Page 124 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

But for my sister.

Finally, the driver is able to pull up in front of the hotel and the red carpet. A Bratva soldier from the advance car opens my door and helps me out.

The moment I’m on my feet, my bodyguards surround me. Beyond the ring of their protection, flashing lights and overlapping voices from reporters compete for my attention. I ignore them all.

I start the trek up the stairs, hoping to God I don’t trip and make a fool of myself just to get the moment captured for posterity or the front page news.

“Looks like you could use a hand.”

I look up and see who spoke. “Rob!”

My brother gives me a tight smile and offers his arm. I take it gratefully and we continue up the stairs together. He’s dressed smartly in a black tux and white shirt. He’s even shaved for the occasion.

“You finally got rid of the fuzz.”

“Mia’s orders,” he laughs.

“I’m not surprised. Bridezilla, I bet.”

Once we get inside the hotel, the noise and lights die down considerably. I can finally hear myself think again.

“Wow,” I breathe. “That was a three-ring circus if I’ve ever seen one.”

I can tell Rob isn’t happy with all the fanfare either, but he keeps his thoughts to himself as he avoids my gaze.

“Rob,” I say gently, reaching out and putting my hand on his arm.

He raises his eyes to mine. “Liv.”

“Are you still mad at me?”

“Yes,” he says shortly. My heart sinks. “But… I’m trying not to be.”

“I hated ambushing you like that,” I admit.

“But he convinced you it was the right thing to do, I suppose?”

I purse my lips up, feeling caught out. “I… I thought it was the right thing, too. You just wouldn’t listen to me, Rob. I had to make you see.”

“Whether I liked it or not.”

I sigh. “Denial can be comforting. But it’s fleeting. The truth would have come out eventually.”

He stares at me curiously for a moment. Then he smiles.

“What?”

He shakes his head. “It’s just… for a moment there, I saw Dad. You reminded me of him.”

I smile. “Can you try to forgive me?”

“If you forgive me,” he exhales. “We’ve both made mistakes.”

I grab his hands in both of mine. “Of course I forgive you, Rob. You’re my big brother. The only one I have.”

I see the emotion bubbling up in his eyes for a second before he pushes it back down. “I want to go and check in with security before the ceremony begins.”

I have no doubt that’s true, but I also know that it’s a justified excuse for walking away from me. Avoiding having the conversation that sits silent between us, being willfully ignored.

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