Page 10 of Ruthless Royalty

“It gets better,” Marina assures me. “Once you get used to it, Willow Bridge is like a second home.”

Cat joins us, perching on the edge of her seat. “So, what’s your major? I’m just starting my nursing degree.”

“Fine Arts. I got a full ride to RISD, but Dmitri insisted that I would be safer at Willow Bridge,” I explain, and Marina squeals.

“That’s my major, too! Well, it’s my second year, so we won’t have classes together, but I’ll be more than willing to help you out if you need me to,” she says.

“Thank you, that’s so sweet of you!” I say, my heart immediately melting at her kindness.

I didn’t expect the women to be so welcoming for some reason. Actually, I didn’t expect any of them to be welcoming to an outsider. I guess Nikolai claiming me as his sister helped a lot.

The flight to Scotland feels surreal, filled with laughter, banter, and the kind of tension that only comes from being surrounded by dangerous people who don’t seem to take anything seriously. Marina is a whirlwind of energy, chatting with me about everything from art to the latest campus drama. Cat, on the other hand, is quieter, observing more than participating, but her presence is calming.

Connor continues his teasing, much to Nikolai’s annoyance. “You know, Chiara, I think we’re going to get along just fine?—“

Nikolai cuts him off with a glare. “I swear to fucking God, If you keep this up, I’m going to toss you out of the plane. Chiara’s not interested.”

I roll my eyes at the exchange, trying to hide my amusement. “I’m sure I’ll be able to handle it.”

Mihai leans back with a smirk. “Nikolai is going to fucking killyou in your sleep, Con. I already got the warning after I wouldn’t shut up about her tattoo.”

Connor perks up. “Tattoo?”

“She has a huge as fuck dragon tat on her back,” he responds, and I tune them out before facing the girls.

“So, what’s the deal with Con?” I ask, trying to make small talk and avoid focusing on the storm brewing in my head.

“Connor?” Marina laughs and Cat looks up as if asking for help. “He’s charming, but don’t let that fool you. He’s dangerous in his own way and loves to play mind games, seeing as he’s a psych major. But you’ll get used to him; he’s harmless if you don’t piss him off.”

“Harmless. Right,” I mutter, glancing at him. He’s already trying to catch my eye, that same mischievous smile still plastered on his face.

Con leans over. “So, darlin’, any special talents you want to share? Or are you just going to keep looking all brooding and mysterious?”

I shoot him a look. “I’m good at not letting people like you get under my skin.”

He chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”

“Quit trying to charm every girl you meet, Cunningham,” Nikolai says, rolling his eyes as he joins the conversation. “Maybe try to focus on not annoying everyone for once.”

Con grins, unabashed. “What can I say? It’s my gift,” he says and chuckles. “Besides, I want to see what she’s made of before Legacy Week?—”

“Not now,” Nikolai growls, but this time it’s not playfully. He glares at Con and shakes his head, to which the latter chuckles and does a zipping over his lips gesture.

Oh? What is Legacy Week?

Before I can ask, everyone breaks off into different conversationsand I can do nothing but hang on. The ride is smooth, but my nerves are anything but. Nikolai, Mihai, and Con seem at ease, joking and bantering as if this is all just another day for them. Meanwhile, I’m practically vibrating with anxiety.

Just after midnight, we land at a private airstrip and are immediately whisked away in three separate sleek black SUVs to the Crown Suites on Willow Bridge Estate.

When I step out of the SUV, I take a moment to absorb the sight in front of me.

The Suites are basically five townhouses separated by lush, manicured lawns and situated in a large cul-de-sac. The large brownstone buildings scream power, with each townhouse having a grand entrance with big, arched doors and columns. Large windows seem to hint at fancy interiors, and wrought-iron balconies on the upper floors give a touch of that classic, old-money style. The roofs have decorative edges that add to the upscale feel.

Cobblestone paths connect the townhouses, and the three black SUVs park in front of each of them.

“Holy hell, this place is... something,” I mutter as I get out, more to myself than anyone else.

“See you tomorrow morning, Chiara!” Marina calls as she walks into one of the townhouses with Mihai, who waves at all of us. I’m sure they’re feeling as jetlagged as me.

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