Page 12 of Crave

I’m surprised that his silver tooth is the only one that’s been replaced. As much sugar as he eats, I’d expect his whole mouth to be rotten by now.

Yet, he still has the perfect white smile.

“I did.” I twist the diamond ring on my finger and turn away. I know I can’t even look at the container tonight, or I’ll be eating half of it by myself.

He brushes past me and pulls the lid off to scowl inside before making a selection.

“Is that the only reason you’re here? I’m not sure I’m in the mood for company tonight.” As much as I love Alexei, he’s my best friend and can’t give me what I need tonight.

I just want to feel sorry for myself. There’s no way to explain that to him.

“I want to watch the next episode of Yellowstone.” He pushes past me and flops onto the couch. “Where’s your friend?” He looks over the backrest at me. The tattoos on his neck are a sharp contrast with the beige of the cushion.

Standing in front of the fridge, I really wish a cheesecake would appear.

One night of cheating won’t count, will it?

“It didn’t work out.” My stomach is still rolling from the heavy food. Probably a good thing I don’t have any dessert here, besides Alexei’s stash.

“Did you watch one? It tried to skip ahead.” He pushes buttons on the remote before tossing it onto the glass coffee table.

“Like I’d dare watch it without your annoying commentary,” I grumble into my empty freezer.

“It needs it. It makes you laugh.” He pounds on the seat next to him.

Which is just what I need, a night of Alexei induced laughter.

“It does.” I admit. Finally settling on strawberries, I fill a small bowl and join him in front of the TV.

When he left with Nikolai, it almost made my skin itch. My world was quiet, and boring without him.

Curling my feet under me, I tug up a blanket and lean against his warm arm. His comforting scent surrounds me as I relax.

Sometimes I wish we were something more than close friends.

But I screw up every romantic relationship I’ve ever been in. I’d rather have this much of Alexei than to mess it all up and have none.

He’s the only thing that keeps me sane most days.

Seeing how happy Nikolai was when he came home makes me ache for that, though. Someone to love every part of me.

I don’t know if Alexei is even capable of that. So I won’t push it.

He doesn’t judge. He doesn’t try to change me. Of all of the people in the world, he accepts me for who I am.

And I’m terrified to lose that.

CHAPTER 6

ALEXEI

She had a date tonight.Following previous patterns, they always go wrong.

I don’t know why. She is the most amazing girl to ever walk this earth.

No one compares to my Lara. It makes me want to murder the men that upset her.

Well, I have. On many occasions, I’ve killed men and women who have hurt her.

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