Letting out a sigh, I snuggle against him, resting my hand on his chest. Too soon, my fears creep back into my mind. I feel safer having a group of trained people willing to fight for me.

But…

My heart shrinks into a small lump at the thought that I lost my dad, and my brother wants me dead.

I feel Demitri’s breaths skim over the top of my head, then he murmurs, “Want to talk about it?”

I wrap my arm around his waist and press myself against him. “What Yuri did hurts so much more than losing my dad. It’s hard to believe.”

“It’s because you trusted him. Betrayal can only come from someone close to you.”

“What am I going to do, Demitri?” I tilt my head back and stare up at him. “I know you said you’ll take care of everything, but how will I ever return to my normal life?”

He shifts onto his side, so we’re lying face to face, and then his hand gently brushes over my hair. “When everything is over, you can either stay with me, or if you need more time, I’ll arrange a custodian to protect you.”

“Where do you live?” I ask because it never crossed my mind that Demitri would go home.

“LA.”

I want to just close my eyes and jump into Demitri’s arms, but owing it to myself, I say, “I’d appreciate it if you can arrange a custodian for me. I need time on my own to make sure what I feel for you is real and not just because of everything that’s happening.”

Demitri doesn’t say anything and just tightens his hold on me.

I don’t fall asleep, my mind too busy racing from one problem to the next.

DEMITRI

After landing the plane at a private airfield, we take the armored cars Alexei arranged and head to my family’s compound.

I haven’t been back here since I left for my training after I turned twenty-one.

Christ, has it been that long?

My Uncle Michail, who’s also our accountant in LA, arranged for a caretaker to live on the property after Damien left for his training.

Alexei brings the SUV to a stop in the courtyard, and then we all get out. We came in three cars because we emptied Damien’s armory of all the weapons we’ll need.

Winter and Ariana gravitate toward each other while the men offload everything from the SUVs.

When Alexei makes a call for a meeting to be held with all the members of the Bratva, I turn to Ariana and Winter. “Winter, can you give us a moment?”

“Sure.”

Ariana moves closer to me, giving me a questioning look.

Placing my hand on her shoulder, I say, “Before we meet with Yuri and the Bratva, I thought you’d like to visit your father’s grave.”

Her eyes widen, and then sorrow ripples over her face. Her voice is somber when she answers, “Yeah, I’d like that.”