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“Welcome home.” Konstantin’s voice cuts through the moment, deep and commanding.

He stands in the doorway to the foyer, impossible to miss. Konstantin is the kind of man whose mere presence fills up a room, demanding attention and respect. But there’s something in his eyes that makes me pause.

“Come with me, Moya dorogaya. We have things to discuss.”

I follow him, my heart a little heavier with each step.

Konstantin’s house is like a fortress—secure, but with an air of cold efficiency. He’s always been the protector, the one who keeps things in balance, no matter what. But as we walk down the hallway toward his office, I feel the tension building in my chest.

What’s really going on?

He opens the door for me, and I step inside with the feeling of his eyes on me as he closes it behind us. His office is dark, lined with bookshelves and leather furniture, everything designed for business and comfort.

“Sit,” he commands, gesturing to the sofa.

I lower myself onto the leather cushions, my body tense.

He takes a seat opposite me, his large frame folding into the love seat with ease. “So, Tatiana told you about the men at her school. That’s why you came back.”

I nod slowly. “Yes, she did. But why didn’t you tell me?”

Konstantin leans forward as his gaze sharpens. “I don’t owe you an explanation. I do what I do to protect this family, and you’re a young woman. There’s nothing you can do to help your sister. So, why did you really return?”

“I can’t keep running.” I let out a sigh. “I need to be here, with all of you. I won’t let them keep me away anymore. I won’t lethimkeep me away either.”

“Cillian?” From his tone, he already knows the answer.

But as soon as he says the name, my chest tightens. No matter how much I tell myself that I’m over him, the ache never fully fades.

“Yes, him.” I run a hand through my hair, swallowing thickly. “But he doesn’t matter anymore.”

Konstantin chuckles, his eyes glinting with something like amusement. “Are you sure about that?”

I nod, even though the flip in my stomach tells me I’m lying to myself. “Positive.”

“Well, good.” He leans back. “Because we’re throwing a party to celebrate your return, and the Quinns will be invited.”

The words hit me like ice water. “The Quinns?” I repeat, my tone rising higher than I intend. “I don’t want a party. That’s the last thing I need.”

Konstantin gives me a look, like I’m being dramatic. “Nonsense. You’ve been gone too long. We must celebrate.”

“But with my father out there?—”

“He’s insignificant. A cockroach,” he spits, his face coiling with an undercurrent of pure anger. “I’m glad he and his little lapdog are back from Russia. After I killed all their men, I did not think they would have the balls to return, but I’m relieved. It will be my pleasure to kill them and the new army they have raised.”

Nerves skitter up my arms.

“I’m not scared,” I say, the statement coming out firmer than I expected.

Konstantin smiles, his pride palpable. “That’s my girl.” He stands. “Go get settled. We’re all happy you’re here.”

But as I turn to leave, a strange feeling settles in my gut. Being home isn’t as simple as I thought it would be. Too much has changed.

And too much is about to change.

* * *

CILLIAN