Page 107 of Gilded in Blood

I can’t hear what they’re saying. My heart pounds so hard I can hear it in my ears.

Passengers continue boarding around us. Every few seconds I glance over my shoulder, expecting airport security to appear.

Or armed police. Or the people who planted the bomb.

The gate agent smiles politely. “You’re all set.”

I blink. That’s it? She scans our boarding passes and gestures toward the jet bridge.

“Enjoy your flight.”

I don’t realize I’ve been holding my breath until Kirill gives my hand a gentle squeeze and leads me onto the aircraft.

Thankfully, the elderly couple had booked business class and the cabin is quiet, with only a handful of passengers already seated.

Kirill finds our row and helps me into my seat before taking the one beside me.

We’re on the plane. But I can’t relax. My eyes keep drifting toward the cabin door. Until that door closes, until we’re in the air I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe properly.

Kirill reaches across the armrest and takes my hand. His thumb brushes over my knuckles.

“Take a deep breath.”

I don’t realize I’m holding mine until he says it.

Slowly, I inhale. Then exhale. Again. My heartbeat steadies just enough for me to think.

“I need to reach my sister,” I say, and he hands me his burner.

I try Calina first. No answer. Then Mikhail. Then Artyom. None of them pick up. My stomach twists tighter with every unanswered ring.

“What if Michael or whoever was behind the explosion already got to them?” I whisper, voice shaking. “What if something happened?”

Kirill shakes his head. “No. I spoke to Artyom while you were in the changing room. Everything was fine.”

“That was over an hour ago,” I say, panic rising again. “What if something happened between then and now?”

He squeezes my hand again. “Nothing has happened. Calm down.”

I want to believe him, but my mind won’t stop spinning. The worst-case scenarios keep playing on loop. My brothers hurt, my sister-in-laws in danger, our family torn apart.

I can’t imagine a life without them. What if they’re gone? What if I never see them again?

The plane finally takes off, and I let out a breath. But even as we climb into the sky, I’m not fully calm. My leg starts bouncing without me realizing it, nerves refusing to settle.

Kirill places his hand on my thigh, stilling the movement. “Stop.”

I try, but the tension is too much. “I can’t. My brain keeps coming up with the worst things. What if they’re hurt? What if Michael got to them? What about my sister-in-laws? Are they okay?”

He looks at me, eyes steady. “How about you try to sleep?”

I stare at him like he’s lost his mind. “Sleep? How am I supposed to sleep right now?”

He doesn’t push. He simply keeps his hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze as the plane levels out and the seatbelt sign switches off.

I take off my seatbelt and stand up. “I need to use the restroom.”

Kirill nods, watching me as I walk down the aisle. The lavatory is empty. I step inside, and splash some cold water on my face, staring at my reflection in the small mirror.