Russian Roulette (Russkaya Mafiya) Read Free Page A

together. It would be nice to have someone who knows where exactly they are going. Judging by the look radiating on her face, I know I am going to hear all about it later. She is practically glowing.
    “Thanks for inviting me, Avery; I’ll see you in class,” I hug Avery and then high-five Cameron. “Bye, Cameron.”
    “Anytime, sweet cheeks, text me later!” She calls as they walk off. Avery is probably going to bounce out of her shoes; she’s vibrating with so much excitement. Yep, definitely going to hear about that!
    I quickly head to my truck parked all by its lonesome. It’s a little spooky out here at nighttime, even with the night air whispering with the songs playing from the restaurant’s outdoor speakers.
    The air has cooled slightly but still feels thick. The bugs make crazy sounds, providing the illusion of the country, when in fact it’s a busy city.
    We make it to my truck and sense of comfort washes over me, just from being near something so familiar. “Thank you for walking me to my truck, Tate,” I murmur gratefully.
    I look around and take in my surroundings. The parking lot isn’t packed, but there are quite a few cars. I’m always scanning for a certain face. I’m glad I don’t have to walk to the truck by myself, I’d probably freak myself out and drop my keys.
    “Hey, no problem. Wow! Nice ride, never pictured you in something like this.”
    “It was my granddad’s. He built it all himself and gave it to me.”
    I smile fondly at her blue-green shimmer from the street lamps. I would trade this truck in a heartbeat, just to have him back. I miss him every single day. My chest always gets tight when I think of him, the man who took care of me for so long. Now I’m left without him, to make it on my own.
    “Lucky girl. Hey, I meant what I said back there. I know you’re not a booty call. You are way too sweet and beautiful to be mistaken as trashy.” He gazes at me seriously. “Would you mind if I text you later though?” I stare at him for a beat and I think he looks like he’s being pretty sincere, so why not.
    “Okay you can text me,” I reply without hesitation. “Good night, Tate.” I smile slightly and look up into his hazel eyes.
    I’m such a wimp. I put up no fight whatsoever. At this point he could ask for a back rub and I’d probably ask if he wanted lotion too. I’m sure this is how he starts with all females. He comes off as just wanting to be friends and then swoops in when they’re least expecting it.
    “Good night, Krasaaveetsa . (Beauty)”
    He leans in to me and gives me a small hug. He smells so good; crisp and clean. His body is warm, and even in the small amount of contact we make I can feel him. He presses his full lips softly to my forehead and I melt.
    For the first time in forever I feel safe.

TWO
    EMILY
    I’m roused out of my sleep by the ding of an incomingtext. I sent London’s brother, Elliot, a text last night, asking how the house was doing. He never replied back, but that’s probably him now.
    I poke my arm out of my comforter, flailing my hand around on my nightstand. I blindly search for my phone; I could open my eyes and actually look for it, but that would be too easy. It’s nippy in here so I’m going to try to stay as covered up as possible.
    My eyes bug out when I see it’s in fact from Tate and not Elliot Traverson.
Tate Masterson: Good morning, Красота
    Wow, I wasn’t expecting him to text me. It’s been two days since we had dinner. I thought guys were supposed to wait like three days to a week so they don’t seem eager?
    Okay, I have to break down and ask him what this name means. I have literally been thinking of it nonstop the past few days since I heard him say it. I wasn’t sure exactly how I heard it pronounced or how it’s spelled, or else I would have Googled it already.
Me: Hi, what does that mean?
Tate Masterson: What does what mean?
Me: You know! Красота?
Tate Masterson: It means pop