Page 70 of Crave

“No, you didn’t,” I admit. “I’ll go check on her.”

“Thank you, let me know as soon as you get there.” He hangs up with a click.

“What was that all about?” Mikhail grumbles.

“I have to go to Alexei’s. Do you want to go with me to check on his pet?” I’ll leave the doughnuts here.

Maybe Nikolai or Jax will come by and eat them?

“Um, no. I have a deal to try and figure out for another shipment of guns from Frankie back in New York. You’ll have to herd birds without me.”

“Understandable. I’ll be back soon.” Turning on my heel, I head down to my car.

It’s strange that Alexei doesn’t want anything to do with me, but still wants a favor.

I wish he had never kissed me. I miss how we were.

He’s more to me than just some silly fling. I need him like air.

Without him, I feel bitter, alone, and worthless.

Imperfect. Unwanted.

Damn him.

I’ve never been here without him before, and I realize I don’t have the key to get in. A text from him tells me that the door code is the day he and I met.

Wow, that’s sweeter than I expected.

What’s funny is I remember exactly what the date was.

My life changed forever when I met him.

Surprisingly, the house is spotless inside. For some reason, I hoped that he was falling apart inside like I am.

Okay, I’m here to look for a giant pink bird. It shouldn’t be that hard to spot.

“Sheila? Here girl.” I move onto the back veranda and search everywhere that I remember seeing her last time.

Before I was taken.

There’s a pool complete with a small sprinkler at the end. Water and food bowls are full.

Where could she be?

I start in the center and start working my way out, but all I can find is the occasional feather. But there aren’t enough to make me think that something bad happened.

Maybe she’s stuck somewhere?

Not in the shed. Or behind the shelves.

Poking my head into his garage shows that it’s nearly empty except for his corvette.

He must have his motorcycle again today.

I even get down on my knees to peer under it.

Did she perhaps sneak in through a window?

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