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When I pull back, his forehead rests against mine and he whispers. "Until the end of the season.”

"Until the end of the season."

I take one of his hands and press it against my heart. "But you're going to have to trust me, too, Daniil."

His eyes search mine. "I can do that."

CHAPTER 23

BROOKLYN OR BUST

Anna

By the time the plane lands, I'm so tired I briefly consider staying on until someone physically removes me.

It's tempting. The seat is uncomfortable, my neck hurts, and I'm fairly certain I've forgotten how to form a complete sentence. But I'm in New York, and Daniil has no idea.

That thought is enough to keep me moving.

I collect my suitcase, follow the signs toward arrivals, and spot Aleks and Lenzin waiting beyond the doors. Aleks leans against a pillar while Lenzin checks his phone. They look up as I approach.

“There she is,” Aleks says.

“Try to contain your excitement.”

He takes one look at me. “Christ. You look like shit.”

“It's lovely to see you, too.”

Lenzin laughs and takes my suitcase as he gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Long flight?”

“Long enough that I'm considering making my home here.”

“Come on,” he says. “Let's get you to the house so you can sleep before Lucy realizes the queen has arrived.”

I follow them outside, grateful that neither of them expects me to do anything more complicated than walk. Aleks takes my carry-on, Lenzin handles the suitcase, and between them they get me to the car without my having to make a single decision.

I love them already. Well, I loved them before, but right now I'm prepared to be particularly generous about it.

Once we're on the road, I settle into the back seat and watch New York pass beyond the window. I should sleep. I know I should sleep. I have tomorrow planned, and I need to be awake enough to enjoy it.

But there's something I need to tell them first. “Can I talk to you both about something?”

Aleks turns slightly in his seat. “Depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether it's going to cause me a headache.”

“Probably,” I admit.

“Then ask Lenzin.”

Such an ass, I laugh to myself.

Lenzin glances at me in the rearview mirror. “I’m listening.”

I take a breath, suddenly less certain of my words than I was five minutes ago. “I wanted to talk to you about Daniil Reznik.”