Page 36 of Marked & Bred By the Bratva
“He’s not gonna give you his business card.”
I chuckle.
Dee rolls her eyes at her daughter before turning her attention back to me. “As long as you treat her right.”
“Always,” I say in a serious tone.
She holds my gaze for a beat before returning to her plate.
Then Miles speaks for the first time. “Are those real tattoos on your hands?”
“Yes.”
“Did you kill anyone?”
“Miles!” Ava hisses.
I almost laugh.
* * *
After dessert, Dee pulls Ava into the kitchen.
I pretend not to listen, but the apartment is so small that I heartheir entire conversation.
“Is he serious?”
“Yes, Ma.”
“You trust him?”
“With everything.”
A pause. Then, “He makes you feel safe?”
Ava’s voice softens. “He makes me feel like I’m his whole world.”
I clench my fist, staring down at the worn coaster under my glass.
When they return, Dee’s wearing a happy expression, her arm around Ava’s shoulders.
* * *
In the car, Ava leans her head on my shoulder.
“I can’t believe that went okay,” she murmurs.
“You didn’t think I’d behave?”
“I thought you’d growl at someone.”
“I did. Silently. At your brother.”
She giggles. “He’s a teenager.” She laces our fingers together and kisses my knuckles. “I’m happy you met my family.”
Twenty Two
Lev
