Page 108 of Gilded in Blood

I take a few deep breaths, trying to steady myself.

Nothing is going to happen. My siblings are going to be fine. We’re safe now.

I repeat the words over and over, willing myself to believe them. But no matter how many times I say them, the knot in my chest refuses to loosen. I stare at my reflection, searching for reassurance I can't seem to find.

Please let me be right.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Milana

The moment the plane touches down in New York, some of the tension that’s been sitting on my chest begins to ease.

We’re home. The familiar skyline in the distance, the busy airport bustle, it’s grounding in a way I didn’t realize I needed.

But as we pass through the gate, I’m still looking around, heart beating faster than I’d like. What if Michael is waiting for us here? What if he tries to strike again? The thought makes my stomach twist.

As if Kirill can read my mind, he reaches over and takes my hand, squeezing it gently. He leans in, lips brushing my ear. “Michael won’t be stupid enough to try something at an airport full of people. Relax.”

I let out a shaky breath and nod, trying to let his words sink in. “Have you heard from my brothers?”

He nods. “Yes. While you were napping. They said they’d send someone to pick us up from the airport and take us to the house.”

Just as we step out into the arrivals area, I hear someone calling our names. I turn, and there’s Maxim. Calina’s husband, standing near a black Escalade, looking as formidable as ever.

I rush over to him. “Is Calina okay? Where is she? How is everyone?”

Maxim smiles. “Firstly, welcome. Yes, Calina is fine. She’s at home and excited to see you. I’m here to take you both to our place. Your brothers are mobilizing men right now. We need to be careful who we trust these days with everything that’s happening. That’s why I decided to come get you myself.”

We all climb into the Escalade. Maxim sits in the back with us while one of his men drives. I turn to him again. “Is Calina really okay?”

He nods, giving me a reassuring smile. “Yes. She’s home, safe, and can’t wait to see you.”

I lean back in my seat, letting out a long breath as the car pulls away from the airport.

When we finally pull up to Maxim’s mansion, my brothers are arriving at the same time. The moment I see them step out of their cars, I feel a wave of relief wash over me.

I rush forward, throwing my arms around Mikhail first, hugging him tight. “I’m so glad you’re all okay,” I whisper.

Mikhail pulls back, looking me up and down, a small smirk on his face. “Good choice of dress.”

I roll my eyes and hit his arm. “When I was picking up the dress, the last thing on my mind was whether it looked good on me or not. I just wanted to change out of the clothes I was wearing when the plane got bombed.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, both my brothers’ expressions turn grim. The lightness disappears instantly, replaced by that familiar protective anger I know so well.

“How are you feeling?” Artyom asks.

I give them a reassuring smile. “I'm okay.”

Just then, the front door bursts open and Calina rushes out. I run to her, and we collide in a tight hug, holding each other like we’re afraid to let go.

“I’m so happy you’re okay,” she says, voice thick with emotion, tears in her eyes. “I was terrified when I heard the plane got bombed.”

“I’m fine,” I tell her, hugging her even tighter. “I’m very much okay. I was so scared for you too.”

We pull back, both of us with wet eyes, then hug again. We finally pull apart and all head inside together.

The living room feels both familiar and heavy with tension. I sit beside Calina on the couch, while Kirill and the men take seats across from us.