Page 3 of Blood, Bones, and the Bratva Bogeyman

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Cressida

ThebubblesfromtheChampagne tickle my nose when I lift the glass to my lips as I watch the arguing couple in front of me.

“I’m sorry, honey.”

Truth.

“I didn’t mean to miss dinner again last night.”

Tilting my head, I study the one who is speaking.

Truth.

“I told you, work has been busy, and I’ve had to work over to stay on track.”

Little zaps of electricity dance over my arms.

Ah, there it is.

Lie.

But what about part of that are you lying about, mister?

I can’t tell who it is since masks cover most of everyone’s faces for our annual masquerade ball, but they came in together, so I’m assuming from the conversation that they’re a couple.

Every year, my family hosts the Halloween masquerade ball for the mafia world. It’s one of the few events of the year whenthey can all put down their weapons, leave their hatred at the door, and just enjoy something without the pressure of our society dictating who they should associate with.

“They’re looking for someone to make a partner, and I’m a shoo-in as long as I don’t fall behind,” the masked man continues.

Truth.

“And each night just requires you to jump in the shower as soon as you’re home,” the woman hisses, not believing his words.

Don’t blame you, sister.

“I’m not allowed to wash away the workday? Sweat from stress is a thing,” he snaps back, his hand lifting to the back of his neck.

“There’s no other reason?” his woman questions in a disbelieving tone.

“No.”

My skin tingles at his answer as a quick flash of red appears in my mind.

Oh, look, another lie.

“Then why did I find lipstick on your collar, Marcus?”

Yes, why, Marcus?

His hands shake as he lifts them to smooth out the tie of his suit while he thinks of an answer that’s enough to the truth she won’t find the lie.

He can’t keep it from me, though.

I hide my smile behind the Champagne glass, curious to see what excuse he has for something so obvious.

This is the most interesting thing since my brother, Kingston, informed me of my marriage to Konstantin Kirovsky two months ago. If I weren’t already aware of the marriages of some families, I’d be surprised he was handing me off to the Pakhan of the Bratva. I’ve gotten good at hiding the way all of this makes me feel behind polite smiles and the training that was instilled inme from the moment I was born. I have one place in this world and it’s not to open my mouth and tell everyone that I think they’re full of shit.