Page 87 of Sinful Scars

“Do I need one?” I pull out my chair, taking a seat.

“You’re asking the wrong person.” Lucia laughs. “It’s just you’re not normally one to go so…overboard.”

“Thought it was about time I spoiled myself.”

“I went ahead and ordered for both of us.” Lucia offers me a forced smile. “Your usual matcha and almond croissant.”

“Thanks.” I shrug out of my coat, hanging it on the back of my chair. “I’m surprised you didn’t bring Vivi with you.”

“Her and Mikhail are having a daddy and daughter date.”

“Do I even want to know what they’re doing?”

“Knowing Mikhail, he’s taken her to a toddler martial arts class.”

“That would actually be adorable.”

“Well, he’s not exactly the princess tea party type, but he does his best.”

I nod, but I find I’m unsure of what else to say.

I mean, Lucia and I could easily spend two hours dodging the real reason we’re here by talking about Vivi. But then what? Do we just move on and forget the entire thing ever happened?

Our drinks and food arrive, and I’m grateful to have something to do with my hands. The silence is awkward, which is not something I’m used to experiencing with Lucia.

I had hoped she would have brought Vivi as a buffer, but it seems we’re going to have to be grownups about this and get straight to the point.

“I’m sorry I haven’t called. I was really mad. Still am to an extent.”

Lucia nods. “You have every right to be mad. I crossed a line that I promised I wouldn’t, but I thought you were better off knowing the truth.”

My stomach growls, and I take a huge bite of the croissant, the flaky pastry sticking to my lips.

“I think so too.”

“But I don’t want you to worry. Mikhail has men watching you around the clock to make sure Lev doesn’t come back.”

“What?”

“The look of surprise on your face tells me that you haven’t noticed them, which I guess is a good thing. Wedidn’t want you to feel like you were constantly being followed.”

I’m barely listening to Lucia as my mind starts to race.

Lev’s not staying away because he wants nothing to do with me. He’s staying away because Mikhail’s giving him no choice.

If only they would factor in that I might actuallywantto see him.

I know going to Mikhail and demanding him to call off his watch dogs would be a waste of time. He’s more stubborn than Lucia, if that’s even humanly possible. And even if he did, Alexei would only pick up the slack.

So, until I find a solution that would mean Lev would feel safe enough to visit, I need to get comfortable with the knowledge that I might not see him for a while.

“No, I didn’t notice them.” I don’t bother to hide my annoyance.

Lucia grimaces as she picks at her pastry.

“Elle, I’m so sorry about all of this. I really hope you can forgive me.”

I take another bite of my croissant.

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