Page 33 of Gilded in Blood

“Oh, that's his resting face,” I say with a wave of my hand.

I hold his gaze for a moment, and quickly look away, heart fluttering.

Soon the waitstaff brings out our meals, beautifully plated dishes that smell incredible. Conversation flows easily around the table.

The men lean in closer, talking in low voices about security, Michael’s movements, and strategy. I don’t mind being left out of that part. I’m just happy to be here, surrounded by my family again.

Calina stays close, our shoulders brushing as we talk quietly. I wish Irina and Kira were here too. It would make the family feel complete, but I’m grateful for what I have right now.

“So,” Calina says, tilting her head with a curious smile, “how has it been? Living alone with your mysterious bodyguard?”

The question makes heat rise to my cheeks. For a second, the confession is right on the tip of my tongue. Of our attraction.

But this isn’t the place. And how exactly do I admit that I’ve been fantasizing about my bodyguard fucking me senseless?

“It’s… okay,” I say instead, keeping my voice light. “He can be really hard-headed sometimes. Everything is about safety. This afternoon a bird flew into the balcony window and he practically tackled me to the ground like we were under attack.”

Calina laughs softly. “Sounds like he’s taking his job very seriously.”

“Too seriously, if you ask me,” I reply, and we both giggle.

Calina leans in again. “How are your online classes going?”

Before I can answer, a sharp crack splits the air.

Glass shatters violently as a gunshot rings out, bullets tearing through the windows. Chaos erupts instantly.

In one swift move, Ilya grabs me and shoves me under the table, his big body covering mine completely.

His chest presses against my back, one arm wrapped protectively around my head as more gunshots explode through the restaurant.

Chaos erupts everywhere.

Glass shatters. Tables flip. People shout. I hear Maxim roaring as he pulls Calina down and shields her with his massive frame, barking orders at his men.

My brothers are already moving, guns drawn, returning fire with deadly precision. The sound is deafening, rapid gunfire, breaking glass, screams, the metallic ping of bullets hitting surfaces.

I can’t see anything except Ilya’s arm and the floor, but I feel every vibration of his body as he stays glued to me, ready to take a bullet if it comes.

This is my fault.

I begged to come here. I pushed for this dinner. If anything happens to my family, to Calina, to my brothers, I will never forgive myself.

I squeeze my eyes shut and pray silently, heart hammering so hard it hurts.

Please. Let them be okay. Please.

The gunfire seems to last forever, but eventually it slows… then stops. The silence that follows is almost worse.

“Clear!” someone shouts.

Ilya shifts off me and helps me to my feet, his hands steady on my arms. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I whisper, but my eyes are already scanning frantically for my family. “Calina?”

“I’m okay,” she calls out, shaken but unharmed, still tucked against Maxim’s side. My brothers look furious but untouched.

Artyom’s voice cuts through the tension like ice. “This has to be Michael. He must have had someone follow us. We need to move. Now. Before they send more men.”