Page 121 of Sinful Scars

When we eventually pull up to the gates of the house, my heart rate spikes, and I’m about to be sick.

This is it.

By the time Alexei parks the car out front, my hands are sweating, and I might pass out.

“It’s okay,” Lev mouths at me.

I wish I could believe him, but the odds are stacked against us.

I’m barely out of the car before Lucia is running out of the house toward me.

She looks almost as pale as Lev, and her eyes are red as if she’s been crying. “Oh, my god, Elle.”

“I’m fine?—”

Lucia throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.

“I’m so relieved you’re all right, I was so worried.”

“I’m all right, Lucia, I promise.”

But she doesn’t seem to be listening as she pulls away and rounds on Lev, who has barely gotten out of the car.

“Andyou… I’m going to fuckingkillyou!”

She goes to lunge for him, but I step into her way.

“Mikhail, can you please come and stop your wife from committing assault,” I call over to Mikhail who appeared at the top of the steps.

“I think I’m good right here.” Mikhail leans against one of the pillars.

Lucia shoots her husband a wink, and he dips his chin before his eyes land on Lev, and his expression turns to one of cold fury.

Lucia narrows her eyes at Lev. “You risked my cousin's life, and you expect me to welcome you in with open arms? You’re a fuckingpsycho!”

I wince, but Lev doesn’t seem the slightest bit fazed. From what he’s told me of his upbringing, this must be tame in comparison. But that doesn’t mean he deserves to take shit from every single member of my family.

“Lev was just trying to protect me. He knew that Igor was dangerous, and I wasn’t being reasonable. He did what he had to do to keep me safe?—”

Alexei scoffs. “Yeah, and nearly got her killed in the process.”

I turn around and glare at him.

“Three times he’s saved my life now. I get that you’re angry at him, but at least hear him out?—”

“Hear him out?” Alexei’s dark eyes flash. “He murdered my parents.”

“No one knows that for sure. Lev can’t remember what happened, and Igor is sadistic enough to be the true mastermind behind this.”

Mikhail stands taller. “That’s what he wants you to think.”

“Can’t you just…give him the benefit of the?—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Alexei snaps, and I flinch at his tone.

“Don’t you fucking talk to her like that.” Lev moves to step in front of me.

Mikhail turns to the door. “Let’s go inside,now. We’re going to get to the bottom of this, once and for all.”

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