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As I pull into Konstantin’s driveway and make my way up the steps, the door swings open before I even have a chance to knock.

Ludmilla stands there, a warm smile already in place. “Moya milaya, I missed you!” She wraps me in a hug, squeezing me like she’s trying to put all of her affection into one greeting. Then she jerks back, her eyes scanning me. “Are you eating? You look too skinny.”

I can’t help but laugh at her. “I’m fine, Ludmilla.”

“What you mean, fine? You’re young woman. One day you have kids! You need strong hips.” She smacks her own, giving me a proud grin. “I have six kids with these hips. I know what I say. Come, I made borscht for lunch. You have some.”

“I’m not really that hungry.”

“What you mean, not hungry?” She hits me with an agitated glower.

Letting out a full laugh, I throw my arm around her. “Okay, okay, you win. I’ll eat your borscht.”

“Good.” She leads me toward the kitchen, where the smell of her cooking is already in the air.

Even though Konstantin has a full-time chef, Ludmilla still insists on making her special meals. It’s how she takes care of all of us.

“Din!” Tatiana rushes in, with Gregory right behind her. She wraps me in a tight squeeze, then pulls back with wide eyes. “How was New York?”

“It was great.” I hold up a bag, which immediately grabs both their attention.

“What’s inside?” Gregory asks, trying to sneak a peek.

Ludmilla slaps his hand away with a laugh. “Let your sister eat! You see she’s turning into skeleton. You come live here again so I can feed you.”

Tatiana’s face lights up, but she knows it’s not happening. Konstantin’s decisions are final. And besides, I’ve grown to love having a place of my own. It’s the kind of independence I’ve never had, even with Konstantin’s men on guard.

I turn to Ludmilla, hoping to distract her. “Can you warm the borscht for me, please?” I give my sister a knowing wink, then quickly open the bag. “Cillian got you both gifts.”

“Ooh!” Tatiana eagerly waits as I pull out a small jewelry box and a remote-control car.

I give the car to Gregory, who’s already jumping with excitement.

“Can you open it?” he asks eagerly.

“Of course.” I kiss the top of his head. “And this is for you.” I extend the small box to Tatiana.

Her eyes widen as she opens it, revealing a delicate white gold tennis bracelet.

“Oh my gosh, I love it. Tell him thank you!” She can’t stop staring at it.

“I will.” I slip the bracelet onto her wrist, tightening it a little. “It’s perfect on you. Stand next to Gregory and I’ll take a picture.”

They both grin as I snap a photo, sending it off to Cillian. A minute later, my phone buzzes with his reply.

Cillian

I’m glad they like the gifts. Can’t wait to spend another weekend with you.

Dinara

Me too. How about you come to my place this time?

I’d mentioned that I had my own place, so why not have him over?

Cillian

This weekend?