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“No entourage. Just take a guard and a driver, okay, so I know you’re safe.”

“No.”

“Erin, please. I love you. I want you safe.”

“You’re ignoring what I just said.”

“I’m not,” he says. “I’m merely taking into consideration the fact you’re hurt and lashing out. I don’t want this woman even stepping foot in here and believe me, whatever her text said, she wants me about as much as I want her. Which is not at all.”

She wants him, I know it.

And Demyan?

I want to hate him, I do. Right now. I don’t like him, but I still love him and… shit. I don’t want to be here while Stefina makes googly eyes at him and swans, around taking endless selfies.

Anything is better.

“You know what? I’ll go. Sasha and I had such a great time last time without you.”

He gives me a pained look. “Not fair, Erin.”

“Not fair? None of this is fair. You want me gone so you don’t feel as guilty.”

“Bullshit. I’m trying to make it easier for you. Go have fun, forget about everything for a while. Like I just said. Rehashing the conversation isn’t going to change it.”

“Fine.” I turn, wipe down Sasha, and pick him up, taking him upstairs to get ready.

At the very least Sasha, deserves some time away from here.

With that in mind, I call Kara.

Sashaand I are heading out when we pass the living room.

Alina is sitting on the sofa, alone, staring at a magazine on her lap.

Sasha pulls free and runs up to her. “Don’t be sad,” he says, making her smile.

I follow him in.

He’s right she looks sad, but not as destroyed as I’ve sometimes seen her before. And I get it there are ups and downs—days where she can’t get out of bed and days where life seems almost back to normal.

Except that Max is missing.

I’m okay, Sasha. Run along with your mama.”

“We’re heading out,” I begin.

She shakes her head. “I know. I don’t like her either. But…” She glances at Sasha and then at me. “He’s working on it.”

But I don’t want to talk about it, not in front of Sasha and not with Demyan’s sister.

“Come with us, Alina.”

She takes a breath. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not.”

“We’re going to the park to play.” Sasha beams. “With Kara! And Mama and you!”