Page 154 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

Her chest rises and falls. “Are you going to stop her? Force her back here?”

I don’t answer her. I just give Demyan a nod. “Get the cars ready.”

Demyan nods back and heads out. Jennifer hesitates a moment longer as she turns towards Olivia. “Liv—”

“Don’t you dare speak to me,” she spits. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re as bad as he is.”

“It’s not what you—”

“Don’t tell me what I think!” Olivia hisses. “For fuck’s sake, all of you need to stop telling me what I think. Maybe you’re the one who hasn’t been thinking this entire time.”

“Jennifer,” I say firmly, “go get ready. It’s time to finish this.”

She gives Olivia a sad parting glance and then she leaves.

When we’re alone again, Olivia looks up at me, her eyes rippling with worry. “Let her go,” she pleads. “She’s so young, Aleks. She’s… she’s only a child…”

I already know what she’s assumed, what she thinks she saw. But hearing her say it, I get so angry so fast that I fear I might do something to scare her.

But I control the urge. Because, despite what she thinks, her well-being and the well-being of my child is my only priority now.

Nothing else matters.

Still, a part of me wants her to hit rock bottom before things are cleared up. I want her to see how they played her for a fool and she danced to their fucking tune.

The difference between the old me and the new me is that I want to do itforher. Nottoher.

I want her to become invincible, so that no one can ever fuck with her again.

“Come on,” I growl as she backs away from my heated gaze.

“Where are we going?”

“You wanted to be a part of this,” I remind her. “You joined forces with my mother against me. You should be there for the big finale.”

When she doesn’t move, I grab her hand and steer her towards the front door. She struggles, but only marginally.

I drag her outside and towards the line of armored jeeps parked in front of the house. Demyan is standing in front of the third one, so I move towards it and push her inside.

“Get in.”

The moment I get into the passenger seat next to Demyan, the engine fires up and our little entourage starts down the long driveway towards the gate.

“Are you seriously going to stop Yulia?” she asks from the back seat.

No one answers her. Demyan shifts in his seat uncomfortably. Living in this lie is uncomfortable for him.

But I don’t mind it at all.

I was born into a world of lies. Living in one now is no different than the rest of my life has been.

“Demyan?” Olivia asks, looking towards him.

He glances at me for permission to speak to her. I shake my head.

“Are you sure about bringing her?” he asks me in a low voice, even though Olivia can hear everything he’s saying.

“I’m sure,” I say dismissively. “Are the teams ready?”

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