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Sergei growls next to me, low and territorial, but I barely hear him, because I’m smiling.

Sweet mother of God.

He just kissed my forehead the same way he kisses Alina’s, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

And Roman would burn cities to the ground for his sister without a second thought as if protecting her is stitched into his bones.

Tears burn the backs of my eyes as Amara’s venomous words echo through my head; every syllable soaked in hatred so sharp it’s carved straight through me.

And now I stand here looking around at them, finding four pairs of eyes fixed on me with what? Respect? Love?

Even Alec isn’t cruel anymore. The hostility he once carried has dulled. Yes, there’s guilt in his expression, but there’s compassion too.

“Look, you made her cry.” Sergei circles around just to smack Roman across the back of the head, and I snort at the utterly dumbfounded look Roman throws him.

“The fuck was that for?” Roman glares.

I laugh softly through the sting in my eyes, shaking my head.

“Guys, I’m not that sensitive. I don’t come with a handle- with-care tag.”

Sergei tugs my hand before I can say anything else, pulling me flush against his chest. The moment his arms close around me, the tension in my body melts away almost embarrassingly fast.

I sink into him instinctively; cheek pressed against the warmth of his chest as his hand slides up my spine in one slow stroke.

Roman squints at us. “You know, watching the two of you is actually disgusting.”

“I agree.” Alec adds.

“But they’re so cute.” Alina walks around the counter with two mugs in her hands, effortlessly handing Alec his coffee like it’s second nature.

Alec narrows his eyes at her yet the second she turns away; a reluctant smile pulls at his mouth.

“Why are you here?” Roman asks casually as he stalks over to steal the mug right out of Alina’s hand. “Where’s your little entourage?”

“I got rid of them.” She hisses. “They were exhausting.”

Her eyes flick towards Alec with a sharp sneer that should look intimidating, except Alec’s mouth twitches into yet another smile at the sight of it.

Alina walks towards Sergei, but the closer she gets, the more uncertain she looks.

Almost…terrified.

“Sergei?” she asks quietly. “Can I talk to you?” Her gaze flicks to me, an apologetic look crossing her face.

What is happening?

She’s biting her lip so hard it almost turns white.

My eyes drift back to Alec, though I’m not entirely sure why.

The smile is gone. Alec is seething now, the mug long abandoned as he glares across the room at Alina.

No.

At Sergei.

Sergei leans down to press a kiss to my forehead before giving Alina a curt nod. His warmth leaves with him as he follows her out of the apartment.