Page 139 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“I’m here because Hargrove just called me,” she says.

Jennifer and Demyan both perk up.

I’m more cautious. “And?”

“He’s pissed,” she says bluntly. “Extremely pissed that you crashed his wedding.”

I smile. “Good.”

“He seems to think I was aware of your plan and didn’t warn him in advance.”

“He’s upset with you?”

“He’s more than just upset with me,” she sighs. “He claims he doesn’t trust me anymore. He claims that I’m working with you against him.”

I shrug. “Which is the truth.”

“Of course it is, but he shouldn’t know that,” she snaps. “Why didn’t you tell me about your plan?”

“It was spontaneous.”

“You still could have informed me when it was happening. I could have fired him off a cursory warning at the last minute. It’s not like he would have been able to stop you either way,” she says. “But it would’ve preserved the work I’ve put into mending things with him.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I admit.

“I have many good ideas,” she says icily. “But you insist on keeping me out of things.”

I lean back in my chair and sigh. “I’ve never been one to put all my eggs in one basket.”

Under his breath, I hear Demyan snort, “I can think of one basket you put all your eggs in…”

Jennifer elbows him. I ignore him pointedly. “Did Hargrove say anything else?” I ask my mother.

“Aleksandr…” Her voice cracks. She takes a breath and attempts to calm herself enough to speak properly. “He claims he has enough evidence to take you down.”

“He needs to come up with a new line.” I roll my eyes. “He’s claimed that for quite a while now.”

“You need to take him out before he tries anything,” she pleads.

“I’m way ahead of you.”

She stops short, blinking. “What?”

Her eyes are wide and I can tell she’s nervous that I might not tell her what I have planned. I glance towards Demyan. His gaze is trained on my mother.

“I’ve prepared my trap,” I say. “By the end of the week, everything will be settled.”

“Oh.”

“You look surprised?”

“I just… I know nothing of this plan,” she says.

“And I suppose you want to know?”

“I would like that very much,” she murmurs.

I stroke my chin. “I see. The thing is… you already do.”

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