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CHAPTER 17

LARA

“How much longer do I have to stay here?” I ask the big man when he comes in with my tray.

He looks down at the table, still piled with the food from this morning.

“Until you remember where Zoya is,” he grunts before slamming the door shut.

My stomach grumbles as the fresh scent of bread wafts over me.

I can do this. I’m used to going long periods without eating to try and lose a few pounds.

Just imagine how thin I’ll be.

Everyone will love me then.

I bet even Alexei.

I miss him terribly. Is he worried about me? He’s always the one who leaves to run off on some adventure, or go work some job.

Does it bother him now that I’m the one gone?

Is he able to feel hollow like I do when he goes? Like a piece of me is missing.

I must be crazy. Thinking more about Alexei than even my own brothers?

Nikolai has his new wife, and Elena, my sweet, adorable niece.

Mikhail has secrets.

And the biggest one landed me here.

Captured and alone.

But Alexei, he’s always been there for me.

And I might not survive to see him again.

I swear, if I get out of here, I’m going to do something wild. Show him that there could be more between us.

The thought of being without him terrifies me.

What if he meets someone else? She’d be prettier than me.

I wouldn’t stand a chance.

With a squeak, the door opens and Kirill steps in.

This is becoming a routine.

“I see you haven’t been hungry.” He extends a single finger and tips the latest tray on the table near me.

“Did you come here to torture me?” I ask, watching him warily.

He pushes at one of the uneaten sandwiches. “It seems you've already been doing that to yourself.”

Dragging a chair from the wall, he pulls it close, but just out of reach. His leg crosses at the knee as he lights a cigarette.

The acrid smoke burns my lungs long before he talks again. “Have you thought any more of my question?”

“I don’t know anything about Zoya.” I cross my arms as far as the cuffs allow me.

He adjusts his suit sleeve and scowls at me. “I find that hard to believe given the circumstances of her disappearance.” Leaning forward, he exhales another billow of hot vapor. “Considering your mother died that night, I’d think the memory would be burned into you.”

Long buried grief tries to well within me, making my chin quiver as I fight the tears.

I can’t count the days I spent curled in Alexei’s arms crying over the loss.

She was the only one who thought I was beautiful, and perfect.

Losing her broke something within me.

But Zoya had my sister. Mom helped her get away.

I can see my mother doing that. She gave of herself constantly to try and protect us against Father.

The monster.

My jaw sets and I tilt it up defiantly. “My mother died knowing she was protecting an innocent.”

The corner of his mouth twitches and his dark eyes narrow. “So. You knew she was pregnant.” His ember brightens as he takes a long drag. “I think you know more than you’re letting on. A bit more time might loosen those lips.”

Fuck. I messed up.