Page 103 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“It’s bold,” she says, doubling down. “He’s not going to expect it.”

“Because he knows I’m not a fucking fool,” I snap back. “And he’d be right. Killing him only makes me look guilty.”

“Since when are you concerned with how you look?”

“Since it’ll bring me unwanted media attention. We’re a fucking Bratva, not an entertainment story. Do you really think I’m looking for publicity here?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. As usual, her head is filled with impulsive thoughts that pay no mind to reason.

I’m assuming her silence is defeat, but the moment she opens her mouth, I realize I’m wrong. “Does this have something to do with Olivia?”

Instantly, I’m angry. My fists curl tight. “Why would it have anything to do with Olivia?”

“You don’t want to upset her by killing her sister’s fiancé.”

“Jesus,” I growl. “Even for you, that’s an idiotic suggestion.”

“It’s the only reason I can think of for why you’re so averse to my plan.”

“Don’t make this personal,” I sigh. “It’s not. If you want me to treat you like you’re part of the team, then you’ll have to take criticism the same way everyone else does.”

She glances away, but when she looks back at me, all I can see is disappointment. “It’s your call at the end of the day, my son.”

Sniffling, she stands to leave.

“What if I’d said yes?” I ask before she can depart.

My mother lingers in place. “What do you mean?”

“He’s supposed to be your friend,” I explain. “Not long ago, you reluctantly agreed to help me. You said you believed he’s an innocent man.”

“I did,” she acknowledges.

“And now, you propose a plan that involves killing the very same friend. Rather ruthless, don’t you think?”

She sighs. “I gave you my loyalty and my word. When I do something like that, I commit. I hold nothing back.”

I cock my head to the side, waiting for the whole truth.

“I’m also the kind of woman who knows that, sometimes in life, you have to do what needs to be done. No matter how… unpleasant,” she finishes.

I nod. Good enough for me. “Regardless, I still expect you to be at that lunch with Hargrove. Not as bait, though. I want you to go and gather information.”

“As you wish, Aleksandr.”

I dismiss her with a nod. Demyan follows her to the door and shuts it as she leaves, making sure she has cleared the area before he turns to me.

“That was… something.”

“Something stupid.”

“Sure, of course,” Demyan agrees. “But I was referring more to the way the two of you interacted.”

I frown. “How do we interact?”

“Like you’re always trying to one up each other. Not like any mother and son I’ve ever seen. You were like… sharks at a poker game,” he says.

“Well, what did you think of her plan, then?”

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