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About the assault.

I didn’t tell him the repercussions of that assault.

I can’t.

If he finds out the truth… will he still want me?

The thought of losing Matvei fills me with a strange kind of grief.

The kind that should only come with death.

For the first time in my life, I feel wanted.

Seen.

Understood.

I never could’ve imagined this chain of events.

I exhale and follow the sound of his voice, but… it isn’t just his voice now.

Is he talking on speakerphone?

When I walk down the stairs, I realize Matvei isn’t alone. There’s a younger guy with him. A younger, veryattractiveguy with an athletic build, strong jawline, piercing gaze, and what looks like a perpetual smirk. The ink that scrolls over his shoulders and up his neck marks him as Kopolov family Bratva.

Rodion?

"Hi," I say tentatively from the doorway.

The stranger flashes me a grin. "You’re up? Feeling okay?" His brows knit together slightly, studying me.

Just a moment ago, they were both talking about very violent, very mafia things.

But Matvei’s demeanor shifts the moment he sees me.

The tension in his jaw releases. His eyes, normally storm clouds and razor-sharp, soften in a way that makes my breath catch. He shouldn’t be looking at me that way. I might do whatever he tells me. I might follow him to the ends of the earth.

Without a word, he lifts his arm—an invitation, silent but sure. Like I belong there and he was waiting for me.

A lump rises in my throat. Maybe it’s because he’s the last person I expected to feelsafewith.

I step closer. Slowly. Warily. I’m still unsure of my footing in this family. Maybe I’m afraid it’s only temporary.

He doesn’t rush me but waits, steady as stone, until I’m within reach.

“Rodion, this is Anissa,” he says with unmistakable pride. “Anissa, Rodion.”

Rodion eyes me with undisguised curiosity. “Ah, the little witch,” he says, lifting his glass in mock salute. I see the thick band of gold that glints in the overhead light on his ring finger.

“Ah, the partner in crime,” I reply, lips curling into a smirk. “Nice to finally meetyou.I’ve heard plenty of stories about you and Matvei.”

Rodion groans. “Whatever he told you, it’s slander. I’m innocent.”

“Back when we were younger…” Matvei begins.

“We got intowaymore trouble than we do now,” Rodion finishes with a wolfish grin. I half expect him to swallow me whole.

“I’d argue the stakes have gotten higher,” Matvei murmurs dryly, pulling me into his lap as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.