Marie’s been staring at her phone for the past twenty minutes. I pretend not to notice, flipping through channels on the massive flat-screen TV. But it’s hard to ignore the way her thumb keeps swiping back and forth, like if she stares long enough, Viktor’s face will pop up.
“Girl, if you press that screen any harder, you’re gonna crack it.”
My sister sighs and tosses her phone on the couch next to her. “I hate when he’s away.”
“Yeah?” I smile. “I’m sure Mr. Bratva Boss can handle himself.”
“I know,” she mutters. “It’s just… hard to be apart.”
“He’ll be back soon,” I reassure her, reaching to squeeze her hand. “And in the meantime…” I grin. “How about we have some fun? Let’s go out!”
Marie blinks. “Out?”
“Yeah. Club, bar, whatever.” I flash her my biggest smile.
God knows I need a distraction, too. With how much I’ve been obsessing about a certain tall, dark and lethally handsome Russian mobster…
Marie hesitates, biting her lip.
“I don’t know…”
“Oh, come on.” I nudge her with my knee. “You think Viktor would want you moping around while he’s out of town?”
That makes her giggle. “Probably.”
I join in her laughter before grabbing her phone and shoving it in her hand. “Text him. Tell him we’re having a girls’ night out.”
“Even if Vik’ says yes, you think Aslan will be okay with it?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
My stomach twists.
The memory of his long, thick fingers, rough and relentless inside me, flashes through my mind. The way he rasped, next time, you’ll be on your knees... I push the images down. Fast.
“Please,” I scoff, lying through my teeth. “I’ll handle Mr. Grumpyface.” Right…
Marie grins, and I don’t know if I’m more relieved to see her in better spirits or terrified at the perspective of facing Aslan again after we’ve been avoiding each other these past few days.
