Page 40 of Crave

I’m confused. “That matters?”

“Very much. I bet that means he’s somehow affiliated with my father,” he growls before calling back into the tower to announce his landing.

“We’re going back down?” I feel like I’m in a whirlwind.

If Lara was here, it’d be better.

“Yes. Mission accomplished, Alexei. You did good.” He taxis back to the hangar at record speed, digging out his phone as we coast to a stop.

“Enzo. The clown was Russian. Start sweeping Kirill’s known areas.” He ends the call and drops his cell in his pocket.

I’m barely unbuckled before he’s climbing into his car.

“That has to be the shortest flight we’ve ever taken.” I barely close the door before he’s rocketing us backwards and back to the casino.

Stalking into his office, he points at the couch, but doesn’t look back at me. “Sit, Alexei.”

“I want to help.” I stand defiantly, jutting my chin.

“Oh, you will. I just need a minute to nail down the direction.” Enzo glances up at me with a grin. “Knowing that the clown was Russian opened the floodgates.”

Fuck. I wish I had said something about it sooner.

I didn’t even think about it.

Not having Lara here is messing with my head. My thoughts are jumbled.

All I can focus on is her.

CHAPTER 17

LARA

“How much longer do Ihave to stay here?” I ask the big man when he comes in with my tray.

He looks down at the table, still piled with the food from this morning.

“Until you remember where Zoya is,” he grunts before slamming the door shut.

My stomach grumbles as the fresh scent of bread wafts over me.

I can do this. I’m used to going long periods without eating to try and lose a few pounds.

Just imagine how thin I’ll be.

Everyone will love me then.

I bet even Alexei.

I miss him terribly. Is he worried about me? He’s always the one who leaves to run off on some adventure, or go work some job.

Does it bother him now that I’m the one gone?

Is he able to feel hollow like I do when he goes? Like a piece of me is missing.

I must be crazy. Thinking more about Alexei than even my own brothers?

Nikolai has his new wife, and Elena, my sweet, adorable niece.

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