Page 52 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“I want this baby.”

“You only think you do,” she says. It’s so patronizing that I have to stop myself from growling in anger on Olivia’s behalf. “I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but I’m trying to protect you, Liv. I love you too much to let you ruin your life.”

I’m on the verge of intervening when the mother speaks again.

“Mia…”

Both of them turn towards the woman.

“She’s saying she can’t do this.”

“Mom, c’mon,” Mia sighs impatiently. “Rob and I explained why this is necessary. You know the consequences, both political and otherwise—”

“I know everything perfectly well, dear,” she says with a nod before her eyes flit to Olivia’s. “But look at her. She’s in her right mind. She knows what she’s saying and what she wants. She doesn’t want this. I don’t think we should make her.”

“Then you’re not thinking straight, either.”

Olivia laughs bitterly. “Anyone who doesn’t see things your way is not thinking straight? Listen to yourself, Mia!”

Mia ignores Olivia and focuses her attention on her mother. “Your grandchild’s father is a rapist and a pedophile. Is that what you want for this baby? For your daughter?”

“I don’t—”

“He’s not a rapist and he’s not a fucking pedophile!” Olivia cries. Her volume surprises me.

And I’m not the only one who notices.

The main door to the room swings open again and Rob and Hargrove walk in.

“What’s going on?” Rob asks in alarm.

“Mom doesn’t think this is a good idea anymore,” Mia says, turning towards her brother.

Olivia turns to her brother. “Rob, don’t make me do this.”

“Darling,” Donald croons, “I know you’re scared…”

His voice is tender, sympathetic. But it turns my fury into concrete. If I could kill him with my bare hands right now, I would relish every fucking moment.

He glides towards her bedside. If he tries to touch her, I’m not going to be able to rein myself in. His hand flits towards her, but she flinches back just before he makes contact and he tucks it smoothly into his pocket instead.

“But you must trust me, Olivia. I have overwhelming evidence against Makarova. Evidence that will put him away for a long time.”

“He’s not the kind of man you can catch,” she snarls.

I smile despite everything.My woman. My lioness. My queen.

“Even if he runs, he won’t ever be allowed back in the country. I’ll see to that.”

“If you think you can run him out of here, you’re even more delusional than you think I am,” she says. “I refuse to go along with any of this.”

“You’ll thank us for this later, Olivia,” he says in that same too-kind, too-tender voice. But the intent is clear—this is non-negotiable.

“Donald, please,” Olivia’s mom says, stepping forward and taking her daughter’s hand. “She doesn’t want to do this. In good conscience, I can’t support it, either.”

“I’m done with this shit,” Olivia says abruptly, swinging her legs off the bed. “I’m out of here.”

But before she’s walked more than two steps, Hargrove inserts himself between her and the door. “Please don’t do this, Olivia. We’re just trying to help you.”

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