AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I get her a bowl set up on the coffee table. “I’m going to make some phone calls. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will, Aunt Lara.” She doesn’t look up. She’s already focused on the animated characters on the screen behind me.
Oh, to be seven again and not have the stresses of adult life.
Mikhail may be the head of the entire Las Vegas mafia, but he always makes a point of being there for me.
“Lara. How are you and Elena?” he asks gruffly. He always sounds like that, rough and busy.
“It’s been a bit. I need to know if Nikolai and Alexei are okay? Have you heard anything?” Chewing on my thumbnail doesn’t fix anything.
I need to chew on something though.
“Alexei called. I’m getting a flight ready to go pick them up. They’re all fine and will be home tomorrow.” He sounds distracted.
Hmm. “All?” What does he mean by that?
“They’re bringing Mila and her brother back,” he says flatly. That’s his “I don’t want an argument” voice.
Tough shit.
“What the fuck do you mean? She tried to kill him!” Damn. I have to stop yelling before Elena hears me.
“According to Nikolai, it was all a big misunderstanding. But our father was at the root of it all in his own insane way.” He sighs.
“Oh.” Whenever Ivan is involved, he ruins lives. Maybe I need to rethink hating Mila.
She was probably coerced by Father as only he can.
Sick bastard.
“After I get back, we’ll discuss it further. I think there’s some things you need to know.”
“Wait? You’re going? You swore you’d never?—”
Mikhail cuts me off. “It’s Nikolai and Alexei. Yes, I’m going. I’ll be fine.” His voice is gentle, almost crooning.
I’m getting loud again.
“Let me know as soon as you’re back.” My stomach growls. Is it really hungry, or is this new anxiety eating at my belly making the noise?
“Will do.” There isn’t a click when he hangs up.
He’s going back.
Away from Vegas, and safety. Everyone I care for is in Russia. They almost didn’t escape last time.
Why did they all have to go?
Silence. The low hum of Elena’s cartoons bring me back to reality.
My belly growls again.
I better eat something. It will keep me busy while I wait.
CHAPTER 4
ALEXEI
