Page 98 of Shattered Cradle (Makarova Bratva Duet)

I flinch, even though I was expecting as much. “You really believe him?”

“Yes.”

“And you still believe Aleks is responsible for hurting those girls?”

He hesitates, but I know it’s only because he doesn’t want to hurt me. “Olivia, he’s duped you.”

“And you’re not even willing to consider the possibility that you might be after the wrong man?”

“Hargrove is a good man. He wouldn’t—”

“I’m not even saying Hargrove is responsible for hurting those girls,” I interject quickly. “I’m not accusing him. All I’m saying is that I believe Aleks when he says he had nothing to do with those crimes.”

Rob sits back in his seat and fingers his beer with disinterest. “You… you really care about him, don’t you?”

“If you’re implying that my feelings for him are what’s clouding my judgment, you’re wrong. I know you and Mia think I’m this brainless dolt who can’t think for herself, but that’s not true. Nor is it fair.”

“I don’t think that.”

“Forgive me for not believing you.”

I can feel my hackles rising the longer we talk. I shouldn’t be dealing with so much stress while I’m pregnant. My hand flutters to my stomach and Rob notices immediately.

“Mom was right,” he says in a low voice. “We should never have done that to you.”

I hold my breath. “Done what?”

“You know what.”

“I need to hear you say it, Rob,” I grit. “Tell me what you’re sorry for.”

He closes his eyes. “I’m sorry for trying to force you to abort your baby. It was wrong, and I regret it now. But at the time, we really thought we were doing the right thing.”

“Thank you.” My throat feels clamped down tight. “Can you answer one thing for me?”

“Anything.”

“Was Hargrove involved?”

Rob goes quiet. I suppose that’s answer enough for me.

“What makes you think I’m the one being brainwashed and manipulated, Rob?” I seethe viciously. “I could argue the same thing about you and Mia.”

I take my lemonade and drain half the glass. I’m not sure how I’m going to eat at all, though. I’ve completely lost my appetite.

“Maybe it’s time for you to hear another perspective.”

He snorts. “I will not fucking listen to that motherfu—”

“What about me, then?” a third voice cuts in.

We both turn at the same time. Jennifer is standing a few feet away from our table, looking at Rob with a carefully composed expression on her face.

“Will you listen to me, Rob?” she continues.

He pales instantly. As he does, I feel almost guilty for ambushing him like this. Jennifer, however, looks remarkably calm as she approaches our booth.

She pulls an empty chair from a vacant table and places it at the end of the table.

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