Page 151 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“Why?” I repeat. “Because, well… I could have chosen differently. I could have—I dunno, saved my dad, maybe. Instead, I went to a party so I could pine after a boy who ended up making out with my best friend just to hurt my feelings. Reminds me of someone else I know, actually.”

“You have… a type…”

I frown. “I do not!”

Then I catch his tone and realize: he’s teasing me.

I shake my head. “Mike’s right: I do see where Aleks gets it from.”

Vince makes a sound that alarms me at first. Like a blender grinding up concrete. It takes me a moment before I see it for what it is: laughter.

My worry melts and I feel warmth spread through my chest instead.

I’m not quite sure, because of course, you can’t be sure of anything in any life, especially not mine.

But this may be the start of a beautiful friendship.

---