Crave (Beneath The Secrets #3)

48. Alexei

CHAPTER 48

ALEXEI

“I thought you liked this place? You order from here all of the time.” I shove a fork full of pasta into my mouth.

I’m not picky about food, it all tastes good to me.

But watching Lara poke at hers makes me wonder if I’m missing something. “Is it der'mo ?”

She shakes her head. “No, Alexei, it doesn’t taste like shit. I’m just not very hungry.”

“How can you not be starving after all of that screaming I made you do this morning?” I grin at her before biting the end of a shrimp off.

The corner of her lip sinks into a frown. “I just don’t eat much.”

I stab a piece of steak and hold it out for her. “You don’t eat enough. You almost fainted on the way to the car. I mean I know I’m sexy—” I run my palm down my chest and circle my shirt with my finger where my nipple sits beneath. “—but I don’t have a habit of making women pass out because of it.”

“I always overdo it,” she scoffs, and takes a bite of spinach for emphasis.

My hand finds the inside of her thigh and my fingers tickle the hem of her panties. “If I asked you to get on top of me and ride my like a bumpy motorcycle, how long before your tank runs dry?” I pick up a sprig of alfalfa sprout and roll it against my thumb. “Three of these wouldn’t last very long. I’m a cross country bike, pchelka.”

Her blue eyes widen before she smiles. “Oh, really? Is that a promise?” Her voice takes on a sultry rasp as she moves her lips closer to my ear. “You think you can go all night?”

“I’m the Enterprise Bunny.” I whisper.

She laughs much louder than the joke warrants. “Don’t you mean “Energizer” Bunny?” she giggles.

I’m confused. “What is the difference?”

“One goes to other planets, the other just keeps going.” She smiles and ruffles her fingers through my hair.

“Then yes, both of those. Next time I get you alone.” I pick up a morsel of chicken from her plate and hold it up to her lips. “Let’s get those engines going.”

The flicker in her eyes tells me she’s switched to doubt.

What is that about? I know her well enough to stop pushing.

“Did you want to come with me to pick up the girls?” I lean back, giving her room to avoid the bite. Instead, I pop it into my own mouth.

“Can you pick them up? I have to get their movie night stuff ready. Then maybe tomorrow night you can show me all your rabbit moves.” Her grin returns.

That’s better.

“Deal. Do you want me to pick up some snacks?—”

“No.” She cuts me off. “I mean, I’ll take care of them.” The worried look pinches the corners of her eyes again.

Why haven’t I noticed this reaction before?

It’s bugging me all the rest of the way through dinner, not that it lasts much longer.

Even all the way home, any time I even mention food she bristles.

After I drop her off, I head to Jax’s first.

Maeve may be younger than Elena, but the two girls love spending time with each other. They bring so much joy to Lara when they visit, but I know they’re also tiring for her.

It’s why I help. I can keep them playing until they’re too exhausted to wear Lara down.

“Hi, Alexei, come on in.” Sofia answers the door. Her maroon hair is almost a light shade of pink tonight.

“Maeve has been excited all day. It’s been a few weeks since Lara’s had the girls over. Since before the…” Her voice trails off.

“Kidnapping?” I finish for her. Why is it hard for people to talk about? It’s over.

“Yes. Anyways, Maeve’s had dinner, but she said she was saving room for popcorn.” Sofia turns and touches my wrist. “Please, for the love of God, Alexei, don’t give her candy right before bedtime.” Her eyebrows bunch in the middle of her forehead.

“You girls, so picky about your food. What is the big deal? I eat it, and I’m fine.” I smack my palm across my chest as a testament to my strength.

She rolls her eyes before handing me a small duffel bag. “It’s important to instill good eating habits when they’re little. Then they don’t have to fight food issues when they’re older.” She pats her belly for emphasis.

“You just had a baby and look fine. Do you do that thing that Lara does? Where she goes days without eating and then eats a huge meal but gets sick after?” I watch her pause.

Did I say the wrong thing?

“What are you talking about, Alexei? Starving and binging isn’t healthy either.” She chews on her lip. “Did that start after the, you know.” She waves her hand.

My face scrunches as I concentrate. “Um. I don’t think so? She’s always been weird about eating. But I know when she’s stressed out she can eat three big bacon cheeseburgers.” Which is why I think it’s even stranger when she only wanted a few leaves of spinach tonight for dinner.

“Alexei. I have a hard question for you.” Sofia takes both of my shoulders just as Jax comes down the stairs.

“Everything okay?” he asks as he steps past, raising the eyebrow with the piercing.

“Yep. Alexei and I are having an important conversation.” She keeps her gaze fixed on me.

“Gotcha.” He smiles at his wife before disappearing again.

“Alexei. When Lara eats a lot, does she get sick afterward, or does she make herself sick after?” Her dark eyes flick back and forth between mine.

This feels serious. “Um, I’m not sure. I don’t watch her. I do hear her sometimes, though.”

Sofia’s fingers dig into my biceps. “Alexei,” she asks quietly. “Is Lara talking to anyone?”

“That’s a stupid question. She talks all the time to everyone.” I shrug, pulling out of her grip.

“Not what I meant, Alexei.” Sofia crosses her arms and glares at me. “She needs to get help. Does she have a therapist?”

“No.” I glower back. “There’s nothing wrong with Lara. She’s perfect.” I sling the duffel over my back. “Just funny eating habits.” I turn to find Maeve working her way down the stairs. “I promise not to mess hers up.”

“‘Lexi!” Maeve runs and jumps into my arms.

Hoisting her up onto my hip, I give her a broad smile. “Ready for movies with Elena and Aunty Lara?”

Maeve bobs her round head, the dark curls bounce with her enthusiasm. “Yes!” Her chubby palms smack together in an excited clap.

“You have fun. And, Alexei? Think about what I said. I’ve wondered about it myself watching Lara.” Sofia reaches up and kisses Maeve’s cheek before backing away. “I worry about Lara, especially after everything she’s been through.”

That makes me pause. Is there something more that I’m not catching?

I want Lara forever. If she’s hurting herself, I need to help her to stop.

“Thank you. I’ll watch her.” I turn and head down the steps to the car.

Is what Sofia said true? What’s wrong with Lara?