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As he turns back to the stove, we head for the doorway. When I glance back at him, something unspoken passes between us.

Konstantin is already several steps ahead, so I quickly catch up, pushing any lingering curiosity about the chef to the back of my mind.

“Do you like the house so far?” Konstantin asks. “If not, I can always get something more suited for you.”

“Are you kidding?” My eyes grow wide. “This place is amazing.”

He tilts up his chin. “I’m glad you like it. I’ll have all your belongings moved in shortly. Ludmilla and the other girls are already gathering them as we speak.”

All alone in this big house? I’ve never lived without my siblings before. I’ll admit it’s a little scary, but I’m sort of looking forward to the freedom.

“Are you okay, Moya milaya?”

“Yes, sorry. I’m just a bit nervous, I guess.”

“Of course. But don’t worry. You can come by whenever you want, and Gregory and Tatiana can come here anytime they please.”

“Thanks.”

His mouth twitches. “You’re a woman now, and you should learn how to be on your own. That’s important, you understand?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Maladets. Let’s go see the rest of the house.”

“Okay.”

Maybe Konstantin has a point. And now that I have my own place, I can do whatever I want. And the first thing I want to do is invite Cillian over just so he can fuck me in every single room.

CHAPTER8

CILLIAN

I arrive a little before six,making sure she won’t have to wait for me.

I’m not offended that she didn’t want me picking her up from her place. Coming from the life I do, I understand the need for caution.

When an SUV pulls up exactly at six, I stay where I am, wondering if it’s her. At first, all I see is a man, clearly armed, getting out of the driver’s side and heading toward the back.

Then she steps out. When his hand lands on her shoulder, a surge of possessiveness hits me, and I’m ready to tear his arm off for touching her.

I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. I barely know her, but I don’t want any other man’s hands on her. I know she’s not mine. But damn, I’d like her to be.

He shuts the door and scans the perimeter, his gaze landing on me. That’s her bodyguard, if I had to put my money on it.

But why does she need one? Who is she, really?

Of course, I’ve looked her up and found nothing. But I’ve got someone in IT at Caellach running a deep dive, just to make sure she’s not a threat. In our world, you can never be too careful.

The moment she spots me stepping out of my blue Royce, parked a few yards away, her dark eyes lift, sparkling with a smile. And that alone just about stops my heart.

I’m completely done for.

“Hey there, stranger,” she says, her grin spreading.

“Hey, baby. You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” A soft blush blooms across her pale skin, making my chest tighten.