Page 139 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“C’mon, honey. You’re running with the big dogs now. You’ve got to learn to lie better.”

I move towards the window and look past the garden towards the lake. I learned only yesterday that the lake is situated inside the compound, which means I can walk down there if I want.

“Tell me what it is,” she urges.

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Olivia May.”

Uh-oh. She pulled out the middle name. Now, I know she means business.

I bite my lip, thinking about how to answer, but I get distracted when I see Aleks’s broad silhouette moving down the paved pathway that cuts through the garden. Demyan is right next to him.

Even from this distance I can’t help but admire the physical perfection of his body. The easy, arrogant walk. You can spot his confidence from space.

They bypass the garden and head down to the lake.

“… Hello? Earth to Liv. Where’d you go?”

“Uh, nowhere.”

Like I could tell her the truth. She’d skin me alive.

“Hey, munchkin,” Mia says, her tone growing softer. “You remember who I am, right? I’m not some random friend or colleague. I’m your big sister. You used to be able to tell me everything.”

I sigh. “Guilting me is usually Mom’s job.”

“Mom retired early. Now, it’s my turn.”

It’d be so easy to tell her. I’m feeling something and it terrifies me. But for whatever reason, I can’t bring myself to admit it. Maybe I’m more like Mom than I’m willing to admit: too afraid of the truth to say it out loud.

“You need to get out of the house more,” I tell her instead. “You need to meet someone.”

“Men my age are so damn boring. They don’t interest me.”

“You haven’t dated in a long time,” I point out.

“What’s happening here?” she asks in a teasing tone. “You’re married now, so you want to marry me off, too?”

We both laugh as I watch Demyan walk back up towards the house. Aleks stays by the lake, cutting a brooding figure against the metallic sheen of the sunlit water.

It feels like the perfect moment to go down there and start up a conversation. I have no idea what I’m going to say, but I have to earn his trust. I have to make him think I’m on his side so that he feels comfortable enough to tell me what he’s hiding.

“Listen, Mia, I have to go.”

“Go?” she asks incredulously. “Where? Is it time for your daily walk around the prison yard?”

“Umm, downstairs. I want to stretch my legs.”

“Oh, wow, you weren’t kidding. Well, walk after we’re done talking.”

“We are done, aren’t we?” I ask.

“Wow. My feelings are hurt. I really didn’t expect to be playing second fiddle to your damn kidnapper.”

“Will you stop?” I scold. “I just… I have to go.”

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