Page 141 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

I pull my dress down and strip until I’m standing at the edge of the water naked. I know he’s still watching, but I pretend to be unaware.

I step into the lake quickly and immerse myself in the water, basking in its silky touch. The sun is warm and the air is soft, quiet, expectant.

When I pop up again, I feel more adrenaline lance down my spine. I didn’t expect to feel so… empowered. I’ve never done anything this brave before, and I’m finding the high to be more than a little addicting.

Maybe that’s why, when Aleks steps into the light, I meet his eyes without the slightest bit of self-consciousness.

He moves forward, his eyes locked on mine, and leans against the big ash tree crooked over the edge of the lake.

“I couldn’t help myself,” I explain in a sultry voice like a 1960s detective movie dame. “The water looked irresistible.”

“I don’t blame you,” he says. “I’ve done the same in the past.”

“Well, sorry to encroach on your sacred space,” I say sarcastically. “I’m sure you have fond memories of all the girls you’ve brought to skinny dip.”

“Apology accepted. I like this view the best of them all.”

I wince as an uncomfortably intense rush of exhilaration powers through me. The way he’s looking, the way he’s licking his lips… he’s twenty yards away and it’s still the most erotic thing he’s ever done.

But I can’t show him that. Keep up the act.Play your role.

So I look around at the water and crinkle my nose. “Well, then maybe I’m not so sure I should be in here. I bet there’s unspeakable things floating around in these waters.”

“I wish I could deny that.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re disgusting.”

“Don’t worry, moya zhena,” he says. “I haven’t brought anyone around since I married you.”

He’s teasing me. I can’t take anything he says seriously. But for some reason, those words comfort me.

“I’m sure that’ll change.”

I wait for more reassurance, but he gives me none. I shouldn’t care. We’re not really married. This isn’t real.

But my heart beats angrily even as I think about the possibility of another woman.

“Got you worried there, darling?”

He’s looking at me with his crooked smile and one wickedly arched eyebrow. That smirk conveys his intentions perfectly: he’s toying with me. He’s having some fun at my expense.

Well, fine. He wants to play?

Let’s play.

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