Page 53

CHAPTER11

DINARA

“Boris saidyour date was a success, yes?” Konstantin asks casually as he steps into the foyer, features laced with an unreadable expression.

He’s here at my place to drop off Gregory and Tatiana, and the air feels heavier as soon as he speaks.

Gregory hurries over to me, his small arms wrapping around me in a tight hug. I return it, my heart swelling with affection, before pulling Tatiana into my embrace.

“Yes, it was nice.” I keep my tone light, though inside, my feelings for Cillian are anything but casual. “I kind of like him.”

“Good.” Konstantin nods, his lips pulling into a thin line—a ghost of a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I look forward to meeting him.”

My stomach lurches. Meeting him? Oh God, I’m definitely not ready for that. Not yet.

Tatiana’s attention darts between us, her gaze sharp with curiosity. She knows I’ve met someone, but I haven’t told her much. I’m sure she’ll want every detail once Konstantin leaves.

“From what Boris has said,” Konstantin continues, “it seems he likes you as well.”

A blush rises to my cheeks. What exactly did Boris tell him? I really hope he didn’t mentioneverything.

Like my fucking session in the car…

“I think he does.” I quickly brush a lock of hair behind my ear. “He’s planning to take me to New York City for the weekend. That’s okay, right?”

Konstantin waves a hand dismissively. “You’re an adult. You do as you please. But of course, Boris will come with you.”

“Right.” I nod, the word falling flat. “Boris will stay in a hotel, though, right? Cillian has a penthouse.”

He chuckles, the sound almost cold. “Don’t worry. I’ll cover his stay.”

My face heats up as the embarrassment creeps in. Obviously, he knows we’re not planning on knitting together.

“I’m hungry,” Gregory pipes up, his big brown eyes watching me expectantly.

“Sonya has perogies waiting for us.” I attempt to regain my composure. “And she made a chocolate cake for dessert.”

Gregory’s face lights up with the kind of pure joy only a child can feel. I’m grateful for that innocence. He doesn’t have the cloud of Mom’s death still looming over him the way I do.

The scent of Sonya’s cooking in the kitchen only makes me miss her more. She’d always make those perogies for us when we were younger.

“Tatiana, take him to get something to eat,” Konstantin suddenly adds.

His eyes lock on to mine, intense and full of something unspoken. He doesn’t want to discuss whatever’s next in front of the children.

“Sure.” Tatiana takes Gregory’s hand. “Come on, buddy.”

They step out of sight, and as soon as they do, Konstantin’s posture stiffens, his expression turning darker.

“I don’t want you to worry, but…” His hand lands firmly on my forearm, and for a moment, I freeze. His gaze pins me in place, and the weight of his next words hits like a physical blow. “I hear rumblings. Your father and brother…they’re out for blood.Yourblood, dorogaya.”

A cold shock sends a tremor through my body, panic shooting through my veins. My brother’s last text makes sense now, and I’m suddenly not sure if I want to hear any more.

Why can’t they just leave me alone?

I glance at Konstantin, the tension thick between us. If he could find my father, he’d be dead by now. Roman too. But they’re still out there, and they’re coming for me. They’re afraid of Konstantin, and they should be. But it doesn’t make it any easier to breathe.

“It will be okay. Don’t worry.” His voice is softer now, though the concern doesn’t leave his eyes. He squeezes my arm. “I’ve increased the security at your house, and I’ll have a second bodyguard assigned to you.”