Page 90 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“Perfect. Where do you wanna meet?”

“How about Giovanni’s?” he asks.

“Giovanni’s it is. See you tomorrow, big head.”

He chuckles at the old nickname. “See you tomorrow, chicken feet.”

I thought I’d lost all hope for a reconciliation with my siblings. But now, I feel that hope flicker.

Maybe it’s not dead yet.

22

ALEKS

“Miss me already?” Jennifer asks when she answers on the third ring.

I roll my eyes. “I’ve got new marching orders for you.”

She sighs. “Typical man. You’re calling because you want something. Well, give it to me. Should I be scared?”

“Since when have you ever been scared?”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Aleks. What do you want?”

“Olivia has a lunch tomorrow. I want you to accompany her.”

“You have Demyan and an army of goons who are good at breaking shit at your disposal. Why me?”

“I have my reasons.”

The pause is loaded with tension—until she figures it out. It was never going to take her very long, but even I’m impressed by how quickly she gets to the bottom of it.

“Oh God. Who is she having lunch with?”

“Jen—”

“I can’t see him, Aleks,” she says before I can even explain. “I can’t. You know that.”

“I’m not asking.”

“You’re being cruel," she hisses with an undercurrent of desperation I’ve never heard from her before.

“Maybe so, but I’m not changing my mind, either. You need to see him. More importantly, he needs to see you.”

“He’s already made up his mind about me.”

“Actually, he’s only made his mind up aboutme,” I retort. “The man still thinks I’ve managed to hoodwink you. It’s time to disabuse him of that notion.”

“Aleks, please—"

“Begging doesn't work with me.”

“I’m not begging; I’m asking.”

“And I’m saying no. There’s no way out of this.”

She goes quiet, but I can hear her grinding her teeth together, trying to find a legitimate excuse out of this. “I would have thought you’d be more grateful to me after the asset I handed over to you.”

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