Page 96 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

ALEKS

“Anything?” I ask, glancing towards Demyan.

“Radio silence,” he reports. “It looks like Rob finally took you seriously.”

“What about the plants in my clubs?”

“They’ve been removed. The FBI seems to have backed off us.”

I snort. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

Demyan sighs. “Can’t you just accept the fact that you won?”

“No. It was too easy.”

“Most people would celebrate, you sourpuss.”

“I saw the look in that motherfucker’s eyes,” I tell Demyan. “I know the man. He’s not going to just disappear. Especially since I have his sister.”

“Great point. Remind me, why do you still have his sister?” Demyan asks.

“Because I need to make sure he is taking me seriously.”

I’m growing impatient. I shouldn’t have to explain any of this. Especially to Demyan. He’s trying to draw something else out of me. I despise playing these games with him, but the bastard loves it.

“Is that why?” Demyan probes. “Or did it have something to do with her dimples and that sweet ass?”

I give him a warning glare. “Keep your eyes to yourself or I’ll pluck them out.”

“Hmm,” Demyan remarks. “Possessive. Interesting.”

“You’re like a fucking dog with a bone,” I snap. “Are you focusing on this to distract from your own shit?”

His face sours instantly. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“It was your weekend with Callie, wasn’t it?” I ask.

“Don’t think I don’t know that you’re deflecting, asshole,” he warns.

I smile. “Two can play at this game. Answer the damn question.”

“Yeah,” he says irritably. “It was my fucking weekend.”

“And?”

“Miranda’s serious about this move. We talked after I dropped Callie off.”

“You want me to talk to her?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Maybe. She has always had the hots for you. You might be more convincing than me.”

“I know; it’s the only reason she looked twice at you. Because you were sitting right next to me that day.”

“Ah, go fuck yourself, you smug bastard.” He flashes his middle finger at me.

My smile fades. “The offer is a serious one, though,” I tell him. “I’ll do what must be done.”

“I know,” he says gratefully. “But it’s not necessary. I can handle this on my own.”

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