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“I’m proud of you, big bro. The scars are a reminder of your strength, that we are all still alive because of your sacrifice. Always remember that and how much we love you.”

I pull my sister tightly against me, the dampness of her tears a heavy weight against my chest.

She’s been through a lot, and recently, I’ve never seen her happier. Thanks to Alexei.

“No one can tear the Volkov’s apart, sis,” I whisper to her.

A blonde server, her hair catching the light, glides into the room from the left entrance, carrying a tray laden with flutes of chilled champagne. Everyone rushes over, the sound of their feet pounding on the floor mixing with the kids’ giggles as they bounce on the couches. I take a moment to wrap my arm around Ana’s shoulder.

I pick up one of the elegant glasses, then start to thank her, but the server shuffles away, pulling down her hat. She glances up long enough for me to lock eyes for a split second. I come face to face with a ghost, a woman who’s a master of disguise.

Tatiana.

Spinning around to get Enzo’s attention, but when I turn back she’s vanished.

“Miki, what the hell?” Ana looks up, confusion on her features.

I kiss the side of her head.

“Nothing to worry about.”

I hope.

If she wanted us dead, we would be. She’s after something else. Or someone else. Enzo will figure it out. My father’s warning rings in my ears. If that old bastard feared her, I should too.

CHAPTER 67

ANASTASIA

“Hey, Miki. My feet hurt,”I tell him as he pulls me onto his lap.

Dancing all night with Lara, Sofia and Mila has made my ankles swell. Luckily, my dress hides it. I need a break. Alexei sure as hell knows how to throw a party.

Mikhail grasps my calves and gently lifts my legs onto his lap, sliding my dress up. He unbuckles my heels one by one, the metallic click echoing softly in the quiet room. They land with a thud on the plush cushions of the couch.

“You looked like you were having fun there, baby.” He kisses my cheek.

“It was amazing. Do you want a dance?”

He shakes his head and smiles, flashing his perfect white teeth.

Niki’s smile is bright, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I can tell it means a lot seeing his brother’s face again.

“I only dance for one pretty girl,” Mikhail whispers in my ear and butterflies erupt in my belly.

“Like, strip? Or like in Russia?”

“Both.”

I stroke the back of my hand along his cheek.

“Sheila, get back here!” Alexei shrieks, getting our attention. I laugh as I see him chasing a flamingo through the garden and Lara following closely behind.

“Welcome to the family,” Mikhail chuckles, watching the scene with amusement.

Enzo props himself down with a glass of whiskey on the couch opposite, swirling the ice cubes round.

“I need to speak to you tomorrow,” Mikhail tells him in a low voice.

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