Page 140 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“So you and Rob are up to something,” she says shrewdly. “I guessed as much but he refused to tell me what.”

“We’re not up to anything.”

“It’s a little insulting to be kept out of the loop, you know.”

“We just want to protect you, Mia.”

“Is that it?” she ponders.

“Come on, what other reason would there be?”

She sighs. “Just be careful, Liv. He may look like Paris or Achilles or whatever, but the man can and will burn you. He already has.”

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

“Call me later, okay? I love you.” She sounds like she isn’t sure I’ll actually do it. Like this might be the last time we talk.

“I promise. Love you, too.”

I hang up and race to my walk-in. I stare at myself in the mirror, entirely unimpressed with what I’m seeing. I strip off my clothes and scan for the perfect outfit.

Too dressy and it’ll be obvious I’m up to something. Too casual and he’ll think I’m the same person I was when I walked in here.

I finally settle on a baby blue cotton halter dress. I pair it with flip-flops and keep my hair loose. Hopefully, it will strike the right balance. Breezy. Innocent. The kind of person you tell secrets to regarding your various kidnapping adventures.

I hurry through the house and head straight for the lake. But he isn’t there when I walk out.

I move to the edge of the lake, trying not to look too obviously like I’m searching for him. Still nothing, though.

Disappointment pools in my stomach, and it’s not just because my plan has been botched.

I try to take solace in the beauty. Failed plan or not, the water looks amazing. It’s a deep turquoise blue with emerald green moss growing along the fringes of the bank. I slide out of my flip-flops and step into it.

It’s warmer than I expected. I’m half-tempted to jump in and soak.

Maybe more than half-tempted, actually. My mission was a bust. I might as well enjoy myself, right?

I glance around surreptitiously, making sure I’m still alone. I could go for a quick dip and have my clothes back on before anyone noticed.

I reach back and start to unzip my dress—when I hear movement just behind me. I glance to the side without actually turning my neck and I see what I missed before, standing amongst the trees.

It’s definitely Aleks. Nobody else has shoulders that freaking broad.

I freeze, wondering if I should let on that I know he’s watching and zip myself back up. Or…

Seduce him.

The voice in my head is growing louder, more confident.

Seduce him. That’s how men like him operate. If he thinks you want him, then maybe he’ll give you something in return.

I feel the adrenaline pump through my body as the voice in my head gets louder. Resisting it is probably in my best interests.

Instead, I do the opposite.

I close my eyes and pull the zip down further.

It’s not a conscious decision. I follow my body's urges. Instincts that I didn’t even know I had. And once I’ve made the decision, I commit fully.

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