Page 97 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

“I know what he said. But I’m telling the two of you to give me some space. Stand here,” I say, pointing to a small bench in the lobby. “You can see me just fine.”

They look at one another warily.

I roll my eyes. “Stay,” I say firmly, like I’m talking to two badly trained dogs. Then, without bothering to wait for a reply, I stride into the restaurant towards the booths.

Rob is in the back corner. “Hey,” he says when he sees me approach.

He stands up and we hug. I’m thrilled that it doesn’t feel awkward or unfamiliar. I can almost forget the giant elephant sitting between us, resembling the sibling that’s not here.

“I ordered drinks,” he says. “Lemonade for you?”

I smile. “Thanks.”

The moment I sit down, the waitress shows up with our drinks and pulls out her order pad. “What can I get you two started with?”

“Um, give us a minute?” Rob asks.

She nods. “Sure thing. Just give me a wave when you’re ready to order.”

She walks off and Rob and I turn to each other.

“You look good,” he tells me.

“You look like a wolf man,” I say, noting the longer than usual scruff on his jaw.

He laughs. “Thought I’d grow out the beard.”

“I like it. Does Mia know you’re meeting me today?”

“No,” he says. “I decided not to tell her.”

“Why?”

“Because she feels if we give you enough time, you’ll realize your mistake and come to us.”

I frown. “By which you mean, she thinks that freezing me out will force me back to you guys.”

Rob rubs a tired hand over his face. “Look, Liv, I know things are weird now, but she loves—”

“Don’t!” I snap before he can finish his sentence. “I’m so sick of hearing that.Mia loves me and wants to protect me. She’s only looking out for me.The way she treated me is…No. Screw that. That’s not how you show love.”

He sighs again. “I tried to tell her as much.”

“But…?”

He gives me a cautious glance that suggests he doesn’t want to be caught in the middle.

“It’s Hargrove, isn’t it?” I surmise. “He’s controlling her.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“Then what would you say, Rob?”

“She’s in love.”

“And?”

“And she believes him. She trusts him. I do, too, for the record.”

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