and be the one to tell her I killed her boogeyman.

Now it’s time to find that piece of shit sedan and go to the airfield where Mikhail is meeting me.

Except my phone dings with a text.

CHAPTER 67

LARA

Why haven’tI heard from him?

I can’t think, I can’t even function without knowing he’s safe.

The first night isn’t awful. Nikolai is letting me stay here with him, so at least there’s Elena to keep me occupied.

Him and Mila are busy with preparing for their newborn. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own head and Alexei, it was almost a shock when I got called to look after Elena.

Mila has the cutest little baby bump i’ve ever seen, you’d hardly know she was pregnant.

“Aunt Lara? Will you color with me?” She tugs on my hand before I’ve barely opened my eyes.

“Yes, sweetie. What time is it?” Groggily, I lean over and pick up my phone.

No messages and it’s six am.

I fucking hate this.

“I dunno. Daddy and Mila are still sleeping. I don’t want to go in their room.” She smiles and holds up a finger to her lips. “So we can be quiet and draw princesses?”

“That sounds like so much fun. Can you give me just a few minutes to get up and dressed? Do you want any cereal?” I fling back my comforter and swing my legs over the edge of the bed.

It feels strange to wake up without Alexei. I’ve gotten used to him being there.

What if he doesn’t come back?

Pain digs through my chest at the thought. No. I can’t always imagine the worst.

But it’s hard not to.

“Oh, the chocolate kind?” Her eyes widen excitedly.

My father’s words echo in my ears from when he caught me with a candy bar when I was barely her age.

I won’t be that person for her.

“Sure, the little pink bowl? Maybe you can split some strawberries with me too? I love those in the morning.” I try to give her a grin as I lie to her.

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