Page 87 of Silent Ties

I roll my head against the headrest to watch him drive. “Could you stop making it sound like I did something wrong.”

“I got a message from Sergei informing me you were bawling your eyes out in a coffee shop.”

That’s a bit dramatic. “I wasn’t bawling my eyes out.”

“And then you traveled across the city to go to a funeral. When I get there you’re talking to a man.”

“I do upon occasion have to talk to other men.”

“Not really,” he snaps back.

I yank my hand out of his. He grabs it back.

“You didn’t call me,” he says.

The city rolls by as we drive in silence. Finally, I say with a sigh, “Okay, I’m sorry.”

Worried eyes keep peeking at me.

“She meant a lot to you?” he says again.

I nod.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand.

He means it, but it doesn’t help.

The car ride is silent, but my head remains full of that croaking voice. Nancy loved her story-telling, everything wrapped up with a bit of advice.

Any time something went wrong in my life she’d sit me down at her beat-up, round kitchen table. With a cigarette between her fingers, she’d hammer in the life advice.

Her favorite comes back to me now.

“A girl’s always,” she’d croak, cigarette dangling, “always got to know where all the exits are. The only way to stay safe is to think one step ahead. Know the lay of the land, know where the windows are in case the doors are locked. Better yet, know where the fucking dynamite is in case you need to make your own exit.”

CHAPTER 22

Russet

Ihold up a hand, blocking Max. “I spent half-hour on my hair. Do not mess it up.”

His eyes narrow at the challenge, but I hold my ground. He drops his hand, the picture of innocence as he backs out of the bathroom.

He comes back a second later. “Let me see your panties.”

Laughing, I stop his attack. He manages to bunch my dress up my waist.

“We don’t have time.”

“It’s my birthday,” he reminds.

Which is exactly why we’re going to his parent’s house. There’s a small get-together to celebrate the twins. It turns out getting Max and Roma at the same family event is a big deal. Normally, Roma is the one who fucks off, but Max is still keeping his distance from his mom.

He didn’t want us to go, and when his father ordered him to make an appearance, he offered to let me stay at home.

I’m not thrilled at the idea of coming face-to-face with Yelena, but I need to get used to it. With Max at my side, and Elijah and Roma as my allies, I’m not afraid.

“We will be late,” I say.