Page 78 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“You’re going to do what? You’re the whole reason she’s with me in the first place.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “You abducted her.”

“Because you refused to see sense. And according to my sources, that’s still very much the case.”

He tenses. “I did what you asked. I dropped the case. No one at the FBI is investigating your Bratva anymore.”

I arch my eyebrows. “Is that right?”

He raises his arms. “I’m here alone, aren’t I? I wouldn’t do that unless I’d done what you asked. I just want my sister back.”

“You’re like your sister,” I scoff. “Neither one of you knows how to lie. You still believe I killed your woman.”

“My fiancée,” he spits. “And I don’t think you killed her, as a matter of fact. I believe you still have her held captive.”

I exhale wearily. “Tell me why I would go to all that trouble.”

“I don’t know what sick plans you have in the works,” he continues. “But you did take my sister, so—”

“Because you offended me.”

“And maybe some family member of Isabella’s offended you, too,” he counters.

“Not many people are stupid enough to offend me. You’re the rare exception.”

The mistrust and loathing are etched into every line of his face. It makes playing this game all the more entertaining.

Trouble is, he’s too far gone to be easily intimidated. I’m starting to realize that my backup plan isn’t a backup at all.

It’s the only option I have left.

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