Page 71 of Crave

Going back into the cool interior, I start going from room to room.

This is starting to feel hopeless, but for Alexei’s sake, I keep looking.

I work my way back into his massive master bedroom suite. I’ve never been in here either.

It feels weird being in here without him knowing it.

No flamingo though.

Shit.

I bet Mikhail has some ideas.

“Yes, Lara? How goes the fowl play?” Of course he chuckles at his own joke.

“Very funny. It’s not. I can’t find her anywhere. Do you have any suggestions?” I glance down and pause.

The picture by Alexei’s nightstand has the two of us in the frame.

When I pick it up to inspect it, we both look so much younger.

Wait. Was that my twenty-first birthday? I can’t believe he kept this picture.

I hated that dress. It never fit me right. How can he bear to have this next to his bed?

He looks handsome as ever. His wild hair was tamed and slicked down, and he has that same cocky grin on his face, flashing the silver of his tooth.

I miss that girl in the frame. She was more carefree than I am now.

There’s a strange part of me that wants to pitch this in the garbage because of how awful I appear.

But it’s Alexei’s. I’d never do that to his things.

“I have no idea what to do or where to look for a flamingo in a town that has them everywhere. I bet it flew away to rejoin a flock.” He sounds less than enthusiastic to be considering this.

“Please, Miki? For me?” If I find his bird, Alexei would be happy enough he might start coming back over.

“Fine,” he growls. “I’ll see what I can do. No promises, and you’re going to have to start being nicer to Mila.”

It’s a small price to pay.

CHAPTER 30

ALEXEI

I haven’t heard backfrom Lara. She told me her and Mikhail are looking for my baby, Sheila. Why would she want to leave me?

I twist the throttle and weave between the traffic, I have to get home quicker.

That doesn’t stop me pulling a few wheelies, the adrenaline takes my mind off it all.

I could lose Sheila and Lara. Both my girls.

My life would end.

By the time I get home, I don’t see Mikhail’s bike here, only Lara’s BMW. With my helmet in one hand, I run towards the door.

“Did you find her?”

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