Page 121 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

I turned. Rory in the back seat immediately ducked his head, studying his shoelaces with intense concentration. Those shoes didn't even have laces.

"Traitor," I said.

"I just think family activities should include all family members," Rory mumbled.

Varlam sat beside me, one hand on the steering wheel, the other holding his seatbelt across his chest. His injury had mostly healed, though his movements were still more careful than before. Not from weakness, but because he'd finally started accepting that his body wouldn't heal faster just because he commanded it to.

He glanced at Makar. "No room."

Makar pulled open the back door, and he and Rory both looked at the entire row of empty seats. "You call this no room?"

"That's for equipment."

"Equipment's in the trunk."

"Can move it inside now."

Makar laughed coldly. "You afraid I'll come?"

Varlam's expression didn't change. "I'm afraid you'll turn a simple activity into chaos."

"You've already started," I unbuckled my seatbelt. "Either Makar gets in, or I take Rory myself."

Both men shut up. This was the third day after their office argument. That so-called fair competition had ended without resolution. My warning had finally cut them loose from their absurd rivalry. Varlam stopped sending extravagant gifts and stopped monopolizing all my time. Makar had also quieted down considerably.

They were both waiting for me to speak first. I didn't, so the matter just faded away.

Until today. Varlam had arranged a rafting trip. I hadn't wanted to agree, but Rory was interested.

So now here we were.

Makar climbed into the back seat. Rory happily scooted over. Varlam restarted the car, his fingers tightening on the wheel for an instant.

"You promised not to make decisions for me," I reminded him.

"I didn't." Varlam turned to look at me. Morning light fell across his silver-gray hair.

"But you were just making decisions for the empty seats."

"They won't object," he said.

Yes, Varlam was right, but it was infuriating.

"I will."

He didn't immediately end the argument with a command like before. He just fell silent for two seconds, then nodded.

"Understood."

A snort came from the back seat.

"You're really obedient now."

Varlam looked at him in the rearview mirror. "You can get out."

"I won't."

"Enough." I leaned back. "One more word from either of you, I'm sending you home."