Page 107 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“Love is a liability in my world.”

I don’t know what I hoped he’d say—or maybe I do, and that hurts all the more—but it wasn’t that.

“It’s the be-all and end-all in mine,” I say quietly.

“Which is why your world has never held any attraction for me,” he replies. “A person’s biggest achievement shouldn’t be meeting the right person by sheer stupid luck.”

I look down at the lemonade sitting between my hands. Little drops of condensation run down the glass and coat my clammy fingers. I cling to the bottle like my life depends on it.

“No wonder you married me.”

“Huh?”

“No wonder you married me,” I repeat, turning to him. “You weren’t risking anything or losing anything.” When he doesn’t say anything, I continue. “What about your child? Will you love your child?”

“Yes,” he says without hesitation.

“And that’s different?”

“For me, it is.” His brow furrows and he stares at the opposite wall. He’s right next to me, living and breathing and existing just inches apart, but he seems so impossibly far away.

“What’s on your mind?” I ask when curiosity gets the better of me.

“Nothing.”

“Would it be so terrible to share something with me?”

He glances at me. “There are a lot of pieces in play at the moment. And you have enough to deal with without taking on my burdens, too.”

I sigh. I know that note in his voice—he’s not going to tell me a damn thing. I can’t even be mad right now. I was the one who came to his room. I was the one waiting for him. How much more can I ask from a man so unwilling to give?

I can’t change Aleksandr Makarova. No matter how hard I try.

“Not that you care what I think,” I sigh, “but I do think Rob might come around.”

“Why do you believe that?”

“Seeing Jennifer… It was hard on him. But he’s not going to be able to lie to himself anymore.”

He nods.

“That’s what you were hoping for, wasn’t it?” I ask.

“Something along those lines.”

“I think Jennifer still has feelings for my brother, too, for what it’s worth.”

“I suspected as much.”

“And you’re okay with that?” I ask. “I thought love was a liability.”

“That’s my choice. I’ve never told Jen how to live her life. Who she chooses to love is her business.”

“Even though Rob is your mortal enemy?”

He smirks. “Enemies have become friends in the past. It just depends on the circumstances.”

I wrinkle my nose. “You and Rob as friends? That seems unlikely.”

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