Page 103 of Devious Corruption

“You’re not working tomorrow. You should go,” I urge her, already making a list of items to have set aside for her at the usual boutiques for her to purchase. All she’ll need to do is pick the color and size for what she wants.

She smiles; her shoulders drop. “Thanks, that sounds fun.”

“Perfect. If Nicolette were here, she’d have everything lined up for us, but it’s just us, so we’ll have to wing it.” Elana laughs.

“Oh, I know where she likes to shop. I’ve tagged along on her sprees before,” Maxine smiles. “Sorry, I gotta run. Megan, you have my number, right?”

“I do.” She confirms.

“Great. Text me what time, and I’ll be ready.” She hugs Megan and then Elana, thanking them again for showing up.

“I’ll come help you break down when he’sfinished.” I tell her. She pauses, like she’s going to argue, but then snaps her mouth closed and gives me a short nod.

“Thanks, That would be great.”

“Three of them out shopping,” Alexander mutters behind me as Maxine hurries back to work.

“Dmitri will be with them.”

“I’ll have Artem put two men on them, as well.”

“Artem’s going to be coming with?” Elana turns to her older brother with her brows raised.

“I doubt it, but whoever is with you better stay with you.” Alexander’s voice leaves no misinterpretation.

Elana rolls her eyes. “I’m not a child.”

“No, you’re worse. You’re a stubborn woman who won’t fucking listen to reason,” he says.

By his expression, he’s ready to battle his little sister, but Megan steps in, moving to put herself between the siblings.

“It’s not a problem. Dmitri and two of your guys will be with us.” She pats Alexander’s chest lightly, then turns to her sister-in-law. “More hands to carry the bags.”

Elana’s expression lightens, but she gives one more narrowed look at her brother before turning away. “I need to pee before we go.”

“I’ll go with you.” Megan propels herself forward, flashing a soft smile over her shoulder at Alexander as the two of them make their way through the last of the crowd toward the restrooms.

“Kaz has ruined her,” Alexander grumbles when we’re alone.

“Kaz?” I laugh.

“He gives into every demand she makes.”

“If he didn’t, do you think Elana would stay here? Or would she leave town, not tell you where she was, and go live a quiet life away from the Volkov name?” It’s the same concern I’ve had for my own sister. Pushing her too hard could push her away completely.

“It’s too late for her to slip away into a quiet life now. She’s been a Volkov too long.” Alexander checks his phone. “Ivan is planning on coming home next week.”

“Did you expect him to keep Vee in hiding forever?”

“It’s been too quiet. I don’t trust it.” He grimaces. “I’m getting more pressure from Moscow to end the feud. Even my mother called. She’s threatening to come for a visit.”

“Your mother?” Lilia Volkov hasn’t stepped foot in the states since her husband sent her away years ago.

“She’s been living well in Russia, still being pampered with the name Volkov attached to her. So, when there’s a ripple here, she grows worried her life there will get less comfortable.”

“She’s a smart woman. As a widow, there is only so much protection she can enjoy. Especially if her son is causing problems.”

Anger flashes in Alexander’s eyes. “I’m not the one who started this war.”