monitors displaying tactical feeds from every corner of the city. While the ashes of the failed coup were still coolin

uarters. The adrenaline of the battle had subsided, leaving behind a heady mixture of exhaustion and heightened sensation. Her black tact

wearing only an unbuttoned dark linen shirt that revealed the sharp contours of his chest and a faint, fresh scratch nea

he glasses on the glass table, his gaze locking onto hers with an unyielding intensity. "The city is under

eniya replied, though her voice lacked conviction. His proximity was in

the toes of his leather boots brushed hers. He reached out, his long, calloused fin

shots alongside us. You bled with us. You are a Vorontsov, but to me, you have always been the pulse of my life

rop

r palm directly against the hard rhythm of his heart. "A king gives you a throne so you can sit beside him and serve

ine as his hands slid down her waist, pulling her flush against his solid body. The contrast between his dangerous,

ng the curve of her hip. "Let me show you the difference between a man who

g them with a slow, enigmatic smile. He did not look angry or jealous; instead, his calm pres

soft cashmere blanket and placed it over Kseniya's shoulders, his hands lingering on her collarbones, his thumb

r and Svyatogor's calm, tender presence in front of her. Svyatogor raised his hand, tucking a stra

until his lips were inches from hers. "I promise you peace. In my arms, ther

etition where each brother sought not to conquer her by forc

The Velvet C

fted to the luxurious grand salon of the Volkov-Tverskoy penthouse. Elevated high above the glittering, snow-covered skyline of

rald silk gown provided by her host. The dress draped

wing encrypted communications recovered from the captured insurgents, while Yev

Kseniya on the sofa. His presence was raw, primal, and unapologetic. He stretched his arm alon

g with suppressed hunger. "Are you thinking about the blood on the courtyard marbl

d twenty-four hours ago," Kseniya replied, turnin

s warm palm sending waves of heat through the thin silk of her gown. "Let them try again. I enjoyed ever

ps. "Come with me to the balcony suite. No reports, no brothers,

et, Radimir," Vesevold's calm, cu

, looking up at her with his sharp, analytical eyes that seemed to read her deepest thoughts. On the tray sa

old?" Kseniya asked,

y," Vesevold explained smoothly, taking her small hand and placing the obsidian key into her palm, folding her fingers over it. "Radimir offers you

y rested, his eyes holding hers with a dangerous, cerebral seduction. "To c

ystal glasses. His presence instantly altered the room's dynamic, commanding quiet respect. Radimir did not pull

rk eyes sweeping over the three of them wi

in the armchair opposite them, crossing his legs with effortless authority. "My young Romano

asked, leaning back against Radimir's arm w

sting his elbows on his knees. The power radiating

e gravity. "Without my network, their weapons have no bullets. Without my protection, their wealth is seized by i

a hand. "Walk with me to the terrace, my queen

to Yevpatii's towering, protective majesty. She took Yevpatii's hand, allowing him to pull her up, fee