Page 122 of Sinful Scars

“I think that’s a good idea.” I place a hand on Lev’s arm.

His jaw clenches, and he doesn’t tear his eyes away from Alexei, even when I tug at the sleeve of his hoodie.

Alexei tilts his chin toward where his brother still stands. “If Lev is responsible, hewillpay.”

I look at Lev, but he only nods, as if he’s already admitted defeat.

I want to scream at everyone that they’ve got the wrong man.

Can’t they see? Lev isn’t the real threat here.

“Alexei,” I plead as he takes Lev by the arm and yanks him toward the house.

“Come on.” Lucia takes me by the hand.

We follow behind Lev as if we’re in some kind of twisted procession.

My heart aches as his shoulders slump and his head bows.

“This way,” Alexei barks at Lev once we enter the grand foyer of the house.

I bristle at his tone but before I can reprimand him, Lucia is tugging me in the opposite direction.

“Let’s go into the kitchen.”

“No, I want to go with Lev.” I try to pull away from her.

“Elle, you need to let them sort this out between them.”

“But they won’tlistento him. They’ve already decided he’s guilty, and I’m the only reason Alexei hasn’t already put a bullet in his skull.”

I look over my shoulder just in time to see Lev disappear into the lounge with Alexei and Mikhail, where I have no doubt that the rest of the Koslov bratva are waiting.

“Lev.”

But he doesn’t look back.

The sound of the door slamming shut has me swallowing a sob, and I let Lucia lead me into the kitchen where she forces me to sit at the breakfast table.

“Why don’t I make us some cocoa?”

Her chipper tone is forced, but I’m glad something is occupying her for a moment so I can just sit in my heartache.

I’m desperate to know what they’re talking about.

Is Lev standing up for himself? Or is he letting himself take the fall for a crime he likely didn’t commit?

“I can’t just sit here.”

“Yes, you can. I’ll restrain you myself if I have to.”

I look up at my cousin as she approaches the table with two mugs of cocoa in hand, and I know she’s not joking.

“I put extra marshmallows in yours.” She sets the overflowing mug in front of me. “So, drink up before it gets cold.”

“Thanks.” I wrap my fingers around it to warm them up.

“I’m confused about your situation with Lev.” Lucia takes a seat opposite me. “Is there something going on here that I don’t know about? I mean, I knew you guys were what…hanging out? If I can even call it that.”

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