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Leo gives me an indulgent smile. “He’s going to want to speak with both of us. We should get it over with now. Together.”
“No, that’s a terrible idea,” I yelp, frantically rummaging for something to wear while grappling with my bird’s nest of hair.
“Relax, would you. He’s not going to suspect anything. If that’s what you’re worried about.”
I shoot him a death glare. That isexactlywhat I am worried about. The last thing I need is my brother thinking there’s something going on between us. It would just lead to a bunch of questions I’m not prepared to answer.
I also don’t need Yulian all up in my business, but it’s too fucking late, because Leo has accepted the video call and is smiling into the phone. At least he moved to the sitting area, rather than sit propped up in bed.
“So, did you make a baby or what?” Leo says by way of greeting, eliciting a growl from Yulian.
“I go off the grid for two damn weeks and all hell breaks loose.”
Leo, unbothered, just shrugs while I scramble to find any clothing that’s neither a bikini nor a negligee. Leo catches my eyes and lifts his brow suggestively.Argh. I madly gesture for him to quit ogling and address my brother.
“That’s right,” Leo states matter-of-factly. “But your sister is safe. And by the way, you’re welcome.”
“Khuy,” Yulian bites, calling Leo a dick. His way of saying thanks I suppose. “Where are you now?”
“Off the coast of Italy on a yacht. Maybe you could visit. It’s quite beautiful here. Where are you?”
Yulian sighs as I locate a crumpled T-shirt and hastily pull it over my head. It’ll have to do. “On a plane. I sent Rowan to the estate to be with Bianca and Georgia, and I’m heading to Russia to join the others. We need to regroup before strategizing.”
Leo nods, like that plan makes perfect sense. “Good. Andrei and Daniil can fill you in on the latest developments.” I get the sense that Leo is being purposefully vague because of me, and I make a mental note to press him for details. I deserve to know what’s going on.
“Where is Alyona? I’d like to speak with my sister.”
I straighten my T-shirt and quickly run my hands through my sex hair to flatten it out. I settle on the sofa beside Leo, making sure to keep a decent amount of space between us. “Yulian,” I say, tucking my hair behind my ears. “I’m okay, don’t worry.”
His eyes soften the moment they land on me. “Thank fuck. When I heard…” He doesn’t finish that sentence, but I get it. I can see the worry in his eyes. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you, Alyona. I’ll regret that—”
“Stop,” I say. “I’m glad you were able to get some time with Rowan. You deserved it, and I don’t want you feeling guilty for one minute.” He doesn’t look any less tortured, but he nods. “And thankfully, Leo was close by when it happened and was able to help.”
Leo and I have never talked about why he was in Europe or how he found out about my situation, though it’s pretty obvious Gianni spilled the beans. I was infuriated at the time, but I can’t deny how much scarier this would all be without Leo. More than that, his protection might be the only reason I’m still here.
Leo squeezes my thigh, as if he can hear all the wild thoughts running through my head.
“You’re safe now, even if it is with thissvoloch.” Yulian’s lips curl upwards into a smile, and he leans his head back against the airplane headrest. Seeing my brother relax a little, I’m able to relax, too. Even if he is taking shots at Leo, I know there’re few people in the world he trusts more. “And by the way, happy birthday, sis. I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you. We’ll have to throw a big fuck-off party when this is all behind us.”
“Of course. I look forward to it.” I offer up a weak smile. Because who knows how long it will be before this is actually behind us.
“I had no idea you could fight like that. When Andrei told me, I was so proud of you,” Yulian says, referring to my abductor. “Did you take a self-defense course when you moved to Paris?”
“Something like that,” I murmur, resisting the urge to look at Leo. “I had a very good teacher.”
Leo’s fingers start a slow drag along my inner thigh. I seize up, he wouldn’t do anything while we’re on a video call with my brother, would he? It’s just a gentle touch, a tickle even, but it’s enough that my body tightens with desire. As happy as I am to see my brother, I need to end this call, right now.
“Well, bro, as you can see, I’m alive and well. Let us know when you arrive in Moscow.” My voice is a little lower, hoarse. Nothing Yulian would notice, but if Leo keeps tracing those damn circles on my inner thigh, we are going to have a problem.
“I will,” he responds, eyebrows pressed together. “Leo, let’s talk when I’m settled. I imagine you’ve been keeping an eye on the web chatter.” The two men exchange a look—a whole conversation not meant for me.
“Of course. And Yulian…” He has my brother’s full attention now. “Aly is safe. I’m making sure of it. She is in good hands—you know she’s like a sister to me.”
What. The. Hell. I rip his hands from my inner thigh. Who touches their sister likethat!?
Yulian’s face visibly relaxes. “My brat’ya naveki.” We are brothers forever.
Great, we’re one big happy family.
