Page 122 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

The car went completely silent.

Rory leaned toward my ear, lowering his voice. "You're scarier than Varlam now."

"Thanks."

"That wasn't a compliment."

I pinched his cheek. We headed to a valley outside the city. There was a gentle family rafting route there, starting halfway up the mountain, requiring a scenic cable car ride first. Varlam had asked the doctor beforehand, confirming this route had no sharp turns or rapids, and had Gleb check the operating records, weather conditions, and rescue routes twice. Before leaving, he'd also put a medical kit more comprehensive than an ambulance's equipment in the trunk.

That was him. He could try not to make decisions for me, but he couldn't stop preparing for every possible accident. I used to only feel suffocated, but now I was starting to see the difference.

When we reached the cable car station, the mountain breeze was cool. Varlam pulled a jacket from the trunk and draped it over my shoulders.

His palm was broad, slightly calloused. His thumb slowly rubbed across my wrist bone. My breathing suddenly grew tight. I pulled my hand back and turned to find Rory. Behind me came Varlam's low laugh. Very quiet, but it followed me all the way up my spine. The cable cars seated two people each. The attendant opened the first car door. Makar immediately walked toward me.

"Briony and I will ride together."

"No." Rory grabbed his arm. "You and me."

Makar looked down at him. "Why?"

"Because I'm scared."

"You just said you wanted to ride the highest one."

"I'm scared now."

"Then you ride with Briony."

Rory held on tighter. "No. I only trust you."

Makar's expression looked like someone was forcing him to swallow a whole lemon. He looked at me, clearly waiting for me to expose Rory's clumsy lie.

And I didn't.

Varlam stood beside me. He didn't rush, just waited quietly.

Rory continued his act. "Makar, you won't abandon a scared kid, will you?"

"You're not scared at all."

"Briony will be angry."

That hit the mark.

Makar looked at me, then at Varlam, finally walking into the cable car through gritted teeth. "Get in."

Rory immediately let go, moving so fast he didn't look scared at all.

"You owe me," Makar said.

"I'll help you pursue your next girlfriend."

Makar's face darkened. The cable car door closed. Rory pressed against the glass, waving at me, grinning like he'd just pulled off the perfect crime. The next cable car slid to our position. Varlam held the doorframe, letting me in first.

He waited until I'd chosen my seat before sitting across from me.

After the door closed, the cable car left the platform, the valley gradually sinking below our feet. Makar and Rory were in the car ahead. Rory pressed his face against the glass, frantically gesturing at us. Makar leaned against the other side, staring at us, his gaze like it could push Varlam out through two layers of glass.