Crave (Beneath The Secrets #3)

31. Lara

CHAPTER 31

LARA

I’ve never seen Alexei like this. So… flustered.

If anything that gives me hope, he feels this too. He wants more, he just doesn’t know what to do. I get it. My brothers, our friendship.

Or I suppose it could be his Sheila is missing.

I jump back when this new flamingo makes a noise, I can’t lie, I’m kinda petrified. It’s why I waited in the hallway for Alexei to get home the first time.

These damn things are scary close up.

Keeping my distance from the bird, I head upstairs into Alexei’s room, except this time, when I look at his bed, I think about him pushing me to my knees and calling me his good girl.

My cheeks heat.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, I smooth my hand over the silky duvet. Spotting a couple of bloodstained shirts on the floor, I decide to make myself useful and pick them up, tossing them in the laundry.

My phone pings on the counter. I run back over, my heart in my throat hoping it’s him.

And my smile shouldn’t be as wide when I see his name on the screen, but it is.

A

We found Sheila. Bringing her home with Mikhail now. Don’t worry about looking after Bruce.

I frown. Tapping out a reply.

Me

Bruce??

A

That stray you brought into my house. Bruce.

How does he even know that one downstairs is a male? I wouldn’t have a clue. I shake my head, it’s his problem now anyway and I take it that means he doesn’t need me here. Disappointment clouds over me, that glimmer of hope fading again.

Sometimes I want to shake him, but really, I want him to kiss me again.

Me

Okay. I will head home.

Making a dart down the stairs, I snatch the keys from the bowl by the door and jump in my car. I don’t know why, I want to cry and drive far, far away.

Maybe if he misses me, he will realize? I can’t keep pretending around him.

When I get home, the first thing I do is head to the fridge. Wine might fix my mood. I gasp when I open it.

The whole thing is stacked with fruits, vegetables, and yogurts. All my favorites.

Even now, he’s reminding me he’s here for me.

By the time I shower and head back into my room, I stop in the doorway. The security lights in the backyard illuminate through the window. What the hell?

It sends chills down my spine, I almost don’t want to move. What if they’re back for me?

And no one is here to help me.

I creep over to the window, holding my breath. How long can I live like this? This isn’t me. I’m a Volkov. I’ve been conditioned to be strong like my brothers. Except, whenever it gets tough I run.

And I’ve had Alexei protecting me my entire life. Maybe I am just weak and useless like my father always told me.

Peeking through the blinds, the light is still on, but as I scan the surroundings I see nothing. Shit. Did I lock the doors?

I jog down the stairs almost skidding on the marble floors.

Phew. It’s locked.

Maybe it was an animal or something. Wrapping my arms around my waist, I wish Alexei was here. I’d feel safe and loved, not empty and alone.

I don’t want to live in a world without Alexei by my side. It’s like our souls are tangled together in this beautiful mess we’ve created.

I don’t notice that the tears are falling until I wipe them away. I need to be stronger on my own.