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“You like it,” Nikolaï’s deep voice said beside me. When I looked at him, I realized it wasn’t a question but an affirmation. Still, I nodded, smiling like a child.

He smiled in return, gently took my hand, and I couldn’t take my eyes off his lips, suddenly remembering the moment he had kissed me on the plane. Well, “kiss” was a strong word—his lips had barely brushed against mine, but they had stirred emotions I had never felt before. His lips, which would surely haunt me until the end of my days, stretched into a slow smile, pulling me out of my thoughts. When I lifted my gaze to his, I wanted to disappear on the spot because his eyes reflected a desire I had come to recognize all too well in recent weeks.

“We’re almost there,” Roman announced, making me remember his presence, along with Grigori’s. Lorenzo Abbiati had left early that morning, picked up by another SUV.

The vehicle turned onto a small path through the forest, and I felt excitement bubble up at the thought of seeing my son, my sister, and even Mikhail, Andrei, and Alexei again. I had missed them all so much.

I frowned when I noticed several men patrolling the forest, some accompanied by dogs—bodyguards.

Nikolaï squeezed my hand as the trees gradually gave way to high white walls and a tall gate, several meters high. As we approached, it opened, allowing us to enter, and I pulled back from the window when I saw several men approaching the car with devices in hand.

“They’re checking for any trackers or other devices on the vehicle,” Nikolaï explained when he saw me tense up. I simply nodded, watching as one of the men crouched near my door.

After a few minutes, the vehicle moved forward again, and I slowly relaxed, momentarily forgetting my stress when I saw a grand Venetian-style villa emerge at the end of a long white stone driveway.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered without even realizing it.

The car circled a small fountain before stopping at the base of a staircase leading to the entrance, lined with tall columns. I practically threw myself out of the vehicle when the doors burst open and my son ran out, calling my name.

“Angelo mio,” I breathed, rushing up the steps and kneeling to scoop him into my arms, ignoring the tight pull in my almost-healed fingers. I inhaled his baby scent deeply, running my fingers through his soft hair, feeling tears well up in my eyes as he wrapped his little arms around my neck and peppered kisses all over my cheek, making me laugh.

“Mamma! I was in a little plane with lots of toys, and I saw the clouds!” he exclaimed, pulling back, his eyes shining with excitement.

“Mom! Mom!” another voice suddenly called out, and Andrei appeared, followed closely by Alexei and Mikhail.

Andrei rushed into my arms while Rafael dashed past me, shouting, “Niko!”

I held Andrei just as tightly as I did my son, then did the same with Alexei, who hesitated near me.

I stood and moved toward Mikhail, who remained in the background, merely observing. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed his forehead.

“Hey there, big guy,” I said with a smile.

After a few seconds of silent contemplation, he leaned in to kiss my cheek before quickly hurrying past me, blushing, to join his father. My smile widened—such a shy boy.

“Selina! Thank God you’re okay!” Sienna exclaimed as she stepped out, Sasha right on her heels. She hugged me tightly, and I relaxed in the familiar presence of my sister.

“Sienna, I’ve missed you,” I said, hugging her back and running my fingers through her slightly wavier hair.

My eyes met Sasha’s over my sister’s shoulder, and he gave me a small nod before joining his brothers and nephews near the car.

“Are you okay?” Sienna asked, pulling back and cradling my face in her hands, her light green eyes locked onto mine.

“When I found out that bastard attacked you, I nearly lost my mind,” she said, the worry still evident in her voice.

I stroked her cheek, nodding.

“I’m fine. Everything is okay,” I reassured her, kissing her cheek. She studied me for a moment longer before hugging me again.

“I want a hug too!” Elif suddenly chimed in, appearing in the doorway, looking effortlessly stunning as always—with a messy bun, minimal makeup, and a flowing white cotton dress.

“Elif!” I exclaimed as my sister stepped aside to let her through. She pulled me into a hug just as tight as Sienna’s.

“I knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” she murmured, rubbing my back, and I knew she was talking about Nikolaï.

“I’m getting jealous here!” Roman suddenly announced, appearing beside us. Despite myself, I flinched slightly at his imposing stature, but he ignored it, scooping Elif into his arms and twirling her around while she cursed at him between bouts of laughter.

“Give me back my wife, idiot,” Grigori grumbled, wrapping his arm around Elif’s waist and pulling her to him.