Page 226 of Celestial Combat

I felt my lips curve into a grin before I even spoke. “I’d say you’ve probably had enough of that Siberian winter.”

Aleksandr chuckled, low and rough. “The snow can keep it. I want pavement, coffee, and a city that’s always full of traffic.”

“Then you’re gonna love Brooklyn,” Kali said. “You have to get an apartment there so we’ll be close.”

He leaned back, nodding, the kind of nod that meant he was already picturing it. And for the first time, I realized how strange and easy it felt, all of us here together – laughing, teasing, breathing the same air like it was always meant to be.

Like maybe this was what peace looked like after war.

Couple of hours later,we all stood in front of Aleksandr’s hotel. Kali hung back by the lobby, arms crossed casually over her chest, pretending to scroll her phone but watching us like she didn’t want to miss a second.

Aleksandr adjusted the duffel over his shoulder. No suitcase – just that beat-up old bag with patches from cities he’d probably taken over or narrowly escaped. He looked relaxed in his floral shirt and worn linen pants, but the man was still all presence. Hard jaw. Scarred hands. A war general in beachwear.

“I’ll be in New York in less than a week,” he said, glancing at me. “I’ve got some things to tie up back home. People to speak to. And I’ll start digging into this South American bastard for you. Quietly.”

I nodded. “You sure the Bratva had nothing to do with it?”

He shook his head. “No chance. Moscow doesn’t take orders. Never have. Those men who came for you – months ago – weren’t Bratva. Rats maybe. Free agents. But not us.”

The taxi pulled up beside us, and the driver stepped out to pop the trunk. Aleksandr didn’t move yet. He looked at me, slower now, eyes narrowing like he was memorizing my face. Like he saw more than just my features – like he saw the years that should’ve been between us, and the woman that tied us together.

“Come here, son.” Before I could react, he pulled me in a hug, slapping my back hard. Pulling back, he kept a steady hand on my shoulder. “Stay safe.” Glanced behind me. “And don’t mess it up with her.”

A small smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it. “I know.”

“She’s a good woman. Stronger than you are. Better, too.”

“Don’t I know it.”

He chuckled, and then turned and gave Kali a small wave. She lifted her hand in return, smile soft and warm.

Then he slid into the back of the taxi, and the car pulled away.

I stood there a beat longer, watching the cab disappear towards the airport.

Making my way back from the bathroom, a soft white towel wrapped around me, I walked around the bed. With Zane’s eyes following me like a hawk the entire time, Isettled onto his lap, warmth and sun weaving between the open pool doors, the soft breeze tugging at the curtains.

He was laying back, only boxers on, hands behind his head, watching me with that look that always made my heart unclench.

My hands dragged down his chest, nails digging into his hard muscle.

Bang.

The bedroom door flew open, nearly off its hinges.

My pulse seized to exist as I looked over my shoulder, only for my eyes to land on a pointed gun.

Followed by my brother.

For a moment, nothing moved.

Then Trevor’s face twisted in confusion and anger. “What the fuck…?”

Maria and Zach followed, edging in from the pool patio, weapons lowered.

I froze, the towel pinched in my fists. I slid off Zane’s lap and collapsed onto the duvet, my cheeks burning hotter than the Thai sun.

Zane sat up fast. He slid off the bed, hands raised as he moved toward Trevor. “Trev, it’s okay. We were just–”